Eric James Jochmans

Eric Jochmans grew up on his grandfather's farm in Claremore, Oklahoma and as early as the age of three remembers his grandmother playing hymns on the piano in their living room and wanting to know how to do that too. His grandfather listened to Bob Wills & the Texas Playboys and other traditional country greats on the record player and these are the types of music Eric fell in love with. He soon began teaching himself piano and later guitar, even writing his first song at the age of just thirteen. In high school he formed a number of bands playing everything from rock to gospel to country. Eric also played trombone in his high school's highly accomplished jazz band. These memories are what inspired Eric to pursue a country music career and have shaped his unique sound over the years. After leaving high school Eric joined the United States Army joining the 82nd airborne division band playing the trombone. He feels this is what laid the groundwork that allowed him to focus on his career as a singer/songwriter. Eric says that being a soldier taught him a great deal of confidence and discipline which are qualities he brings to his life and music. Over the span of his 10 year military career, Eric had the honor of playing for President Clinton, singing for General Gordon R. Sullivan, General Colin Powell, Lieutenant General Mike Steele and other national leaders including foreign dignitaries and ambassadors. The band Eric began in the military called "The Natchez Trace" began touring and opening for artists including Billy Ray Cyrus and Amie Comeaux. Eric has had the pleasure of opening a show at the Tulsa City Limits as a solo artist for the great Charlie Daniels Band as well. No matter what new direction his music has taken him in however, his traditional country roots were never forgotten. Eric recorded an album in 2000 entitled "Work in Progress" which landed his name on national country music charts for his popular songs "Fadin Fast" and "Honky Tonk Crazy." Another song he wrote entitled "This Love in My Heart" was recorded by "The PovertyNeck Hillbillies" in 2005. His rich baritone voice lends an energetic feel to songs like "Sweet Memories" written by Garth Brooks and Eric's own "Leavin Line" a favorite among his fans. Eric looks up to many different artists but his favorite of all time is George Strait who has been singing country music for over 20 years now. Another honor Eric has had was being asked to sing for the Virginia Slims, Legends of Women's Tennis; a group that included Pam Shriver, Billie Jean King and other tennis greats. He also led a USO show to the war-torn countries of Bosnia and Kosovo, entertaining our troops overseas. In July of 2003, Eric was also asked to be a special guest performer for a benefit show for the US Army in San Antonio TX. Eric says the most important thing while performing is to connect with my audience-he loves getting involved with a crowd. Eric's musical journey has carried him to Nashville, TN where he lived for the past 4 years playing music and song-writing with many affluental song-writers in the music industry including Jon Robbin, Steven Bliss, Tia Mcgraff, Jo Linder and Tommy Parham. After traveling and living in several different countries and states including Panama and Chile, Eric resides in the Claremore/Tulsa,Oklahoma area with his wife of 6 years, Rebekah and their 2 year old daughter, Katelyn. He performed in July 2005, playing with The Tulsa Signature Symphony as their special featured guest for "A Tribute to Bob Wills." He sang many of the same songs that planted the seed of his musical love so many years ago. Coming up in 2006, watch and listen for Eric in "Come Early Morning" a movie starring Ashley Judd and featuring Eric's song "Leavin Ain't the Only Way to Go." ! a href