Lockren
Jim

Jimmy began playing guitar in clubs and honkytonks at the age of 15. His early influences were Jimi Hendrix, Johnny Winter, and the Beatles. After playing in many area bands, he switched to bass guitar and began playing both rock and country. After becoming friends with the popular regional band, WM Skinner, he formed a rock power trio with their drummer and a hot guitarist from Phoenix, Arizona.

Ultimately, Jimmy moved out to Arizona with the guitarist and formed another rock power trio. While in Arizona, Jimmy played everything from jazz fusion to an Allman Brothers tribute band. He recalls many gigs where he was the only white man there. But his new found soul brothers always appreciated his skills and took very good care of him. When pop music took its toll on the music scene there, Jimmy moved back to Iowa and began playing in various rock bands with a few country bands thrown in. In the early 90’s through 2003, Jimmy played bass and provided vocals for the popular regional country band, Diablo. During Jimmy’s years with Diablo, they were the opening concert act for fourteen Nashville headliners which included Trace Adkins, Kenny Chesney, and Lonestar. Diablo held a high reputation with both their audience and the Nashville musicians they opened for. For almost the entire year of 2004, Jimmy gave himself a break from playing music. But if you ask him, he will tell you it drove him crazy not to perform.

After taking that time off, Jimmy began playing with the local band Wildcard. Arnie Benning, their sound man, encouraged Jimmy to check out a newly budding female vocalist that he was working with. After hearing her (Amanda) sing, he knew a winner when he heard one and joined the band Lockren. For a time, Jimmy performed in both Wildcard and Lockren. However, Lockren is now his only band. With the growing popularity of the band, and the superior talents of all the members, Jimmy couldn’t be happier with his decision.