Country Jim Palmer was born Mar.17th 1950 in Willimantic, Ct., and the second of three boys.
Country Jim is a self taught musician and at the age of 15 he was playing guitar, singing & writing his own songs. At age 15 he began his musical career at Ma Martins Ranch in Newington, Ct. for the next 2 yr.s Country Jim performed with and was mentored by many talented older musicians. Including performing on the radio and on TV with Tex Pavel. He also performed at round-ups, jamborees, restaurants and night clubs.
In 1967 he joined the U.S. Army and was a common sight performing in service clubs. In 1968 Jim was sent to Vietnam & met Bobby Brown. Whenever they could get together in Phu-Bai they would perform at the N.C.O & Officers club. Jim was offered a U.S.O. tour Jim declined, he preferred to entertain his fellow soldiers in the bush who weren't able to see a show in a secured area. Jim was honorably discharged in 1970 and remained in the reserves until 1974. Returning to Connecticut in 1970, Jim was managed and promoted by Bob Hannington, during this time he met and was mentored by Dick Curless a Maine Legend. And he was honored to do shows with him. In 1972 Country Jim joined a band called "Kinda Country" which included his Vietnam buddy Bobby Brown. They toured through out New England for several years. In 1975 Jim rejoined the Army and played the clubs in Texas at night. He was honorably discharged in 1979.
From 1979-1986 Country Jim entertained with several Maine bands and solo, performing a variety of music including: Folk, Classic Rock, Oldies, Blues, Gospel, Traditional and Alternative Country & Light jazz. In 1986 Country Jim and Dick Curless were reunited in Bangor, Me. And they did a 4th of July tribute to our veterans sponsored by Fox 104.7. He continued to do solo gigs in the 90s.
In 2002 Country Jim was proud to be chosen to perform for seven nights at The "Edgewater Beach Resort" for the Vietnam Veterans Reunion in Branson, Missouri. And he also entertained the veterans at the Forsyth Mo.V.F.W. In 2003 Country Jim wrote and recorded an album "Old Rusty Nails" with an Australian Band called "Ironbark". In Dec. 2004 Country Jim traveled to South Coast, N.S.W. Au. and toured with the band Ironbark for 2 months.
Also In 2004 Country Jim was proud to be chosen by D.E.C.M.A. for their first compilation album, a collection of original Maine music. In 2005 Country . In 2004 and 2005 Jim competed in D.E.C.M.A.-P.T.S.C.M.A.-New England Regional (C.C.M.A.) & N.A.C.M.A.I. And was humbled to have won numerous awards to include: Songwriting (Patriotic, Gospel, Folk & Holiday), Traditional Country Entertainer of the Yr. 2005, Country Album, Gospel Vocalist, Solo Artist, Folk Artist & Folk Singer Of The Yr. 2005, The "Legend Award" and Gospel Vocalist for New England 2005 in the New England Regional Competitions held in Connecticut. Since 2005 Country Jim has appeared many times on Maines T.V. show "Musicians Of Maine". In 2006 Country Jim was Honored again to recieve a international "Song Of the Yr." award from NACMAI & was chosen & proud to appear on a Connecticut Country Music Ass. compliation album released in 2006. County Jim also won Gospel Group Of the Year for the state of Maine & New England with "Wings & Prayers" & 4 Maine songwriting awards 2006. Gospel entertertainer & Gospel Vocalist awards & Solo Artist of the Year 2006. BR
2007 usa/international Gospel Group Wings & Prayers -07 Male entertainer & 2 international song writing awards. Country Jims songs are being played on radio stations around the world and Maine Radio Stations. Country Jim is a prolific writer who has written 1000+ songs, several books of poetry, He is a Maine Humorist & has written a childrens novel. And after all that is also a published cartoonist.
Country Jim Palmer now resides in Corinna, Me. with his wife of 34 years Donna. He has three children & six grandchildren. Jim is a humble man who has entertained for many benefits for seniors, veterans, and anyone in need. Country Jims greatest pleasure is bringing happiness to someone with his music, Jim feels this is the biggest reward of all.
