Happy Music Specialist Since 1985
A third-generation songwriter and showman with the soul of a musical historian and the heart of a modern innovator, Jay Bragg is more than an artist—he's a living bridge between America's rich entertainment heritage and contemporary musical expression. Born into a century-old musical lineage outside Boston, Bragg has transformed the traditions of Vaudeville, Tin Pan Alley, and classic Americana into a vibrant, multifaceted artistic journey.
The Artistic Landscape
Bragg's creative universe spans multiple interconnected projects, each a testament to his profound understanding of American musical roots. From the honky-tonk authenticity of The Honky Tonk Dream and North of Nashville to the whimsical joy of King Kazoo & The Reindeer Band, the immersive theatrical experience of New Vaudeville and his intimate singer-songwriter solo shows, he crafts performances that are simultaneously nostalgic and groundbreaking.
A virtuoso who has mastered over 5,000 songs across genres—blues, rock, jazz, swing, gospel, folk, and country and a published composer of hundreds more—Bragg doesn't just perform music; he curates experiences. His encyclopedic musical knowledge and third-generation entertainment DNA allow him to weave intricate musical narratives that transport audiences to different eras while feeling utterly contemporary.
Musical Credentials and Prolific Output
A multi-talented artist, Bragg has established himself as a prolific songwriter, producer, and performer. With 13 studio albums to his credit, he has demonstrated exceptional versatility as both a composer and record producer. A Nashville-based artist who has performed over 3,600 shows nationwide, he has shared stages with country legends like Alan Jackson, Chris Stapleton and Lake Street Dive. His band The Honky Tonk Dream earned critical acclaim from Saving Country Music, while his holiday compositions and A Songwriter's Christmas tour have garnered international recognition and a publishing deal with Howling Music for placement in film and TV.
Acoustic Singing Telegram: Healing Through Music
Beyond traditional performance, Bragg has revived the vintage art of the Acoustic Singing Telegram, bringing music to places medicine sometimes cannot reach. This unique service is a testament to his belief in music's transformative power—bringing joy, comfort, and healing energy directly to hospital rooms, homes, and workplaces. For Bragg, the ability to transform someone's day through a personalized musical moment is the most profound gift, creating ripples of positivity that extend far beyond the final note.
New Vaudeville: A Tradition Reimagined
Central to Bragg's current artistic mission is New Vaudeville—a groundbreaking project that resurrects the variety show format. This isn't mere nostalgia, but a sophisticated reimagining of entertainment: 70% genuine historical spirit, 20% contemporary accessibility, and 10% pure transformative magic. Each performance is a meticulously crafted journey featuring musical performances, magicians, dancers, and performers that challenge and delight modern audiences.
Philosophical Approach
What unites Bragg's diverse projects is a commitment to joy, authenticity, and the transformative power of performance. Whether he's performing traditional country at Nashville's most iconic venues, creating whimsical holiday music, producing records, or curating New Vaudeville, his mission remains consistent: to spread happiness and preserve the nuanced traditions of American entertainment.
Beyond the Stage
When not performing, Bragg continues his family's legacy of bringing joy, regularly performing for hospice patients and collaborating with his octogenarian musician father. His upcoming projects for 2025 include new music releases, the premiere of New Vaudeville, and continuing his celebrated A Songwriter's Christmas tour.
Jay Bragg isn't just an artist—he's a cultural curator, a musical storyteller, and a keeper of America's rich entertainment traditions.