SEI Native Johnson Leaving Bluegrass Group The Grascals

Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at 7:28 AM

By Mike Perleberg Jamie Johnson, who grew up in Milan, has left The Grascals, the bluegrass music group he co-founded. Photo provided. (Nashville, Tenn.) - Milan native Jamie Johnson has announced he is leaving the critically acclaimed Nashville-based bluegrass group The Grascals. Johnson along with Terry Eldridge were co-founding members of the twice Grammy-nominated group. This week, the group’s frontman announced his departure after 10 years as lead singer and guitarist with The Grascals. He provided a statement to publication Bluegrass Today, explaining that his depression and more time needed with his family are the reasons for his decision:

“I wanted to wish the Grascals a huge future loaded with fun and success!! I wouldn’t trade my time with them for anything, and I am so thankful to God and the friends and fans who made it all possible.

The time has come for me to step away and focus on me, my health, my family and, most importantly, my son Cole train!

Not many know that I have suffered from depression over the last few years and it has taken a toll on me personally, my music, and my family. With the grace of God and support from friends, I am ready to overcome and be the man I want to be.

I am trading in my Grascals shirt for a T-Ball shirt that says ‘Coach’ on the back, and I am so excited about this next chapter in my life.

I want to thank The Grascals for helping me see this and always being there for me and showing me love and giving me advice…they want this for me as much as I do so we can all grow old together.

I’m ready to love me again!!! God Bless to all!! Jamie

ps….GOOD LUCK TO JOHN in his journey with the Grascals!!”

The parting appears to be on good terms. “We support Jamie 100% and his focus needs to be on his health and his family! We love Jamie very much and he will always be a Grascal!!” a post on the group’s Facebook page said. On occasion, Johnson has brought The Grascals back to southeast Indiana to play various festivals over the past several years. Some of the group’s songs penned by Johnson referenced his hometown, such as “Five Miles to Milan”. The group also recorded the theme song for the reality television show "American Pickers". John Bryan, a singer and guitarist from North Carolina who most recently played with Larry Efaw and The Bluegrass Mountaineers, has been announced as Johnson’s replacement.