NASHVILLE, Tenn. – James Barker Band, the Platinum-selling Country four-piece, mesmerized a packed audience during their remarkable Grand Ole Opry debut this past Tuesday, Feb. 27. The record-setting band stepped into the historic circle for an unforgettable performance of their standout ballad “Heartbeat,” from their most recent EP, Ahead Of Our Time, and their star-studded collaboration “New Old Trucks,” paying homage not only to a fan favorite, but also to Opry member Dierks Bentley who collaborated on the song with the band. The milestone moment is a significant stepping stone for the 2023 Canadian Country Music Awards Group of the Year as they continue to make their mark in the U.S., building upon their established success in Canada.
“It still doesn’t even feel real to have played in a place so rich with history, and it was such an honor to stand on the biggest stage in Country music,” shares lead singer James Barker. “This moment is a dream come true for all of us in the band. We’ve poured our hearts and souls into our music for the last decade, and to see it resonate here, in the heart of Nashville at the Opry, is a feeling words can’t describe. We’re so grateful for this incredible opportunity and it’s a moment we’ll be pinching ourselves about for a long time.”
Hailing from Toronto, Canada, the band was supported by dozens of friends and family members in the audience, proudly representing their hometown. Lead singer James Barker sported a vintage Terri Clark t-shirt, further celebrating their Canadian roots as they showcased their talent and passion for the Country music genre on the Opry stage.
Joining the stellar lineup that included Lainey Wilson, Jamey Johnson and more, the band brought its infectious camaraderie to the biggest stage in Country music following the release of their Oct. 2023 EP, Ahead Of Our Time. A carefully crafted six-track collection, Ahead Of Our Time shows the bands growth and evolution over the years since its last GOLD-certified EP, Game On, in 2019.
With five of the six songs penned by frontman James Barker, and credits from some of Nashville’s most established writers including Rodney Clawson, Hunter Phelps, and Travis Wood, each track on Ahead Of Our Time showcases the band’s signature wit and infectious melodies. From the clever and catchy “Step On His Boots,” to the poignant narrative of love lost because it was simply “Ahead of Our Time,” and finding the silver lining of a breakup with “Champagne.” The latter half of the EP finds “Meet Your Mama” tugging at the heartstrings, while “On the Water (feat. Dalton Dover)” sets the stage for a rowdy JBB party with Dover’s ceiling-scraping vocals. The EP wraps with the wedding-ready ballad “Heartbeat” that captures the essence of love at first sight over a dynamic train beat, and was showcased in its full power on the Opry stage last night.
James Barker Band got its start in 2009 when Barker and drummer Connor Stephen met at band camp. Forming what is now JBB, the four-piece spent its early years in a rented Greyhound bus while traveling throughout Canada from one self-booked show to the next. Now a record-setting band with five No.1s, over 300M+ global streams, countless sold out shows and numerous awards later, the 2023 CCMA Fan’s Choice and Group of the Year firmly sets its sights on the U.S.. With more exciting announcements on the way, fans are encouraged to stay up to date with JBB on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and at JamesBarkerBand.com.
Check out their MDR appearance HERE
