Third-generation songwriter and entertainer Jay Bragg stands as one of the last authentic standard bearers of golden age American showmanship. Known in his home base of Nashville as "Dr. Good Vibes" for his joyful performances that pair witty songwriting and storytelling with a sonic kaleidoscope of kazoos, whistles, harmonicas, percussion and curated moments of audience participation, Bragg crafts original compositions that blend vintage pop, country, Tin Pan Alley, and vaudeville styles that feel both nostalgic and perfectly placed for our modern age of dopamine and distraction.
His innovative approach to reviving nearly-extinct musical traditions has earned him national recognition, including a publishing deal with Howling Music and opportunities to share stages with legends like Alan Jackson and Chris Stapleton. Whether through his acclaimed "New Vaudeville" variety shows, intimate singer-songwriter storyteller performances, honky tonk revues or holiday shows, Bragg creates transformative experiences that transport audiences to a place of childlike wonder while naturally fulfilling our contemporary need for genuine old-school human connection in the digital age.
REVIVING GOLDEN AGE SHOWMANSHIP
In a world of digital distraction and fleeting entertainment, Jay Bragg stands as a rare cultural guardian—a third-generation entertainer reviving the sophisticated showmanship of America's golden age for contemporary audiences. With the soul of a musical historian and the innovative and playful spirit of a modern artist, Bragg doesn't just perform; he creates transformative experiences that transport audiences through time while remaining utterly relevant today.
A LIVING BRIDGE TO AMERICA'S ENTERTAINMENT HERITAGE
Born into a century-old musical lineage outside Boston and now based in Nashville, Bragg has mastered the delicate art of making nostalgia feel fresh and vital. After sharing stages with country legends like Alan Jackson and Chris Stapleton during his early Nashville years, Bragg continues to evolve toward the authentic styles he inherited from his ancestry — jazz, swing, vintage pop and vaudeville - work that represent the culmination of his 22-year musical career.
SONGWRITER & MUSICAL ALCHEMIST
What truly distinguishes Bragg is his remarkable gift for composition—crafting original songs that seamlessly blend vintage musical styles from the first half of the 20th century with contemporary sensibilities. As a prolific songwriter with hundreds of original compositions across 13 studio albums, Bragg doesn't merely interpret the past; he reinvents it. His innovative approach to songwriting—taking the ingredients of forgotten styles and transforming them into fresh, relevant creations—has earned him recognition among country, folk and pop traditionalists, culminating in a coveted publishing deal with Howling Music for international film and TV placements.
As a virtuoso who has mastered over 3,000 songs across blues, jazz, swing, gospel, folk, and country, Bragg curates musical experiences that resonate with audiences seeking both joyful escapism and artistic depth. His encyclopedic musical knowledge allows him to weave intricate musical narratives that bridge eras while speaking directly to our present moment.
THE HAPPY MUSIC SPECIALIST
What makes Bragg - who is often referred to as "Dr. Good Vibes" - unique in today's performance landscape is his commitment to joyful, healing entertainment infused with original compositions that honor tradition while pushing boundaries. At the heart of his distinctive approach is an unlikely instrument that has become his signature: the kazoo. Discovered during his time as a hospice care volunteer when he noticed how his kazoo playing immediately relieved patients' pain, Bragg has elevated this simple instrument to an art form—likely the only musician in Nashville who takes kazoo playing seriously.
This whimsical element serves multiple profound purposes: transporting audiences to a place of childlike joy, breaking down the fourth wall by turning spectators into participants, and providing much-needed comic relief and levity that resonates across generations. The kazoo becomes not just an instrument but a vehicle for connection, transformation, and healing.
Whether performing his original works at club and theater shows, bringing personalized Acoustic Singing Telegrams to homes and hospital rooms, or orchestrating his celebrated "New Vaudeville" and "A Songwriter's Christmas" shows, Bragg's mission remains consistent: creating moments of genuine connection and transcendent joy through innovative musical storytelling.
This philosophy and his distinctive songwriting approach have earned him national recognition—from critical acclaim in Saving Country Music to features in the Boston Globe and performances on NPR affiliate programming. With 13 studio albums, hundreds of original compositions, over 3,600 live shows nationwide, and a publishing deal with Howling Music for film and TV placements, Bragg has established himself as a significant voice in preserving and reimagining America's rich entertainment traditions.
A STORYTELLER FOR OUR TIMES
In an era of disconnection and digital isolation, Bragg's original compositions and performances offer something increasingly rare—a shared experience that unites audiences through timeless entertainment values while addressing contemporary needs for meaning and connection. His sophisticated revival of golden-age entertainment, enhanced by innovative original songwriting that transforms vintage elements into fresh creations, provides not just an escape, but a meaningful journey that helps audiences make sense of our complex world while soothing the soul.
As one of the last authentic practitioners of a nearly extinct performance tradition, Jay Bragg doesn't just entertain—he reminds us of the transformative power of live performance, the healing potential of joyful music, and the enduring magic that happens when traditional songcraft meets modern innovation.
"Jay Bragg isn't just an artist—he's a cultural curator, a musical storyteller, and a keeper of America's rich entertainment traditions."