An In-depth Interview and Chat with john Arthur martinez

john Arthur, often referred as "jAm" by his fans and friends was born in Austin, Texas. His earliest musical influences came from his father's side of the family. His dad, sister, aunt and uncles would "get together and harmonize to the old ballads."
His famous influences were Willie Nelson, Floyd Tillman, Charlie and Bruce Robison and Robert Earl Keen. He loved the western-swing music and developed a liking to the music of Bob Wills and George Strait.

When jAm was four years old his parents divorced. His father, Adam Martinez, was a drummer for 30 years before going to work for the Lower Colorado River Authority.
jAm was raised by his mother and stepfather. He loved to write poetry and out of that it wasn't long before the poems turned into lyrics when an uncle bought him his first guitar. At the age of nine, he became a published poet.

john Arthur graduated from Southwest Texas State University with a degree in English. He attended college on a tennis scholarship. His goal was to teach on the college level and coach a college tennis team.
While pursuing a Masters in Journalism at the University of Arizona, he discovered his songwriting ability and started playing more of his music around town. He dropped out of grad school when he realized he wanted to do his music full time.

On February 20, 1991 he met his future wife, Yvonna. When they married he instantly became a stepfather to three girls and one boy. Yvonna encouraged him to teach part-time so he could pursue his music dreams.
john Arthur recorded a couple of independent albums and was getting major radio airplay on the Texas music scene when he entered the 2003 USA Network's national talent competition "Nashville Star" where he finished second to Buddy Jewell.
After the show he was offered a contract with Dualtone Records. His first single was "Home Made of Stone" that he wrote for wife Yvonna and performed live on "Nashville Star."

I sat down to talk with john Arthur after he had spent most of the day perfroming,signing autographs, and taking pictures with his fans at the 2005 CMA Music Festival in Nashville.

MM: What inspired you to write "If I Didn't Care"?
jAm: "An animated discussion with my stepdaughter concerning her failure to show up to class. Even though I had to get tough with her I wanted her to know I truly cared."

MM: Where and how did you propose marriage to your wife Yvonna?
jAm: "She tried to push me away for fear of me not accepting her children. Her then 11 year old daughter bugged her to return my calls. When she did return my calls I asked her to marry me."

MM: If you could record one song what would it be?
jAm: "Vincent"

MM: What is your next single?
jAm: "I would like for it to be 'If I Didn't Care.'"

MM: What is the story behind "The Armadillo Song"?
jAm: "That was written out of the craziness of a 20 hour truck drive."

MM: If you were given a million dollars to spend in one day, how would you spend it?
jAm: "A home made of stone that is comfortable; bonds for the girls' college; retirement and for Yvonna; trusts for the children and charities such as St. Judes and efforts to feed the hungry."

MM: What is your favorite food to cook?
jAm: "Grilled T-bone steaks and veggies."

MM: Who is your favorite Disney character and why?
jAm: "Goofy because he makes me laugh."

MM: If you could have dinner with three people, living or dead, who would it be?
jAm: "First and foremost, Jesus Christ; former president Jimmy Carter and Hank Williams standing right next to the juke box."

MM: What kind of guitar do you play?
jAm: "Takamini."

MM: Why do you capitalize the "A" in john Arthur martinez?
jAm: "My way of paying tribute to e. e. Cummings, the poet. I was also known to family and friends as Arthur."

MM: Thank you john Arthur for your time out of your busy CMA Music Festival schedule for us to get to know you a little better.

Article Written & Submitted by Mary Maggart