The Story
JonEmery Dodds, born to redneck hippies from Idaho (hence the two names and two capitol letters in his FIRST name) is a traditionally unconventional singer/songwriter blending Americana Folk, Country, Blues & CowPunk in his own style of American Roots Music. JonEmery Dodds , inspired by the influences of Kris Kristofferson, Fred Eaglesmith and Jerry Reed found his musical calling when he heard Two Dollar Pistols' "Step Right Up". The greasy, bar room style of honky-tonk defined his voice, style and direction in it's most raw form. From there, he adopted the wordsmith style of Hank Thompson infused with the storytelling of Lucero, coupling it with with the punk anthem rawness of Steve Earle and Jesse Dayton.
In 2005, JonEmery formed the Honky-Tonk CowPunk band "JonEmery & The Heartbroken" in Santa Rosa, CA. After a near death gall bladder surgery in 2009, JonEmery found himself back in his High School town of Sacramento,CA. homeless, broke and drugged up on percocet. After recovery, he found himself in the throws of the remaining members of Sacramento locals Ghost Of Wyoming and, co-formed "Dry County Drinkers" in 2010 to a fury of excitement. In 2015, JonEmery struck out on his own and in 2016 recorded his first solo effort, "Americana", featuring members of Sacramento circuit band Way Out West. 'Americana" made Gary Hayes' top 100 albums of 2016 and he struck out touring nationally behind Billy Don Burns, Duane Mark & Sissy Brown. In 2017, JonEmery released his 2nd effort, "Driftin' To The Shoulder" with more serious content but with the same approach as its predecesor and was met with the same enthusiasm. JonEmery went on to perform over 100 solo shows in less than 4 months nationwide with good friend and compadre Sissy Brown. A new album of 13 songs is currently in the works and is scheduled to be released by end of 2018.
The "JonEmery" brand has been paired up with some great top billing acts as David Allan Coe, Reckless Kelly, Mark Chesnut, Chuck Mead, The White Buffalo and many more. He is also a 8 time SAMMIE Nominee for "Outstanding Alt/Country Artists" in his hometown of Sacramento, CA. Still waiting for a win but, feels fine about being the "Susan Lucci" of the award show. Recently, JonEmery & The Unconventionals (Mike Bacon Jr on Bass & JD Vargas on Drums) released a new, all star-studded CD, "Wrecked" featuring some of Sacramento's finest musicians (Grub Mitchell, Kojima Gray, Dan Sisson, Chuck Bradley & Bob "Hell Guapo" Dickson) along with the fiery fiddle extraordinaire, all the way from Texas, Liz Sloan from The Urban Pioneers! Check out the "Music" page and get your copy on CD and/or Vinyl!
Resume'
Awards:
2010 - SAMMIE Award Nominee - "Outstanding Alt/Country Artist" - Dry County Drinkers
2011 - SAMMIE Award Nominee - "Outstanding Alt/Country Artist" - Dry County Drinkers
2012 - SAMMIE Award Nominee - "Outstanding Alt/Country Artist" - Dry County Drinkers
2013 - SAMMIE Award Nominee - "Outstanding Alt/Country Artist" - JonEmery & The Dry County Drinkers
2014 - SAMMIE Award Nominee - "Outstanding Alt/Country Artist" - JonEmery Dodds
2016 - "JonEmery - Americana" made www.garyhayescountry.com top 100 albums
2017 - SAMMIE Award Nominee - "Outstanding Alt/Country Artist" - JonEmery
2018 - SAMMIE Award Nominee - "Outstanding Alt/Country Artist" - JonEmery
2019 - SAMMIE Award Nominee - "Outstanding Alt/Country Artist" - JonEmery & The Unconventionals
Shared the Bill with:
National Acts: David Allan Coe, Mark Chesnutt, Whitey Morgan & The 78's (Bloodshot Records), Reckless Kelly, The White Buffalo, Billy Don Burns, The Supersuckers, Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys, Moonshine Bandits, The Lacs, Josh Gracin (American Idol), Brian Blush (The Refreshments), Frank Hannon (Tesla), Wolf Hamlin & The Front Porch Drifters (American Idol).
Independent Acts: Hellbound Glory, Jonny Two Bags (Social Distortion), Bob Wayne & The Outlaw Carnies, Cory Branan (Bloodshot Records), Dallas Moore (2017 Ameripolitan Award Winner), Joe Buck Yourself (Hank III), Hooten Hallers, Barnyard Stompers (2017 & 2018 Ameripolitan Nominee), Darci Carlson (2017 Ameipolitan Award Winner), The Urban Pioneers, Husky Burnette, Lorin Walker Madsen, Drunken Cuddle, Heathen Apostles (The Cramps), Doug C & The Blacklisted (The Descendents), The Punknecks, Duane Mark, James Hunnicutt (Farmageddon Records), Hangdog Hearts, JB Beverly (Murder Junkies), Reverend Red, McDougall, Sissy Brown (2017 Ameripolitan Nominee), Crosby Tyler, Daphne Lee Martin, Francis Lombardi, Val Elice (The Voice).
Regional Acts: Red Meat, Pine Box Boys, Miss Lonely Hearts (2017 Ameripolitan Nominees), Frankie Boots & The County Line, The Ganges River Band, Merle Jagger, The Crux, Timothy O'Neil Band, Buck Ford, Kay Marie(2015 Ameripolitan Nominee), Laura Benitez & The Heartache, Misisipi Mike Wolf, Billy Cook, Tatiana McPhee, John Hamhock, Pick & Pull.
Local Acts: Nickel Slots(2010 & 2012 SAMMIE Winners), Loose Engines, Danny Morris & The California Stars, Million Dollar Giveaway, Infamous Swanks, Vintage Vandals, Way Out West, Col. Jimmy & The Blackfish, Colonels Of Truth, Them Slack Jawed SOBs, The Vivants, Country Trash, West Nile Ramblers, One-Eyed Reilly, Tell River, Kenny Rego & The Law of One Band, Billy Hood, Cash Prophets, Rancho Deluxe, Matt Gage Band, Tyler Lloyd Emery, Tractor Boy, Roy Dean.