Academy Member: Jody Bly
Born and raised in Key West – Jody Bly is a true Conch. His father and grandfather were both shrimpers and Jody grew up to be a shrimp boat captain himself. He learned a few chords on the guitar and started writing his own songs, never having heard of Jimmy Buffett. He later moved on to running sailboat charters to the Bahamas, where he first sang his original songs to strangers. He also learned to sing some Buffett, which played constantly on the sailboats, and even some calypso from Jerry, the 80 year old dockmaster in Bimini.
Jody writes songs about those days, about boats, beaches and life upon the sea. He sings mostly original songs and throws in some covers when they enhance a show. His first album (CD) called “Key West Boy” features some music just written – along with a song or two written on a shrimp boat over forty years ago! The album, produced by Rudy B. of Ahwatukee, features veteran Trop Rockers James “Sunny Jim” White on pan and slide guitar and Mark Mulligan singing harmonies. Rudy B is a consummate musician and meticulous with detail, assuring that Jody’s first effort in the studio would be a first class effort.
Audiences appreciate Jody’s music best when they can hear the stories about the songs he sings. He tells about growing up on shrimp boats and learning the ropes from his father and grandfather in his song, “Living Among Sailor Men.” He tells of being a proud little kid, living on the water and having his own little skiff (wooden boat) in the title track of the album, “Key West Boy.” His song, “Blown Away,” named one of the top ten trop rock songs of 2021 on Beachfront Radio, was originally written on a shrimp boat – during a storm – on the Outer Banks of North Carolina over 40 years ago.
The Trop Rock community, Patriot Head clubs, audiences and performers, have been incredibly supportive of Jody’s music. His first Trop Rock gig was opening for Tom and Coley! How cool is that? After the show they voiced their opinions that Jody’s music was definitely Trop Rock! Then Beachfront Radio put Jody front and center, on stage at the Smokin’ Tuna in Key West, during Meeting Of The Minds week! TRMA’s number one Trop Rock venue! How cool is that?
Parrot Head club events and Trop Rock festivals are hugely gratifying and give Jody a chance to meet and play with some really fun fellow performers. Backyard concerts offer a relaxed and informal setting, much like being back on the sailboat, under the stars with the cool trade winds blowing gently thru the sails. Either way, it’s all about the music… and the stories he could tell.