He was born in Garrard Co. Kentucky in 1936. His dad was a farmer, his mom was a housewife . He has a sister named Imogene that is a year older, that sang with him in their early years when they were 5 & 6 years old.  Jody sang for Imogene’s first year graduation & that was the begining of his music career . He sang & played the Mandolin . His next gig was when he was about 10 or 11, they sang with his father on a radio show on WHIR in Danville Kentucky. 

In 1951 he went on the road with Charlie Monroe for a bit before going back home.  The family then moved to Cincinnati.

He was drafted into the Army in 1958 and served his time. This gave him 2 years of  guitar practice (ha ha). Jody was discharged in 1960, freeing him in the spring of ‘ 61 to go to Detroit and start playing at the West Fort Tavern.

That’s enough for now we want you to come back for the next chapter of the LIFE of Jody Payne as it does get more interesting as we go along.So be sure & come join us for the rest of the story...