My Morning Jacket

My Morning Jacket

My Morning Jacket are an American indie rock group from Louisville, United States, formed in 1998. Their sound combines alternative country, alternative rock, indie rock, psychedelic rock and related folk rock elements, and they are known for a reverb-heavy style and energetic live performances.

The group’s core line-up in the bio consists of Jim James on vocals and guitar, Carl Broemel on guitar, Two-Tone Tommy Blankenship on bass, Bo Koster on keyboards and Patrick Hallahan on drums. The verified membership also includes Danny Cash and Johnny Quaid. The band is signed to ATO Records and Big Deal Music.

Background and name

The band name comes from a discarded coat that Jim James sees after walking through the remains of his favourite bar the morning after it burns down. The coat has the initials “MMJ” embroidered on it, which become the group’s moniker.

Releases and breakthrough

My Morning Jacket release seven albums: The Tennessee Fire, At Dawn, It Still Moves, Z, Evil Urges, Circuital and The Waterfall. Their breakthrough comes with the 2003 single “One Big Holiday”, which becomes one of the most played songs on college radio that year. Another notable single, “I’m Amazed”, reaches number 6 on Billboard’s Triple A singles chart.

Recording and collaborations

Circuital is recorded inside a church’s converted gymnasium in Louisville. Jim James co-produces the album with Tucker Martine. James also works with Martine on Laura Veirs’ album July Flame in 2010.

Other appearances

The band appears in the American Dad episode “My Morning Straitjacket”, in which Stan Smith becomes obsessed with them and turns into a groupie.