Country California

Following a number of high-profile public appearances and an official endorsement from David Letterman in 2008, Jamey Johnson’s beard announced today that it will begin work on a solo debut in coming months. The beard, whose likeness will continue to appear in most of Johnson’s publicity photos, cited personal fulfillment as a reason for the new side venture: “I really enjoy my work with Jamey. He’s a great guy and has always been really good to me, but there’s a part of me that thinks I can do more than establish outlaw credibility through habitual unkemptness and occasionally catch fallen crumbs of food. I have some really good music in my soul and am excited to finally let the world hear it.” The beard plans to maintain its regular tour schedule with Johnson, heading into the studio on off days to work on its own music, described as “a thorny, bristly sound that challenges clean-shaven convention and gets right down to the follicle of the matter.” Due out later this year, the as-yet-untitled album will be produced by the beard of Rick Rubin and feature guest appearances from the beards of Billy Gibbons and William Lee Golden.

Concept by Farce the Music