Born and raised in Ohio, Jay Kirgis was exposed to R&B, Motown and blues through his Mother's record collection. He began playing harmonica at the age of 12, citing Sonny Terry, John Mayall and Shakey Jake Harris as influences. At the age of 24, while living in California, he began playing guitar and learning by listening to the music of Muddy Waters, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Jimmy Reed and many others. After moving to Mississippi in 1995, he found inspiration in the bluesmen and culture of the Delta. Jay has been playing festivals and local venues for over 20 years and has been fortunate enough to share the stage with many blues greats, including, R.L. Burnside, Sam Carr, Frank Frost, Shuggy Otis, T-Model Ford, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith and many others. In addition, he has had the honor of sharing billing with Shuggy Otis, Nick Gravenites, Norton Buffalo, Roy Rogers, Junior Kimbrough and others. it is often said that Jay's soulful vocals along with his rack style harmonica and guitar combine to create the feel of listening to a whole band.