Jim's roots run deep in The Great State of Maine. Jim's family on his maternal & paternal side had left Maine during the exodus of people falling on hard times & going south in search of work. His grandmothers shared with him the tales of hardships but also the joys & humor of growing up in Maine. Jim's fondest memories were his trips to Maine especially his yearly hunting trips.
Jim is a self taught musician & at the age of 15 he was playing guitar, singing & writing his own songs. Also at the age of 15 he started his professional career in music at: Ma Martins Ranch in Newington, Ct. Where Jim performed with the older musicians who mentored him which included: Al Sauinier, The Carolina Pals, The Cheyenne Kid & Radio & T.V. star Tex Pavel. For the next two years Jim entertained with them at roundups, jamborees, restaurants & night clubs. Jim was tagged "Hayseed" by his mentors a name he soon dropped as he grew older.
In 1967 with his parents permission Jim joined the U.S. Army. Jim was a common sight at many of the service clubs wherever he was stationed. At age 17, with encouragement from his army buddies, Jim entered the national military entertainment contest where he was overwhelmed to win 5th place. At age 18 Jim was sent to The Republic of Viet-Nam where he met Bobby Brown & whenever they could both get together in Phu-Bai they would join forces & entertain at The N.C.O. Club, The Officers Club & troops. Jim was offered a job for the USO but declined because he preferred to entertain his fellow soldiers in the bush who never got to see a show.
Jim was honorably discharged from the army in 1970 & remained in the reserves. Upon returning to Connecticut Jim was managed & promoted by Bob Hannington & started working at night clubs, ski lodges, country clubs & restaurants. It was during this time he first met Dick Curless a Maine legend Jim was honored to do several shows with him.
In 1972 Jim answered an add for a male vocalist & rhythm guitarist. Much to his surprise the leader of the group was none other than his Vietnam friend Bobby Brown & for the next several years Jim & the band "Kinda Country" worked throughout New England sometimes doing 2-3 gigs a day. During this time the band was honored to entertain at the Connecticut Democratic Convention for the first woman Governor Ella Grasso.
In 1975 Jim went active duty Army & was stationed at Ft. Leonard wood, Mo. & Ft. Bliss, Texas. Jim spent his days working for Uncle Sam & spent his nights entertaining at the clubs & restaurants. In 1979 Jim was honorably discharged from the army. This is when Jim came home to his roots & "The Great State of Maine."
It was in 1986 Jim was honored once again! Jim teamed up with Dick Curless to do a two man show in Bangor, Maine a 4th of July tribute to our veterans sponsored by Fox 104.7 F.M.
Jim continued doing solo shows till the 90's when he took a sabbatical to concentrate on his writing. This continued till 1997 when he became seriously ill. In 1998-1999 Jim spent 7 � months at Maine Medical Center, Portland, Me. During his recuperation Jim wrote 2 books of poetry & many more songs. Jim resumed his musical career in 2002. He was honored to be asked to entertain 7 nights at the Vietnam Veterans 2002 reunion in Branson, Mo., which included all branches of service. He also entertained the local veterans 2 nights at the Forsyth, Mo. V.F.W.
In 2003 Jim & his wife Donna put together a recording studio called "Moosetracks Studio." Jim & Donna spent the summer of 2003 concentrating on recording. To his credit Jim has copyright in the Library of Congress on 786 songs & several hundred more to copyright. As they shared the music with friends & family a chain of events took place they hadn't expected. A c.d. was they had been working on called "Old Rusty Nails" was mailed off to a Vietnam veteran mate in Moruya, N.S.W. Au. A local drummer & legend named Chris "Fingers" Gifford who toured with the Aussie group Midnight Oil heard the music & called Jim's music meaningful & honest. Chris was heard saying "that man is made of old rusty nails" A V.H.S. tape of his band Ironbark was sent to Maine for a audition to add the backing to the songs. It was a very determined Chris Gifford & Paul Johnston who traveled through out N.S.W. to find the right studio.
On December 26th 2003 Jim & Donna traveled to South Coast N.S.W. Au. Returning home Feb 26th 2004. During this time Jim toured with the very talented & versatile band "Ironbark". To date his music is still being played on the airwaves of the Australian & European radio. Jim's biggest thrill in Australia was having the children & older folks know the lyrics & tunes on the "Old Rusty Nails" c.d. & requesting his songs by name. Jim feels blessed to have met so many warm & wonderful folks in N.S.W. Au.
In 2004 Country Jim was thrilled to be asked to do a Maine T.V. show called "Musicians of Maine," Country Jim went to U.M.F. where he did 2 shows Mar.17th.2004 showcase # 14 & Oct. 27th 2004 showcase # 21 which are being aired on Public T.V. MBTV Mount Blue channel 11. The shows are being syndicated through Maine's Adelphia cable network. Clips of the shows may be viewed @ http://www.n1rct.com/mom/index.htm Jim is also scheduled to reappear Oct 11th. 2005
In April 2004 Jim was proud to be chosen by the Down East Country Music Association of Maine to appear on a first ever collection of original songs by 20 Maine artists. The c.d. was released June 11, 2004. The album & clips of the songs may be viewed at: http://www.decma.org/
In 2004 Country Jim submitted some of his songs to the Down East Country Music Association annual songwriting competitions where he received # 1 Christmas Song of The Year 2004 & also the Pioneer Johnny Utah Memorial Award 2004. The song was then submitted to North American Country Music Association International located in Pigeon Forge, Tenn. for their annual international competitions. Jim & Donna traveled to Tenn. in March 2005 where he was proud to win # 1 Holiday Song of The Year 2005.
On May 1st. 2005 Country Jim competed in the Pine Tree Country Music Association annual competitions & on May 22nd. 2005 he was both proud & honored to have won # 1 Traditional Male Entertainer of The Year 2005 Award & # 1 Folk Singer of The Year 2005 Award & also 3rd. place Gospel Songwriter Award.
To date Country Jims songs are being played on several Independent Maine stations to include: Bates Collage- WERU F.M. 89.9 Blue Hill- 102.9 Bangor-93.3 WRFR-LP Rockland & 99.3 Camden.
Jim Palmer resides in Corinna, Maine with his wife of 35 years Donna. He has 3 children & 8 grandchildren. Besides his family music has been the one constant in his life. Jim is a humble man who has entertained for many also doing benefits playing for senior citizens & veterans who hold a special place in his heart. Jim's greatest pleasure is bringing happiness to someone with his music Jim feels this is the "biggest reward of all." Jim has been heard many times saying after a performance "There are turns & there are bends but the road never ends, God Bless you all."
