Jim Whitaker is a BMI writer, producer, musician, and vocalist. He was born
in Texas
and raised in Oklahoma. Jim’s first break came in 1978 when he wrote ‘Ode
to the Farmer’. It was the National Theme Song to the 'American Farm
Movement'. His first album was recorded at
Studio One in Nashville and was produced by Bobby Boyd Records and engineered
by Tommy Strong. He was on the same
program with Merle Kilgore, Penny Dehaven, and The George Jones Band, culminating
at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C. for many members of congress receiving a standing ovation at The Hall. He also opened for Jerry Reed that year.
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In 1979, Jim moved
to California and co-founded ‘The Mojave River Band’, playing fiddle,
banjo and guitar. The band was the house band at the famous 'Cocky Bull' in Victorville,
California. Some of the highlights were winning
the 'Wrightwood Bluegrass Festival' and winning awards as 'Instrumentalist and Entertainer of the Year' at The Apple
Valley Days. During this time he did programs with Roy Rogers, Dale Evans, and Dusty (Roy’s
Son) as well as programs for St. Jude’s Hospital with Danny Thomas’ daughter Terri. He also did sunglasses commercials
with Clayton Moore( tv’s Lone Ranger). Jim was on programs with Pat Buttram (Mr. Haney on Green Acres) and Victor
French (Gunsmoke, Little House on the Prairie, etc.). In 1980, Jim co-found ‘Renegade Band’ in Hollywood
with Monte Beach and Rocky Barrett. The band immediately signed a recording contract
with Jack Luttrell(The Ventures, etc.) of 'Fox Fidel Records'. The Band recorded its first album at 'Gold Star Studios' in Hollywood
and Stan Ross (Eagles, Beach Boys, etc.) was engineer. The songs were written
by Jim and Rocky. Some of the highlights were ‘Cold Hearted Woman’
hitting the charts and the band touring for two years, including playing Las
Vegas, and traveling to Alaska. The 'Renegade
Band' was on the same programs with such artists as The Oak Ridge Boys, David Frizzell, Willie Nelson, Dottie West, and many
more.
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In 1983, Jim moved
back to Oklahoma and played in Coffee Houses and Holiday Inns. He started doing
Anti-Drug programs in schools with a group called 'Dreamstring' from California.
Matt Kaae was the director. Jim also started singing in churches and working
with kids during this time. In 1985, good friend Ray Peterson (who sang Corrina, Corrina, Tell Laura I Love Her, etc.) convinced Jim to move to Nashville. He began working with Multi-Grammy winner Gary S. Paxton for a while writing and publishing. During this time he had several indie cuts. In 1987,
Jim went on a mission trip to Haiti for ten days and
produced an album and video to help raise money to feed the children in an orphanage. K.O. White was the artist. In 1989, Jim produced an album on Zane Trusty at 'Fox Farm Studio' in Mt, Juliet, Tn. Zane was working with Anita Bryant at the time in Arkansas.
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In 1990 through
1992, Jim produced several sessions on the 'Country Thunder Band' and 'Jayne Lance', as well as another self produced album
to help raise money for the 'New Canaan Ranch' in Pulaski, Tn. During this time,
Jim did several sessions in Memphis with musicians such as Willie Hall ( The Blue
Brothers) and B.B. Cunningham, Jr. (Jerry Lee Lewis). Jim also co-wrote many
songs with Jack Fultz that were recorded by several artists such as Rebecca Lynn Howard.
In 1993, he went to work for 'Gibson Guitar Company' until 1999. In 1997,
the Fox Brothers recorded 'Red Top Mountain'
which Jim had co-written with Daniel Johnson. It went to #1 on the Country Gospel charts. Jim has also written
songs with many successful writers such as Greg Gordon (Elvis, Tanya Tucker, etc.), Royce Porter (George
Strait, Kenny Rogers), Jim Goff (The Allman Brothers), Jim Robinson (Restless Heart, etc.).
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In 2004,
longtime friend Charlie Hayward ( Bass player for the Charlie Daniels Band), encouraged Jim to do a cd of original material.
Along with Charlie and several of Jim’s friends, 'Common Ground' was recorded at 'Studio Seven' in Nashville.
Shane Irwin was the engineer. Jim supports ‘School for Life Ministry’
in Iaeger, West Virginia where McDowell
County is the poorest county in the U.S.A.
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In 2005, Jim released
his new cd, ‘I’m Called’, which was produced by Bill Textor. He
has was on the same programs with Jeanie Seely, Johnny Carver, Stella Parton, Billy Currington, Charlie Louvin, Calvary
Cowboys, JoAnn Cash, Robin O’Herin, Jack Hodge, Gary McVay, Ricky Lynn Gregg, The Kings Trio, Judy Crowe and many others.
Jim has just finished producing a new project by the gospel group, 'Two
Hearts -n- Him', titled 'Once Upon a Cross'.
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In 2006, with the successful release
of Two Hearts N Him( their song 'Hold Up Your Candle' hit #1 on the international christian charts), Jim is also producing
2 more projects scheduled for later release. Amy Jordyn and Natalie Mathison. He has also released his own Hymns cd titled
'Flaws and All' and is working with Christian Bikers and a new project for later release titled 'Ridin The Road With
Jesus'. Jim is currently on the road throughout the U.S. (see Concert Schedule).
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Not
only has Jim recorded many of his own songs, but has had songs he has written recorded by Paul Koons, D'Ramirez, Stella
Parton, Jackie Cox, The Fox Brothers, Rebecca Lynn Howard, K.O.White, Paul McQueen, Dan Johnson, The Pearly Gates, Zane Trusty,
Jack Fultz, Jayne Lance, Dan Glidden, Sommer Jones, and Country Thunder. Just to name a few.