Jim White

Jim White is a Southern American singer-songwriter and guitarist. His music can be described as whacked out alternative country with an experimental feel.  White grew up in Florida surrounded by gospel music.  According to various sources, he has been a comedian, a fashion model, a boxer, a preacher, a professional surfer, and a New York cab driver. Before embarking on a music career, White attended film school.

He went through a period of depression and poverty after a bandsaw accident, which resulted in a maimed left hand, seemed to end White's hopes as a musician.  At a party organized by film school friends, White began to perform again.  After writing a collection of simple songs on his guitar, a friend convinced him to record a demo.

His live performances are often off-beat, blending his playlist with open discussion with the audience.  He is known for his insightful storytelling and humourous anecdotes.

He has collaborated with artists including Victoria Williams, Aimee Mann, Barenaked Ladies, and jazz guitarist Bill Frisell among others. 

Searching for the Wrong-Eyed Jesus is a 2004  documentary in which Jim White describes his idea of the rural South, where country music meets Christianity. This journey takes you through a very real contemporary Southern US, a world of marginalized white people and their unique and home-made culture.  He encounters like-minded musicians such as David Johansen, Lee Sexton, The Handsome Family, David Eugene Edwards of 16 Horsepower and  Johnny Dowd as well as some gospel churches.  Jim will be screening Searching for the Wrong-Eyed Jesus at the Calgary Folk Music Festival Boot Camp at the Plaza Theatre on July 27, 2012.  He will be in attendance for a live acoustic performance and Q & A.

Jim is also a visual artist with some whimsical and cynical pieces.

White continues to create extraordinary, eclectic music with Where It Hits You, released earlier this year.  Here he talks about some of the songs.