Larry Jay Takes a Turn Toward Songwriting Success

Singer-songwriter Larry Jay was a guitar player first. When he heard a cousin playing guitar, he says, “I just vibrated with the strings.” He spent his younger days in various bands, honing his playing skills mostly on cover tunes. When asked about his early influences, Gary quickly names the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Neil Young and Willie Nelson. His young adult years found him in various places, playing with various bands, some more serious than others, before settling in Los Angeles.

After one final promising outfit failed to bear fruit, Larry decided to refocus on school, a non-music-related career and family. For about 15 years, his music remained in the background.
During the last five years, however, Larry has again rededicated himself to music, this time focusing much more on songwriting. Remembering that he originally started writing and performing music “to set my soul free,” he has connected with like-minded people in some Nashville-based songwriting groups. “We edit songs to get the best lyrics we can,” Larry explains. “I’ve always been pretty good with the melodies; trying to be competitive with the Nashville songwriters you’ve really got to step up your game with the lyric writing.”

And step it up he has. Larry has been a first runner-up in multiple songwriting contests, including the prestigious John Lennon Songwriting Contest. He has performed at the famed and historic Troubadour in Los Angeles, and he’s shared the stage with Neil Young sideman and member of Crazy Horse, Sonny Mone.

Larry Jay has created his very own brand of award-winning Americana-tinged southern fried music, which has been described as “five chords and the truth.” He injects that truth with hopeful lyrics and tasty melodies that connect with audiences.

“When I perform, it’s just me and my guitar, and my rhythm tracks looper. I like to keep things intimate…Being told I’m a really great songwriter is the best compliment I could ever receive.”
He shows off his songwriting skills on his latest single, “Here’s To Us,” in addition tp to his #1 iTunes international smash single “Wow” featuring Caeland Garner of Team Blake on The Voice and his “end the pandemic” anthem, “Worldwide Party Day.”

Check out Larry Jay’s website here. Listen to the full interview here.

By Dan Walsh