In this episode of The Heath Bar, Heath sits down with country artist JJ Kent to hear his incredible journey from playing honky-tonks for tips to landing a #1 hit in 1990—without the backing of a major label. JJ shares how a simple road trip turned into a career-defining moment, leading his song to climb the charts and gain national airplay.

He talks about his early days as a traveling musician, living in a van and playing wherever he could, and how his persistence and love for music led him to record in Nashville. JJ also shares stories about opening for country legends like Waylon Jennings and Chris LeDoux, and what it was like navigating the highs and lows of the music industry.

Beyond his career, JJ opens up about fatherhood and resilience, reflecting on how raising his daughter has shaped his perspective on life and music. His story is a testament to grit, passion, and the power of simply putting yourself out there.

Whether you're a country music fan, an independent artist, or just love a great underdog story, this episode is one you don’t want to miss.

For more information on JJ Kent, go to https://jjkentmusic.com/

In this episode of The Heath Bar, Heath Johnson sits down with singer-songwriter Jackson Holte to discuss his upcoming album, life as a backcountry ranger in Wyoming, and how solitude shapes his music. Jackson opens up about the challenges and rewards of crafting a record over two years, the importance of tracking live, and the beauty of finding inspiration in quiet, vast landscapes. Tune in for an insightful conversation about creativity, nature, and the art of songwriting.

Jackson Holte's music can be found at www.jacksonholteandthehighwaypatrol.com

Stay connected to The Heath Bar at heathjohnson.substack.com

In this episode, Heath Johnson chats with award-winning indigenous musician Ryan LittleEagle. Ryan shares his journey from playing the Native American flute to becoming a singer-songwriter, blending contemporary country and indigenous music. They dive into Ryan's musical evolution, family influences, and the personal challenges he's overcome, including burnout, heartbreak, and finding his identity. This episode is full of stories about resilience, faith, and the power of music to heal and inspire.

For more information on Ryan, check out https://www.ryanlittleeaglemusic.com/.

Keep up with The Heath Bar at http://www.heathjohnson.substack.com.