The windup, an outreached 6 foot 4 inch body, the smokin’ powerful release, and the roar of the crowd have created excitement for Jim Wise in two careers.

A native of Joplin, Missouri, Jim was always focused on sports, but at the age of 14 he bought his first guitar from Grandpa’s Discount House for $89. He “picked and grinned” with his high school friends and played in bands, but he soon learned he couldn’t devote time to both sports and musical activities when his sports career began to soar. Jim attended the University of Iowa on a sports scholarship and upon graduation with a Bachelor of Science degree was drafted by professional baseball.

Jim became a successful St. Louis Cardinals pitcher, and after several seasons an injury sidelined his career. After baseball, he moved to Elmhurst, Illinois, to become a park recreational supervisor, and at night he picked up his guitar and honed his singing talents as a solo act at coffee houses and clubs on Chicago’s Rush Street. Jim eventually graduated to his own self-contained touring band, became hooked on music and entertained dreams of becoming a successful country music artist.

After working the “roadhouse” clubs, Jim progressed to large concert venues by performing as the opening act for major headliners including Alan Jackson and Waylon Jennings. His stature, smooth baritone voice and a rockin’ country sound gets the attention of the audience on the first song and keeps it. You will get this feeling when you first listen to this album.

Discipline dominates many facets of Jim’s life. He has trained in Nashville with Gerald Arthur (Reba McIntire, Emmylou Harris) and Renee Grant-Williams (Randy Travis, Jill Sobule), earned a Third Degree Black Belt in Karate and became an instrument rated multi-engine private pilot to overcome a fear of flying.

Jim Wise’s view from the top of the mound has given him the dedication and determination needed to pursue any career after professional sports. His dreams of becoming a successful country music recording artist will become reality because his game plan is the same for his two careers: the windup, the powerful release and the roar of the enthusiastic crowd!