We were lucky to catch up with Little Joe Bourgeois recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Little Joe, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I really wandered with no direction through most of my life. I tried being a chef. mechanic, bus driver along with a list of other things all the while ignoring my music. I finally got some firm direction after my second marriage ended. I went back to basics and started playing music and posting different country blues on Facebook and TikTok. This led to people hearing and valuing my music which led to opportunities to get out and play what I was actually passionate about. I had been in many country and classic rock bands that I never enjoyed and, ultimately, left, At the same time my mother was encouraging me to just go play what God had put inside me so I did. I never looked back and now I give myself the freedom to play for myself and not worry about how other people feel about what I do. Now don’t get me wrong- I highly value my fans and friends that I’ve made along the way and appreciate their enjoyment of my craft. I just don’t play anything that I don’t really want to anymore- I want to fully enjoy the gifts that God has given me. For me to finally have this attitude felt like a huge risk but it has worked out really well for me as I actually work on my craft daily because I love it so much and the people who listen and perform with me appreciate all the hard work.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
“Little” Joe Bourgeois is a singer and performer of country blues who was born in Massachusetts but raised in Arkansas about 70 miles northwest of Memphis. In his new home Ridgeway, West Virginia, and throughout the country, he delivers his music in a rough-hewn style that is authentic, emotional, and thrilling.
As a child of a musical family, he was heavily influenced by the music he heard at church and family gatherings. Hymns, southern gospel, country & western, old time and bluegrass were the sounds of his youth. Soon after beginning his musical journey on the guitar, he was introduced to blues through his parents’ Christmas presents of “The Best of B.B. King” and “The Country Blues Songbook”. From there he learned blues techniques from older, experienced Delta blues players.
His main musical influences are B.B. King, Robert Johnson, Doc Watson, Joe Pass, Mississippi John Hurt, Jimi Hendrix and Danny Gatton, but his style is undeniably his own.
A dedicated blues fan with 35 years of playing experience, he pays tribute to the music that nurtured his musical talents by sharing it with others through performances, storytelling and instruction.
How did you build your audience on social media?
During the pandemic when we were all isolating, I started putting out a video three times a week on Facebook and YouTube. I shared those posts on as many blues groups as would allow me. At first it was a really slow burn, but I just kept going and sharing because it made me feel good and gave me a way to interact with other musicians and blues lovers. I then expanded to Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter doing the same thing. I watched other channels grow quick and seemingly easily but I just kept on going and kept on and kept on. I eventually made the decision to try to post daily and take requests for different songs. I then started a lesson series to share the techniques that I use, and other players asked about online. Then people started reaching out to me about the possibility of me playing at different festivals and venues. It has just kept building and still does. I have grown to love the lessons and performances online. I still don’t have a huge following online, but I am becoming more well known locally for doing what I actually do and enjoy. I’ve also become part of a worldwide community of musicians from around the world who love and play the blues. If someone asked me how to build a following I’d just say be true to yourself and keep on sharing because the people who value what you do will find you and then you organically grow your following and have a chance to really get to know the folks who love what you do and don’t be afraid to follow back. That’s one thing I did from the start- following back – because I’m no start and I don’t want people who like me to feel that way either. Be real and be true to who you are.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
When I started playing music, I was playing in cover bands that offered the ability to get out and play every night if I wanted to. The problem with that was that while I was playing music, I was playing music that I absolutely had no interest in listening to and no interest at getting better at playing. I kept floating in and out of music trying to find “the meaning of life”. What I didn’t realize was that I had that meaning in my fingertips and heart all along. I was so afraid to just put what was in my heart and soul out in front of people, I was afraid that nobody would like it and I would just be crashing failure. What I didn’t realize was that I already was a failure because I hated what I was doing musically and therefore wasting the gifts I had been given. It took a massive leap of faith to take the first step in the other direction towards what was inside me. If it hadn’t been for the encouragement of my mother, I never would have made the change. That change has done nothing but pay off as I now am busy doing what I love and loving my life. Never be afraid to make the decision to follow your talent and heart.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.littlejoebourgeois.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/littlejoebourgeois?igsh=MTl4aXlheG50bm9rcQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/littlejoebourgois/
- Twitter: @LittleJoeBourg1
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@LittleJoeBourgeois?si=SLvQ8CRS0UaAjA7g