e8: Gethen Jenkins

Courtesy of the Artist

Watch the music video for “Bottle In My Hand”

A former U.S. Marine who served eight years in Iraq and Afghanistan, Gethen Jenkins is an award-winning singer-songwriter who was born in Huntington, West Virginia, raised in a rural Indian Village in Alaska, and brought up on American music, from the purest of bluegrass to whiskey-soaked honkytonk. In February, Jenkins will release his new album, Western Gold, and here he answers his e8 where he talks songwriting, eating on the road (Whataburger!), Willie's Picnic, and more.

When/where do you do your best writing?
GJ: I do my best writing when I am alone and inspired by people, places, experiences, and things I have seen. I like the desert and riding my motorcycle. I pull a lot of inspiration from the people I meet in my travels as I get to know them in a short amount of time.

What’s your favorite/”go-to” food on the road?
GJ: When I’m on the road I eat like crap because I’m trying to get anywhere and everywhere in a hurry. Whataburger never closes. Otherwise there is always Mountain Dew with crushed ice and peppered beef jerky. Whatever gets you by until the next free venue meal.

What’s your dream venue and why?
GJ: Dream venue is the Ryman Auditorium. No doubt. It almost needs no explanation for Country music. It is the ultimate. My second pick would be Willies 4th of July Picnic.

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Who would you love to collaborate with?
GJ: Most of my heroes have passed away but as far as people I would love to collaborate with, I would choose Willie Nelson or Jamey Johnson or Travis Tritt.

Favorite (or first) concert you have ever attended?
GJ: My favorite concert ever was Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson. I sat next to Merle’s bus driver’s mom who grew up across the street from Merle. You can imagine the stories that followed. I was lucky to know Merle’s bass player at the time who reserved us family seating. The show was very moving. On top of all of the amazing songs Kris and Merle had written over the years, my favorite part was seeing the admiration and respect the two had for each other as they played and sang their songs together that night. Two treasured and kindred spirits.

Have you met any of your heroes? If so, how did it go?
GJ: My hero is Billy Joe Shaver, who I have been fortunate enough to share the stage with a few times. I had the opportunity to play the song I wrote about him to him in a one-on-one. He hung on my every word and gave me inspiration when he told me, "I wish I would have stole that one.” He is not only an amazing songwriter and cornerstone for Country music but he also sets a fine example on how to treat people. He opens his heart and give it all at every show.

Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off?
GJ: To open and possibly sing a song with Willie Nelson.

If you weren’t a musician/songwriter where would we find you?
GJ: You would find me somewhere between Jerome, AZ, and Hurricane, WV on my Harley Davidson motorcycle going 75mph with a guitar on my back and the wind in my face.

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