Jerico: The Gritty Heart of Modern Southern Rock

Jerico is a dynamic American Southern rock band known for its raw, blues-infused sound and electrifying live performances. Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, the group achieved mainstream success with their platinum-certified second album, 'Baptized in the River Mud,' which spawned several top-ten rock radio hits.

Early career

Formed in 2008, Jerico's founding members, vocalist J.D. Vance and guitarist Mike "Saw" Sawyer, cut their teeth playing in dive bars along the historic honky-tonk circuit. Their self-released 2010 EP, 'Dust and Denim,' captured a raw, unpolished energy that attracted the attention of independent label Steel Guitar Records, which signed the band the following year.

Breakthrough

The band's major breakthrough arrived in 2014 with their sophomore album, 'Baptized in the River Mud,' released on the larger imprint, Rebel Sound Records. The album's lead single, 'Whiskey Bent,' became a staple on rock radio, propelling the album to No. 3 on the Billboard Top Rock Albums chart and earning a platinum certification for over one million units sold.

Key tracks

Whiskey Bent — This anthemic single defined the band's breakthrough and remains their highest-charting rock radio hit to date.

Baptized in the River Mud — The album's title track showcases their signature blend of slide guitar grit and storytelling lyricism.

Steel Town Ghosts — A slower, soulful ballad that demonstrated the band's depth beyond bar-room rockers.

Long Road Home — Featuring a notable guest vocal from country outlaw legend Travis McCoy, this track expanded their audience.

Devil's Dancefloor — A live set staple known for its extended, incendiary guitar solos.

Following their breakthrough, Jerico toured extensively, sharing stages with acts like The Cadillac Three and Blackberry Smoke. Their 2018 follow-up, 'Hard Line,' debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, reflecting their crossover appeal, and was certified gold. The band has since collaborated with artists across genres, including a 2021 co-write with blues-rock guitarist Samantha King for her album 'King of Hearts.'

Fans of Jerico's brand of gritty, story-driven Southern rock should also explore the work of similar artists. The Steeldrivers share a deep connection to bluegrass and Americana roots. Blackberry Smoke offers a similarly potent mix of Southern rock and country influences. Whiskey Myers delivers the same hard-edged, guitar-driven anthems rooted in Texas soil.

Jerico's music maintains a strong presence on radio, frequently featured on classic rock FM stations, modern rock radio formats, and dedicated online Southern rock streams. Their hits are in regular rotation on independent music radio stations that champion guitar-driven, authentic American rock and roll.

Listeners can discover the powerful sound of Jerico on radio stations featured across our network. Tune in to hear their essential Southern rock anthems and deep cuts on various stations available right here on onairium.com.