Biography

Jay's down-to-earth folk style entwines the life essence of ordinary people with crisp and delicate acoustical melodies. A long-time musician and lyricist, Jay has allowed everyday life to compose his songs for him, which makes it clear to understand why they speak so eloquently to the very souls of his listeners. Jay has demonstrated his versatility as a singer and songwriter with performances in many venues throughout the United States, both as a solo artist and as a member of various bands. He has also written commercial music for radio advertising and the theme song for a television program.

"His clean, pure voice carries just the right amount of emotion to make each song believable" - David Richards, Erie Times-News


Television and Radio Appearances
Jay made regular appearance on His Place, an internationally broadcasted program on Christian Television (CTV) from 1999 until 2005. In addition, he has appeared at least twice per year for the past five years on Saturday Night Brigade, a syndicated, family-oriented radio program originating from Carnegie Melon University. Other television appearances include Pittsburgh Today and OnQ.

Festivals and Other Engagements
With several appearances at the Three Rivers Arts Festival since 1987, Jay presence has become commonplace to folk music fans in attendance. He has also appeared on several occasions at the First Night New Year's Eve celebration. Jay has performed at The Barking Spider in Cleveland and made various appearances for the Calliope Folk Music Society, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, and the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership.

Awards
Jay is a two-time winner of the Best Acoustic Musician Award, voted on by fans and conducted by the Pittsburgh City Paper. He has also won Best Song in a narrative song contest in 2005 for his hit melody "Tracy Loves Ray", and received honorable mention for the song "Through The Window". His CD, "Gentle Persuader", was named as one of the top ten CDs of the year on WYEP.


Percussion, harmony, counterpoint melody, subtle orchestration- the listener feels the effect without being distracted by the effect, a rare achievement in this age of recording gadgetry" - Robert Wagner, Calliope Music News & Pittsburgh Gazette


Jay's next CD will be released in the spring of 2010.For more information on Jay Hitt's CD collection, and schedule of upcoming engagements, visit www.JayHitt.com or e-mail him at jay@jayhitt.com.