(Tampa, FL)
Jody was raised singing in his church and as a member of his youth choir. However, it was not until his high school years that he began to take his artistic gift seriously. Musically, his development had been influenced by artists like Anita Baker, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin. During his college years Jody began singing with a performance group, which soon opened doors allowing him to join Truth. He later worked for Walt Disney Productions in their talent, booking and production department and spent four months traveling the U.S. and Canada as one of Disney's featured soloists. He then returned to Truth where he toured Australia, France, Russia, Romania
and the Caribbean.
First live performance… In the fourth grade, I performed "The Rainbow Connection." You know, the Kermit the Frog song. The crowd was kind.
First aspired to be…An astronaut. I wanted to fly in my own rocket ship to Mars and wear a space suit."
Most embarrassing/memorable moment…On the Twila Paris tour, she used to sing the song"Faithful Friend" with a video of Steven Curtis Chapman. One night it broke at the last second and Janna pushed me out on stage to sing it with Twila. I didn't know one word of that song, so I rewrote the whole thing."
Most distinctive home town fact… Riverview, Florida was a town built around a river that fed into Tampa Bay. Everything there revolves around water sports."
Dream duet... Anita Baker
Song I wished I written… As far as royalties go, "I Will Always Love You" would be my pick. As for message, "It Is Well With My Soul."
Most influential person… My parents have always been the #1 example of Christ and his love.
Hymn most associated with church…"It is Well With My Soul"
If I weren't a singer... I love the creative/technical process that goes along with making a record. I'd love to be a producer.
Last book read... What's So Amazing About Grace by Phillip Yancey
CD currently in player… Faith Evan's Keep the Faith
