Artist Profile: Jaymi Renae

School the Jukes

By Natalie Del Valle

Born and raised in Georgia, Jaymi realized her love of music when she was about 5 years old, and she began performing solos for her church choir by the age of 8.

She attended Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, where she earned a Musical Theater degree, honing her wide variety of talents, ranging from acting and dancing, to playing three instruments: piano, clarinet and her favorite, the oboe. Her musical influences include everything from country to opera - even Broadway, but she favors country music styles similar to Florida-Georgia Line.

Music has been a part of my whole life, Jaymi says. But during her studies at Belmont University, she developed vocal nodules - one of the worst things that can happen to a performer. Following her diagnosis, she was told she might never be able to sing again, but her treatment and determination to overcome the ailment led to her full recovery.

After graduation, Jaymi moved to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, where she performed as a singer and dancer for the Black Bear Jamboree Dinner Theatre. She then returned to Georgia, where she began recording her music. Jaymi also continued her studies at the world-famous Jan Smith Studio, in Atlanta.

In April of 2014, Jaymi was declared Talent of the Month by Extreme Talent and Entertainment. She now sings for two bands: the Jukes and Wild Honey, and she has released two albums: Carousel and Hanging on Hope.

As a member of the Jukes, Jaymi Renae and her partner, David Rane, like to say, You request it, we play it! The band includes an acoustic guitar and piano performance, with Jaymi and David singing from a list of 300 songs from which their audience can make requests. The playlist includes covers from the 60s to current covers in country, rock and pop, as well as their own, original songs. Selections vary according to the demands of the audience.

The ever-evolving playlist can add up to as many as ten new songs a week, and the Jukes retire less popular songs to accommodate demands. Some of the most requested artists are Taylor Swift, Ray Charles, Maroon 5, Rihanna and Lady Antebellum, David says; It just depends on the age of the audience. 

The band plays for clubs, venues, weddings, private parties and corporate events all over the north and east Atlanta area, including Alpharetta, Roswell, Woodstock and Cumming. They also occasionally travel south and west of Atlanta, and sometimes commute out-of-state for a show. But no matter where or for whom they perform, the talented duos passion for music is evident in every gig they play.

Music is such a special and important aspect of both Jaymis and Davids lives, and that is what makes the Jukes so wonderful. You can see and hear their unmistakable enthusiasm in their performances and just by talking to them. Jaymi and David agree: Music is the greatest gift.

JaymiRenae.com