Dedication and persistence characterized J. Brian Washman’s
first solo performance when, at the delicate age of three, he sang
"Praise Him, Praise Him" before a rapt audience of family
and friends in front of a pulpit in a San Joaquin Valley, California
church. Reaching the end of the last verse did not signify the end
of a song for young J. Brian. He started right back at the first
line of the first verse, singing straight through, ‘round back
again, and again . . . he just couldn’t stop singing. And he’s
felt that way since.
From his meager beginnings of
childhood performances for friends and family, to his recent appearances
in Los Angeles and the San Francisco
Bay Area, J. Brian Washman continues a long family musical heritage
in high style. As a recording artist and member of the National
Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, he’s crooned for
countless AIDS benefits and fund-raisers in the Bay Area and throughout
the country and was featured performer at the Western Days weekend
at Guerneville on the Russian River.
The Imperial Court of San Francisco
honored him with the title "The Count of Country Music"
in 1997 and in ’98 with the title "Official Court Singer"
for his countless performances for charity. The Bay Area Reporter
listed him as "one of San Francisco’s finest performers"
for his spectacular talents in "The Songs of the Season"
charity Christmas show in 1997.
J. Brian’s solo collection
of country rock and ballads titled "Not Too Much To Ask"
, to benefit charities, is now available. His studio back-up vocals
can be heard on the recordings of artists such as Rebekah Del
Rio.
In addition to singing, J. Brian
appeared in the lead role of Joey in the world premiere workshop
production of "Temporarily Yours," a play by Tom W.
Kelly, at the Diego Rivera Theater in San Francisco, where his
voracious vocal abilities lent intense authenticity to a tragicomic
role.
He has opened for, or performed
with, such major acts as Rebekah Del Rio, Shelly West,
Sharon McKnight and Randy Riggs.
J. Brian’s charismatic voice
can "melt the toughest crowd into a pool of tears,"
says writer D.J. Gaskin. He’s been called "The Cowboy
Diva", "A Crooner With Soul", and of course "The
Count of Country Music." But by whatever name, the outcome’s
the same: J. Brian Washman, with his unique blend of power and
grace of voice is a passionately soulful and sensitive vocal performer.
"The
gap between country music and other genres has narrowed in recent
years and I love to bring some of the flavor of Rock and Roll,
Pop and R&B into my music. It’s a whole new era for popular
music." J. Brian Washman
djg, 04/20/99
