Poetry Thieves

Poetry Thieves is the brainchild of international entertainer James (Big Jaye') Nelson.  He was discovered in Hollywood, Ca. at the age 18 by the "Architect of Rock-n-Roll" Little Richard.  After asking for an autograph and then breaking into an song and dance routine he so impressed the rock legend that he was hired on the spot.  This would lead to an storybook career that lasted for over 15 years as a featured dancer/background singer and a... More

Poetry Thieves is the brainchild of international entertainer James (Big Jaye') Nelson.  He was discovered in Hollywood, Ca. at the age 18 by the "Architect of Rock-n-Roll" Little Richard.  After asking for an autograph and then breaking into an song and dance routine he so impressed the rock legend that he was hired on the spot.  This would lead to an storybook career that lasted for over 15 years as a featured dancer/background singer and a father & son relationship still to this day.  This time spent working in one of the industry's most celebrated institutions lead to presidential inaugurations,  appearances before royalty and being filmed for the archives at the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame.  Finally after achieving what many consider a degree from the Harvard of rock, Big Jaye' followed what others before him such as James Brown, Jimi Hendrix and Billy Preston did and strike out on his own. Big Jaye' started his first of two previous band projects.  These bands named JayeSwift & Co. and Sexxxy Cirkus respectfully gained international recognition as a go to opening act for major artist like Van Halen, The B52;s, Morris Day & The Time, Little Feat, Average White Band, Hootie & The Blowfish and Little Richard and many others.  After 8 months of touring Europe he returned home  a seasoned and polished frontman with a undeniable gift of writing and singing hook strong radio ready songs. this was solidified by  , when they chose him as one of the top 25 gifted songwriters of the future in America.  Although much success had been gained by his first two bands (Headlining nationally at festival stages and important venues from The Roxy in Atlanta to the Whisky A Go-Go in Hollywood, Ca.) commercial success was elusive.  Things would change in 2017 when Big Jaye' decided that it was time to make a change and focus on his songwriting to get a completely successful brand.  Poetry Thieves the third and final band, is the vehicle that has finally achieved the goal of showcasing all of his talents as a songwriter, singer, stage performer and artistic visionary.  Poetry Thieves is more of a way of entertaining than just a band. It involves many talented musicians and music professionals with Big Jaye' as the constant denominator.  This new innovated approach gives a nod to his background of learning from the people that ushered in rock-n-roll.  Wanting to be an innovator in this generation of artist is the motivation that lead to a no rules approach to making music and performing in videos and concert the motto is "if it feels right then it is right" no rules after that.  This thought process opened the door for a unique brand that is bring that elusive commercial success into fruition.  Poetry Thieves studio musicians differ from the concert musicians with only Big Jaye' participating in both areas.  The first EP was recorded with Cory Lowery (Saint Asonia, Dark New Day, Seether) as co-writer producer and bassist.  Grammy nominee Morgan Rose (Sevendust) on drums, Troy McLawhorn (Grammy winning Evanescence) on guitar.  Rusty Cobb (Platinum producer of Bowling For Soup, Avril Lavenge, Butch Walker) co-producer, baritone guitar and  for #-!/2 weeks on engineer. Rodney Mills (engineer of Sweet Home Alabama and Free Bird) mastering. With these incredibly talented musicians and industry vets the studio efforts are beyond reproach. The debut single "Wings Of My Soul" reached #1 on All Access Music Group rock charts for downloads and streaming.  It also reached #1 in Australia on the Indie Charts as well as #6 on the UK Indie Charts.  Future Poetry Thieves studio sessions will always be a new ensemble of only the best talents in music, this is part of the no rules feel good formula that makes this band different from others.  The live stage touring band are some of the best live musician friends of Big Jaye'.  Shawn Andree  on bass and background vocals, is a more than capable player with over 1,500 shows under his belt Shawn masters the bass all fretless hand built by himself.  He is also one of the most demanded sound engineers on earth.  Tony Robbins has depended on him for the last 15 years and Vice-President Joe Biden relied on him also.  His experience as a songwriter and producer brings a cache of overall talents to Poetry Thieves just ask Snoop Dogg or George Clinton about this bass savant. Jeni Ashbough the heart beat of the band on drums is an special treat to hear, feel and see. She brings a wealth of touring experience and drumming skills that any band would be lucky to have, Backstreet Boys and N'Sync are two acts that she have blessed with her gifted drumming.  Tony Sams on rhythm guitar, keyboards and background vocals is also a stage master having himself played over 1,000 shows in America and abroad.  Tony could be the lead singer of any band his talents are unquestionable.  Tanner Tobias on lead guitar, Tan Man is a guitar playing machine Poetry Thieves is his first major band and at the age of 21 he is the youngest member and the fact that he is in Poetry Thieves says all that needs to be said about this natural shredder.  Big Jaye' is at the helms on lead vocals and keyboards, employs his unique tenor voice with a slight southern drawl, filled with soul and mass appeal is an instantly recognizable  crowd pleaser.  Using his vast knowledge of performance from dancing skills to a "can't look away" larger than life stage persona this band and brand of total entertainment will be a force to reckon with from now and well into the future.  Poetry Thieves a legacy and torch bearer of  Rock-n-Roll. 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