Joey Stuckey
Macon, Georgia, United States | Established. Jan 01, 1994 | INDIE
Music
Press
Joey Stuckey – MIXTURE: Man, where has this guitar player been all my life (or yours, for that matter)…. supercharged & ready for prime time from the first note, this is high-energy jazz, to be sure! After a smashing guitar intro on the opener, “We’ll See“, there are snatches of vocals that are purely psychedelic! You’ll be able to clearly see every sonic image Joey paints; all the more amazing since he’s a blind player – or perhaps that’s part of what makes him sound so great – either way, you’ll love the “jump” on “Too Pooped To Bop”… you’ll know exactly how that feels after you listen to this, my favorite track of the 10 on the CD. Joey not only gets a MOST HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, with an “EQ” (energy quotient) of 5.00, he gets the “PICK” of this issue for “best jazz guitar”! Get more information at Joey’s website. Rotcod Zzaj - Jazz Improvisation Nation
When Joey Stuckey invited me down to his studio to talk about music, he told me that there was a small sign in the window proclaiming where his office was,
“but”, he said, “how well it can be seen is beyond me.” I had no idea he was blind until I stumbled through the door.
For the last half of his life so far, Joey Stuckey has graced Macon with an infallible, and even mystical presence. A blind man with an insightful vision
is what some call him. After spending a couple of hours at his downtown studio, I couldn’t help but agree. By the time he was 20 years old, he had played
with greats like Ben Tucker and Jimmy Herring, and had brought his band in front of thousands of fans at Lakewood Amphitheater in Atlanta to open up for
Ted Nugent and Bad Company. His accolades are too numerous to name; Jazz Musician of the Year, Charter member of GABBA, youngest member on the Georgia
Music Hall of Fame Board, the list goes on. Yet his hope for a bright future to compliment Macon’s musical past may yet be more than any of us could have
hoped for. You see, Joey owns the four buildings, including the old Bibb Theater on Third Street, and he’s got plans, BIG ONES.
“Basically I am a big set of walking hands and ears” says Joey, reffering to to the physical limitations he now lives with after a brain tumor as an infant
left him with no vision and no sense of smell.
Of course, his personality and boldness has more than accomadated. After all, he graduated from high school when he was fourteen years old. Imagine having
to learn everything by just hearing it. History would be difficult, Geometry would be a nightmare. However after taking all the required tests, it was
decided that Joey was no longer challenged at high school, and needed to move on to a higher calling.
I really have to credit my Mother and Father, for always keeping me in the mainstream so I could learn how to function. It really sped up my adaptation
to the real world. I developed a great memory because I had no choice, and it has changed everything for me.
High school did offer him a little something extra. During a bout with Pneumonia, Joey discovered Public Radio.
Listening to late Night runnnings of old shows like The Shadow, and Sherlock Holmes, he became enamored with sound effects, and was determined to learn
everything he could about making them.
I thought, hey, who better than a blind guy to know if something sounds real or not.
He called up a local radio DJ, who befriended the young Joey, and began to school him in the world of sound engineering. As is the norm for Stuckey, he
took it ALL in, and owned some primitive recording equipment of his own not too long afterwards.
My Mother loved Opera, My father loved Country. When I was ten years old, I thought the only music was Opera and Country. Being Blind, I didn’t mess around
with the dashboard in our car much. I knew there was a way to turn the volume up or down, but never knew there was a way to change the station. When I
went to school and heard Rock and Roll, I was blown away. I think that something has been inside me ever since.
After graduation, Joey and his family came to Macon. He got his first job at the Museum of Arts and Sciences running sound for the planetarium, and producing
shows like the old “cosmic concerts” they used to run combining lights with the music of Pink Floyd. Friends from the museum that had bands began to come
over to his home studio to record demos and Joey began to look at music in a different light.
I had always been a music enthusiast, always had a great love for it, but as these kids were coming around playing, I began to see it in a different way.
I have always been a bit of a philosopher, I had a lot of angst and things I wanted to express, and I thought it was a very spiritual thing, a great way
to explore who you are, to look at what is inside you through music.
From that point on you would have had a hard time prying a guitar out of his hands. He started college at Mercer University when he was seventeen, and found
a professor named Terry Cantrell who took Joey under his wing, and taught him guitar.
“Joey knew one chord when he came to me and he played it backwards, and we still laugh about that today.” says Cantrell,
“Seriously though, Joey was one of the most diligent students I have ever had, and I have had some great ones. He has an extremely keen ear, a wonderfully
full dynamic voice, and a great sense of the phrase. He has one of the biggest hearts there are, and he is just an all round great guy. Very few people
know just how much Joey has had to overcome via his disabilities. He has had to struggle so much with physical problems. I do know though, and I admire
him very much, he is like my little brother. He is just a very good man, and a great musician.”
Cantrell used to take a box of sand and draw staff, 1/8 notes, 1/16 notes into it, so Joey could know how other people were learning to read music. Because
of this Joey, who has never read any music at all, can teach others to read it like a master.
As always, the young kid from Jacksonville took things into his own hands pretty quickly, and began to teach himself how not only to analyze what he was
hearing, but how to play the music that he was growing to love.
It was only four years later, that he had released his first album, called “Take a Walk in the Shadows.” He had plenty of help from some masterful musicians,
like Jimmy Herring(Jerry Garcia’s replacement), Huey Thomason,(The Outlaws), and David Ragsdale (post 70’s Kansas), among others.
Some of the musicians that played on the album were 30-40 years old, and here I was this 20 year old kid. They kept telling me how to do things, but I just
said ‘hey it maybe the wrong way, but it’s MY way.’ I have to do what satisfies me mentally and spiritually, I just have to.
contineued on next page
Obviously, Stuckey was right. The album garnered enough attention to put him in front of six thousand fans at the afformentioned concert opening for Ted
Nugent and Bad Company. Ah, but we digress. Those were the good ole days for Joey. But he has been keeping busy.
He has ventured into Jazz, and for the past three years in a row, was voted Jazz performer of the Year by the Atlanta Society of Entertainers. He has opened
Shadow Sound Recording Studio, which has been very succesful in promoting music among up and coming entertainers. And has his own radio station which exclusivly
caters to independant music, something for which Joey has a lot of passion.
It really Bothers me how so many radio stations have become homoginized. It seems that they are no longer there to break records, but to make money. If
they aren’t going to break records, then who is?
His web radio station www.WTMT.net
broadcasts music from several regions including the south. It also includes interviews with the likes of Charlie Daniels, Jimmy Hall, and many more. He
also ventured into theater by directing the music for a Macon State Production of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”, and last but not least he has aquired
four auspicious buildings in the fastest growing area of Macon, downtown.Thanks to the help of his father, The Stuckeys bought four buildings on Third
Street, including the old Bibb Theater, with the hopes of turning the run down venue into a “Musical Complex”.
Though work and finding the financing for repairs is a painfully slow process, everyone in Stuckey’s camp is confident that one day, the complex will be
a wonderful place for everyone to enjoy. So far, the basements have been pumped, many of the floors repaired, and new roofing has been added to all four
buildings. Electrical, Air-Conditioning, and work on the facade will be the most tiresome, and expensive work left. The Vision includes a large performance
area, a state-of the art recording studio, classrooms for music education, and possibly a hostel type atmosphere for musicians passing through.
The Music Industry is a very hard one. I have struggled to make a living in it. If it was not my spiritual vocation, I would have quit a million times over.
But I can’t help it, it is out of my hands. It is something cosmic. And if you don’t believe that, then my CD’s make very novel coasters.
There is really no doubt. I beleive him. As a musician and a person, he has certainly made a fan out of me.
Joey’s latest album, So Far, is a compilation of his last four records. With amazing riffs, humble lyrics, and soulful singing, it is an album you not only
want add to your collection, but you will want to be there for the release party.
So Far will officially be released on August 28th at Macon State’s Theater.
There will be a live record made of Joey’s performance that night, as well as free food from Buffalo’s, and Stuckeys candy will be giving out pecan logs.
There will also be a silent auction of a guitar and Amp from Bill Hardin Music. The show will start at 8:00 and doors open at 7:30. Tickets are $5 and
$3 if you have a student ID. Part of the Proceeds will go to benifit the Theater Dept of Macon State. Everyone is invited to attend.
Finally, there will be an hour long radio special on Georgia Public Radio 89.7 for Macon listeners, featuring his music from rock to jazz to country and
more. This show will air August 14 at 8 PM and again August 17 at 10 PM.
-- Brad Evans
- Eleventh Hour
Here's a few examples of what people are saying about Joey: (we're adding more weekly)
I was impressed with Joey's work ethic, strong musical talents, and his willingness to succeed.
-Todd M. Reith, Reith Guitars
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Your rendition of the National Anthem made me proud to be an American.
-Ben Sandifer GMH Productions / Announcer for the Macon Peaches
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Dear Joey,
You are truly remarkable and blessed. You have quite a gift as a musician, and I appreciate the wide variety of your musical tastes and influences. Thank you indeed for using your expertise and refined ear to help 'under the radar' artists get heard. Thank you for making the world a better place with your upbeat, can-do attitude. Sincerely,
-Linda Geleris (songwriter/artist)
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Joey has a deep dedication to his music and his equipment. We pride ourselves in working with artists who know what they like and stick with it.
-Bill Wenzloff, Sound Enhancements, Inc.
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Your indie artist promo pack looks and sounds great! You are an excellent guitar player and we would love to have you on board as an endorsee.
-Tony De La Rosa, Artist Relations, Samick Guitars / Silvertone
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Joey Stuckey is not only a passionate musician, an accomplished songwriter and a stellar human being; he is an inspiration to us all. Run, don't walk, to experience his unique vision. What are you waiting for? This is a voice that demands to be heard!
-Drew Young (singer/songwriter)
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There is no doubt that Joey has accomplished a lot, especially considering the physical challenges he has had to overcome in his life.
-Tony Franklin, Artist Relations Manager, SWR
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Players of Joey's caliber are truly hard to find. It is a great privilege for DR to have him endorse us.
-Karen Paccione, Artist Relations, DR Strings
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Joey Stuckey is hands down one of the most explosively talented people I know. His musical scope is wider than most musicians could EVER dream of, and as deep as the spiritual life that he regularly taps with his unique compositions. Go ahead, compare his work with anything out there and you will rarely find an artist who can come close to the intelligence and passion that oozes as easily out of Joey as Georgia cane syrup out of a beer bottle. Pick up any of his CD's, put on a pair of good headphones and prepare to catapult into the 4th dimension! You will not be disappointed. Joey should be a household name, like now!
-Sue Wilkinson, (musician/teacher)
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I'll keep this short, but I sure am glad I learned of you and your magnificent skills and attitude. I saw you play with Sue Wilkinson a few years back and it was miraculous and marvelous. So why would I write now? Well -- happenstance. I found your site -- which reminded me -- "Hey, I should send that Joey guy a fan letter" So here it is. As everyone seems to say, and rightly so, you're an inspiration. Keep on mightily.
-Fred Leo
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Joey is indeed a unique individual. As one of my best friends in the world, he is constantly striving to be better at all he does (and that's a lot!) - constantly improving - constantly changing... never satisfied with mediocrity. He never compromises when it comes to his work, his friends, the way he treats people or his honesty. If he tells you he will do something, you can count on it. He is one of the best musicians I know and I am proud to call him my friend. Keep up the outstanding work Joey!
-Doug Diamond, Diamondisc Audio
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WTMT.net is receiving rave reviews for the Artist Profile Interview with Ian Copeland! Here's a couple of quotes: ...from "David" via the Backstage Cafe website's Message Board: "I highly recommend that everyone take the time to listen to this interview, especially if you have not had the chance to read Ian's book. The interviewer (Joey) is knowledgeable and witty. Ian, as you would expect, speaks as clearly and articulately as he writes. As a matter of fact, I listened to the interview at work and said it was a National Public Radio broadcast. For those so inclined, it's just as good as anything you'd hear on "Fresh Air" or "All Things Considered."
Ian Copeland himself writes: "Doug, please tell Joey how much I enjoyed doing the interview, and what a pleasure it was talking with such a witty, wise, and insightful interviewer. I even enjoyed listening to the interview on your website, which is unusual because usually I cringe at myself often. Didn't cringe once! Hell, I'm going to listen to it again just to hear Joey's gems again, but first there's so much more to explore on your amazing site (WTMT.net). And please make sure Joey lives up to his promise to send me some more of his music. [For anyone who doesn't know it yet, Joey is one of the most amazing guitarists I know. Come to think of it, you might be able to hear his music on the aforementioned website- check it out!]"
- Various
London (James Close)-Blind American guitar wizard Joey Stuckey has been ripping apart stages iacross the US for years. With unorthodox technique though classicaly trained and absolutely astounding guitar playing and composition skills, his style ranges from amazingly complex eclectic to raucously wild bursts of power. Definitely a man with vision!
- PanArtist.com -- London, UK
A phenomenal effort from a man truly blessed by God.
Reviewer: Michael Walenceus -- Director of Tours and Promotions at RGA Rec
Throughout my years in various bands, recording studios, concerts, radio stations, etc., I have come across many unsigned bands and artists who think they are the best. And we have all seen who the mainstream radio and media tout as the best. But I'm here today to tell you that Joey Stuckey really is the best. His talent is evident in this album, "So Far." The music is just great: classic song structure, guitar finesse that has been sorely lacking in today's music, and a powerful voice that cuts through this album with true emotion and power. Tracks to listen to over and over again: "Hold" (16), "Take A Walk" (10), "My Sociology" (5), "Funny" (7).... Hell, listen to them all over and over again. You'll want to do it. You'll need to do it. Trust me. This is a "greatest hits" album in more ways than one. -D.M.W.II
- CD Baby
Musical visionary Joey Stuckey has honed his musical skills throughout his life. He has had the opportunity to work with many different musical talents such as the B52's, James Brown and Smashmouth. Though he has encountered fame, he has retained his down to earth outlook on life.
"I would be a holly tree."
These were the first memorable words of Joey Stuckey, the blind musician, in an interview before his performance in Anderson Auditorium Thursday night at 7 p.m.
"Outside my house this year there was this little bird we have a holly tree right outside our window he had the most beautiful whistles and tweets I had ever heard," Stuckey said. "And if I were a plant I'd want a really pretty bird to nest in me and make that beautiful music. He made better music than I eve rcould."
Stuckey's claim that a bird's song is better than his band's music may be a bit of a stretch after hearing the impressive performance the group gave Thursday night.
The group started off the concert with a bang, sneaking onto the stage in the dark and beginning to play before the lights came up to reveal the five piece ensemble. As the band played the jazzy/rock opener, the audience perked up in their seats as they realized they wouldn't be hearing anything bland that evening.
Between songs, Stuckey entertained the audience with witty jokes, background information on his songwriting, and playful jibes at his fellow band members.
Though he did play a few covers of familiar songs, Stuckey and his band performed many original songswith interesting messages. One such song showcased the plight of being in a relationship with what Stuckey calls "an evil woman."
"I love spreading joy. Even if life is painful, music can take that and turn it into something more positive" Stuckey said
It is obvious he can indeed take badsituations and turn them into good ones through his music. One song was inspired by him running out of hot water while scatting in the shower. He turned what was at the time quite a shock into an interesting jazz piece that abruptly turns into a harder rock song. After the song, he asked the audience with a chuckle if they could tell when the water changed.
Judging by the enthusiasm of the audience's applause and laughter, it was obvious Stuckey has no problem connecting with today's youth.
"It was awesome. The band is by far one of the best I have seen come to Buena Vista University," sophomore Eric Branstetter said.
"I especially like being around college campuses because it's really cool to get a chance to watch people develop and hopefully be able to impart some information," Stuckey said.
As the concert continued, students were pleasantly surprised as their own Dr. David Klee, associate professor of music, came on stage a few times to play the flute along with Stuckey and his band.
Though most audience members had never heard of Joey Stuckey before Thursday, his energetic performance guarantees that this talented musician and his band will be remembered for years to come.
© Copyright 2009 The Undercurrent
- The Undercurrent
For Immediate Release
Award Winning Blind Guitarist Joey Stuckey To Release New EP
10/29/2009 - Macon, GA - You can't travel down south without hearing someone rave about guitarist, vocalist, songwriter, radio and TV personality Joey Stuckey, who holds the distinction of being the Official Ambassador of Music for Macon, Georgia (home of the 'southern sound'). Joey Stuckey is an award-winning blind guitarist, songwriter, singer, composer, producer, radio & TV personality, music columnist, inspirational speaker, educator and sound engineer. Joey's guitar style is reminiscent of rocker Jeff Beck and a jazzier Wes Montgomery, while his vocal influences range from Mel Torme to Gregg Allman. He has also worked with the likes of Hughie Thomasson (from Lynyrd Skynard and the Outlaws), David Ragsdale (from Kansas and The Smashing Pumpkins), Randall Bramblett (from Traffic, Steve Winwood Band and Gregg Allman Band), Carol King and Ike Turner to name a few. After three critically acclaimed rock releases ('Take A Walk In The Shadows', 'Ironies, Pain and the Light That Guides', 'So Far') Joey is gearing up for the release of his new jazz and blues tinged EP release 'Ocean Side'.
"This little jazz EP is four tunes that have been laying around for about two years now," says Joey. "I recorded them just when I had some time for myself, not very often as I work so much for others. Anyway, The EP is called 'Ocean Side' and is a little slice of summer magic. The music is all reminiscent of the beach and easy living. Just in time for the cold winter of 2009 comes some bright and warm sunshine courtesy of jazz music." (Along with the release of 'Ocean Side', Stuckey will be re-releasing as a download his second CD 'Ironies, Pain and the Light That Guides'.)
Stuckey lost his sight and sense of smell as an infant as the result of a brain tumor. Despite these limitations, he remained in mainstream education. Scholastically outstanding, Joey Stuckey graduated from high school at the age of 14. At the age of 17 he began his musical career by taking classical guitar lessons from noted music professor Terry Cantwell. Joey continued his musical education by studying with renowned jazz guitarist Stanley Jordan. "I love my rock and roll and in fact I am working on a new rock EP, 'Seven Songs In Seven Days' but, jazz studies is really important to me. I feel like music is the language of the angels and in jazz, I feel that we really have the best exploration of that language. Of course, you can imagine how great it was to study with a jazz legend like Stanley Jordan. We met when we were both on tour in MA. He does some amazing things with the technique known as tapping, I haven't ever developed that skill to his level and probably won't, but, learning from him was a real privilege that I am thankful for. I teach music as well and use some of the practice suggestions he gave me to this day with my own students."
As well as being featured in many national and international media publications including PRI's "The World", GPB's "Georgia Gazette", and "Big Takeover Magazine", Joey has won several outstanding awards in music. "I am very honored to have been recognized for the hard work I have put in to my craft of music composing, recording and entertaining. I have won the jazz artist of the year almost every year since 2000, though Ben Tucker beat me one year and rightly so. I have also received the EA-TV lifetime achievement award for my work with internet radio and TV promoting indie artists, and even the Cotton Carrier Award from the Atlanta Country Music Hall of Fame, for my contribution to the music industry of GA. I also got the Ray Melton Music Man Award for my work supporting music in my home town of Macon. there are many more, but, these are some of the ones I am most proud of."
"Dude, you’re the greatest!" - Chuck Leavell (Keyboardist for the Rolling Stones, Allman Brothers and Eric Clapton)
Joey Stuckey and his band have opened for legendary artists like Ted Nugent, Bad Company, Trisha Yearwood, James Brown, Clarence Carter, Wet Willie, the B-52's, Kevin Kinney from Drivin' N Cryin, and Smashmouth. In his other roles as either producer, composer, music columnist, and sound engineer or hired musician, Stuckey has worked with musical greats like Hughie Thomasson (from Lynyrd Skynard and the Outlaws) "Huey Thomason from the Outlaws played on one track on my first CD 'Take A Walk In The Shadows'," Joey relates. "What a great player he is, he is missed. I was the second engineer on his last album, 'Diablo Canyon' and got to know him well then." Stuckey has also worked with the likes of Jimmy Herring (from The Aquarium Rescue Unit, Frog Wing, The Allman Brothers Band, and The Others/Grateful Dead), Danny Seraphin (drummer from supergroup Chicago and currently with California Transit Authority-CTA), Hamp Swain (the Original King Bee), comedian Tim Wilson, Allen Vizzuti (from Chick Corea, Doc Severinson Orchestra, and Chuck Mangione), Doyle Dykes, Connie Haines (from Harry James and The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra), Chris Hillman (from the Byrds and Desert Rose Band), Jerry Peake (bassist for Steve Morse Band), Ben Tucker (Herbie Mann, Mel Torme), John Dunn (Earth, Wind, and Fire), Jimmy Hall (from Wet Willie, Hank Williams, Jr., and the Nighthawks), Charlie Daniels, George McCorkle (from Marshall Tucker Band), Razzy Bailey, Sammy Nestico (composer/arranger for Frank Sinatra and the Count Basie Orchestra).
"For anyone who doesn't know it yet, Joey is one of the most amazing guitarists I know." - Ian Copeland - IRS Records
Stuckey is also the owner and sound engineer of a recording facility in Macon called Shadow Sound Studio (www.shadowsoundstudio.com) which boasts vintage analog gear and state-of-the-art digital technology. "I started when I was 13, but, didn't get a real studio until the mid 90's," says Joey. "Some of the folks I worked with are mentioned above, but, I have also recorded for Ron Lester, an actor, in the movies Good Burger and Varsity Blues, we did a comedy album, I actually wrote the music to some songs he did. Of course Randall Bramblett, ARC recording artist Miguel Castro, The Outlaws, Percy Welch, who played with little Richard, John Lee Hooker... And Chris Hicks, of Marshal Tucker, and many more!" Stuckey is the adaptive technology correspondent for Dialogue Magazine which is a publication dedicated to the needs of the blind. Recently, Joey has taken on the role of music publisher and has a growing catalog of great songs in multiple genres. His publishing companies include Sociology Publishing (BMI) and Sign Wave Publishing (ASCAP).
"...A phenomenal effort from a man truly blessed by God. Throughout my years in various bands, recording studios, concerts, radio stations, etc., I have come across many unsigned bands and artists who think they are the best. And we have all seen who the mainstream radio and media tout as the best. But I'm here today to tell you that Joey Stuckey really is the best." Reviewer: Michael Walenceus
In short, Joey Stuckey is a young man with an enormous talent, clear vision, and a tireless work ethic who is well respected by his peers, fans, and even a few legends. Joey Stuckey's 'Ocean Side' EP and 'Ironies, Pain and the Light That Guides' CD reissue is available now from Joey's official website and will be available on iTunes in December. For more information visit: www.joeystuckey.com
Press Inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@cs.com
- hotindienews.com
Carrington Moore
225 Baker Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30313
4045814237
(p)
4045814481
(f)
cmoore@georgiaaquarium.org
02.16.09
To Whom it May Concern,
I recently had the pleasure of working with Joey Stuckey during Georgia Aquarium’s Abilities Celebration this past
month. This was our first year taking this event on, and it would not have had nearly the impact without Joey and his
band. I first contacted Joey in late 2008 to inquire about playing during the celebration. Although I had no doubt he
would contact me back, I was pleased to hear from him the very next day. Not only was he very interested in playing
at the Aquarium, he also maintained an easy going, yet highly professional attitude during the course of our
conversations.
Joey was very easy to work with and flexible from the beginning. Outside of his amazing performance on site, he
also visited the Aquarium a few weeks prior to offer suggestions for the event and facility regarding making the
Aquarium more accessible for the visually impaired. A few of his suggestions we hopefully will be implementing in
2009. I have worked with dozens of bands at this facility, and know it can be frustrating if you miss a step in the
instructions, or provide less than detailed information about your band needs, equipment, etc. Joey followed every
instruction and Aquarium guideline to the letter, and his arrival, set up, performance and tear down went off perfectly
without any issues. He and his band were by far the easiest musicians to work with, professional yet casual, and
extremely aware of the audience regarding song selection. The set list could not have been chosen better and
halfway through the very first song everyone in the Aquarium atrium was dancing along.
The Joey Stuckey Band ended our four day celebration with a bang and energy to carry us through the rest of the
weekend! We will be asking them back for next year’s celebration, and hope to see them throughout the year at
other corporate events/functions. I personally will be recommending Joey Stuckey for performances and recording
work to anyone who asks. You’ll be hooked on Joey after your first conversation, and hooked on the Joey Stuckey
Band the second they take the stage!
Yours Sincerely,
Carrington Moore
Event Services
Georgia Aquarium - GA Aquairum
Joey Stuckey wowed the Buena Vista University campus in November 2008. Joey was brought to my attention by one of our professors on campus who thought Joey's knowledge of the music industry, performance style, along with his blindness could "wow" our students both in the class as well as on stage. Joey and his wife Jennifer came onto campus a few days prior to his concert. Joey was able to attend some classes where he spoke about the industry as well as how he is able to do this job while being blind. Our students were fascinated and looked forward to him being able to demonstrate what he spoke about on the stage. A few days later, we flew his band in where they played a rocking good show to our BVU population as well as some people from the public.
Booking Joey was one of the most pleasurable experiences this campus has had. With me, he was able to book pretty easily. Since we were booking him for multiple days, it did take some time getting our schedules together, but that was the toughest part - the rest was cake! He has one of the friendliest personalities and would talk about or do anything that you asked of him during his stay. He also likes to stay busy, he's not one of those people who is only with you to do a show and then "get out of Dodge". When he was on campus, he was ours and wanted to make sure that we got out of him what we expected (and we got more!). His wife is also a pleasure to be around, and together they are quite the entertainers. The band was also nice and easy to work with both booking and tech-wise. They played a great show and kept us entertained with antics throughout the night!
Thank you, Joey, for such a fun event that I could book and to share it with our community!
-Lisa Wagner, Event Technical Services Director and Academic and Cultural Event Series Director, Buena Vista University (Iowa)
- Buena Vista University
I would like to sing the praises of Joey Stuckey as an event inspirational/motivational speaker. I work as the middle school campus minister at Mount de Sales Academy in Macon, GA. As part of my duties, I am responsible for planning the student retreats. Joey has graciously come to two of our 8th grade retreats. He not only performed, but he also took time to share his triumphant story with them.
From the first word he spoke, he had his audience spellbound which is no mean feat with a room of 92 thirteen year-olds. The students listened intently as he detailed the path his life has taken. Joey candidly spoke of his disability in both a poignant and humorous manner instantly putting the students at ease. When the floor was opened to questions, the kids clamored to have their questions answered. They were truly moved by his words and impressed with his zeal.
Joey ended the day by offering a concert that had each of the students dancing in their seats. Even though he performed at the day's end, the students were willing to stay past the dismissal time in order to drink him in.
I would highly recommend Joey Stuckey as a motivational speaker for any age group. He is exceptionally talented as well as humble. I have enjoyed getting to know Joey, and look forward to working with him in the future.
Sincerely,
Carla Barwick, middle school campus minister, Mount de Sales Academy
- Mount de Sales Academy
Discography
Take A Walk In The Shadows
Ironies, Pain and The Light That Guides
Live and Stuff
Live and More Stuff
So Far
Oceanside
The Shadow Sound
Mixture
The Acoustic Sessions, Volume 1
Photos
Bio
Joey Stuckey is an award-winning musician, producer, and speaker whose multifaceted career transcends the boundaries of sight, sound, and genre. Blind since early childhood, Joey has shared the stage with icons like James Brown, the B-52s, and Bad Company, runs Shadow Sound Studio in his hometown of Macon, Georgia, and presents his story to international audiences. Behind all of his work lies a commitment to human connection and a profound love for sound. The official Music Ambassador of Macon, Joey embodies the philosophy that sound can uplift us all.
“My early life was dedicated to survival,” Joey says. A brain tumor left him blind and battling medical complications throughout childhood, but Joey discovered connection and inspiration by immersing himself in old radio dramas.
Training his ear on these immersive stories honed his ability to break down sound into its core components, and what started as a survival skill evolved into a sophisticated and almost supernatural talent. When legendary producer Alan Parsons called Joey “The best ears in the music business,” it was confirmation of what Joey’s fans and clients knew all along: Joey’s superpower is sound.
Growing up in Macon, he absorbed the spirit of Otis Redding and Little Richard alongside Southern rock icons like the Allman Brothers, but his encyclopedic knowledge of music transcends genre and era. This expansive taste has found its groove in his music, which he dubs “Progressive Americana,” a blues-infused style informed by jazz, roots, and Southern rock. With a voice that moves seamlessly from a gravelly rasp to a honey-smooth croon, Joey’s music appeals to fans of Van Morrison and the Marshall Tucker Band, but his virtuoso blues guitar riffs and lyrical finesse launch his music into new territory.
With numerous studio albums to his name and accolades including Jazz Artist of the Year from the Georgia Music Awards, Joey’s musical prowess goes hand in hand with his gift for storytelling. “One thing that drives my art is the exploration of the human condition. We sometimes fall into this weird trap of thinking that no one could ever understand us,” Joey says. His music invites you in, creating a space for commiseration, for joy, and for hope against all odds. And globally-recognized artists have taken notice. The Joey Stuckey Band has opened for legendary artists, including James Brown, Bad Company, Clarence Carter, the B-52s, and Trisha Yearwood, bringing the same soulful and high-energy artistry when playing intimate clubs as they do when sharing the stage with musical icons.
Joey’s commitment to human connection drives not just his performances but also his work as a producer. At Shadow Sound Studio, he approaches each project with his finely-tuned ear, technical mastery, and an instinct for hearing what’s missing. “You have to listen to what the song wants to be,” Joey explains. His ability to unearth hidden potential in a track—whether by blending vintage analog gear with cutting-edge tech or introducing unexpected influences—has earned him a reputation for elevating songs from good to great. Collaborating with emerging and established artists across genres, Joey honors each artist’s vision while encouraging them to explore uncharted creative territory. At Shadow Sound, Joey has engineered recording sessions with musicians such as Randall Bramblett (Steve Winwood, Traffic Gregg Allman and Friends), Chuck Leavell (Rolling Stones, George Harrison, Train), and Mike Mills (R.E.M.).
When not on stage or in the studio, Joey brings his passion for music into the world, uplifting artists along the way. A voting member for the Grammy’s and the official Music Ambassador for Macon, Georgia, Joey amplifies other artists while also training future professionals through teaching positions and his own Master Class series. He also is a sought-after collaborator, having written songs with Ed Roland (Collective Soul), Paul "Mad Dog" McGuinnes (The Pogues), and Will Morrison (Modern English).
As a speaker, Joey channels his spirit of generosity and hard-won wisdom. Drawing from his experiences as a blind musician and sound engineer, he offers both technical advice and motivational talks on overcoming obstacles, living with purpose, and the importance of inclusion. His speaking engagements have spanned international conferences, university lectures, and global corporate events, blending his insights with performance to engage and inspire audiences.
Joey’s life and career are a testament to music’s power to unite people across boundaries, whether those barriers are physical, cultural, or emotional. On stage, in the studio, or at the podium, he shows that sound is a universal language. For Joey, music isn’t just a craft but a way to build community, offering listeners a sense of belonging and reminding them that even in the dark, connection is always possible.
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