Jerry Harmon
Appalachian Singer/Songwriter and Storyteller
JERRY
HARMON is an authentic Appalachian musician and storyteller. Deep in
the foothills of the Blue Ridge/Appalachian mountain chain in North
Carolina, Jerry, the "Smoky Mountain Gypsy", was born into a family
rich in the tradition of storytelling and music. His
great-great-great grandfather, Council Harmon, was the first to
introduce "Jack Tales" to America from England. These tales, the
origin of Appalachian Mountain storytelling, have been faithfully
passed down through the generations. Jerry weaves storytelling and
music into his unique show.
Jerry has established himself as a guitarist, singer, songwriter and storyteller. He has performed throughout North America at large and small venues alike entertaining audience with mountain humor and flat top pickin'. "Jerry is as good a picker and performing songwriter as I have had the privilege of sharing the stage with," says Doc Watson, world-renowned acoustic guitarist and singer from North Carolina.
Jerry’s past performances have included prominent festivals and venues throughout North America. He has been on the bill with top entertainers including Doc Watson, Marty Stuart, Earle Scruggs.and others. He can mix the storytelling and music for an overall performance.
Authentic Appalachian Mountain Storytelling
This performance includes Jack Tales as well as mountain humor. The tales are educational as well as entertaining Jerry is the great great grandson of Council Harmon, who is credited with being the first person to bring the Jack Tales, such as Jack and the Beanstalk, to America in the early 1800s.
This performance is acceptable for mixed audiences, for adults or for children. Length of the show is approximately one hour.
Music performances
One man shows, or with full band available. Shows will consist of original lyrics, and a mixture of traditional folk songs. 1-1.5 hours.
Workshops
Acoustic guitar workshops teaching cross picking and finger picking styles. Approximately 1 hour.
Storytelling workshops consist of giving direction in presentation, preparation, reaching the audience and finding your natural delivery. 1 hour.
Songwriting workshops explain the basics of successful songwriting, and also explain methods for getting your songs into the right places. 45 minutes.
Testimonials
"Seeing Jerry perform is a thrill. You know you have seen authenticity and performing at its best."
The Boston Globe
“Jerry Harmon is a man you want to spend time with. He is a songster, musicmaker and yarn spinner in the great Appalacian tradition. Whatever the audience, you feel you’re round his fire or out on the porch - the day’s gone mellow and we’re in the land of story on bluegrass mountain. Listen to the voice music."
Donald
Smith, Director
Scottish International Storytelling Center/Festival
"Jerry is descended from a long line of great mountain storytellers and musicians. Stories and music come from Jerry like spring water down a mountainside...and they are just as refreshing."
Four Time Grammy Winner David Holt
"Jerry Harmon is one of the few true Authentic Appalachian Mountain Artist remaining. His stage presence is second to none"
Randy
Thorne
Globe and Mail
Toronto Ont.
"Harmon's unique lyrics and presentation combined with authentic mountain humor presented in a true down home fashion leaves the audience feeling that He is someone they have known for years"
Kylan
Demure
Lifestyle Magazine
Lawton, Oklahoma
Samples
Please use the links below to hear some samples of Jerry Harmon's work. All samples are saved in .MP3 format for compatibility with the widest range of music player software. All files are recorded at 192 kbps for high quality playback over most high speed connections.
Music:
Walking to Cleveland (4:00
- 5.6 MB)
The Man I Used to Be (3:53
- 5.4 MB)
Food on the Table (3:42
- 5.2 MB)
Stories:
Introduction (1:20
- 1.8 MB)
Ol' Fire Dragaman (9:59
- 14.0 MB)
Videos:
'Gotta go down There' and 'Feet on the Ground' (4:59)
'Food on the Table' (3:56)
'Uncle Gene and the cowboy boots' (2:06)
'Fresh Air' - little bit of "pickin" (0:51)
For more information or to book Jerry Harmon please click here.
