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. ************ 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. ************ 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. ************ 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.). ************ 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. ************ 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'. ************ In 2006, Jimmy Jack had a successful release of Two Hearts N Him when their song 'Hold Up Your Candle' hit #1 on the International Christian charts. Jim also produced 2 more projects that year with Amy Jordyn and Natalie Mathison. He has toured throughout 2006. In 2007, Jim signed a publishing deal with Pax-Nell Publications as a staff writer. He has also released his own Hymns cd titled 'Flaws and All' and a collection of recordings he wrote over the last 25 years titled 'This Faded Flower Will Always Be A Rose'. Jim has just released another new cd and 45 minute video about Christian Bikers titled 'Ridin The Road With Jesus'. All of this and he had the time to sing backup with Bill Medley (Righteous Brothers) and Paul Revere (Raiders)in Branson, Mo on The Original Comets new single titled 'Just Bury Me At Walmart So My Wife Will Come And Visit Me'. Jim is currently on the road throughout the U.S. (see Concert Schedule on his web site). ************ 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, The Lacroy Sisters, T-Jae Christian and Country Thunder. Just to name a few.