For the long haulers, the story-holders, and the soft-spoken rebels—this one’s for you. I write songs for the women still becoming, for the quiet strength passed down through generations, and for the folks who carry truth in melody. If you’ve ever rebuilt yourself verse by verse, you’re already part of The Circle. Follow for more Midwest folk, healing songs, and stories stitched with Gingham and Grit.

This is my original song that I wrote with Chris Forte (c) 2024 - Paragon. Recorded live at Brown County Inn, Nashville, Indiana March 2025 with Chuck Wills on guitar, Jason Blankenship on guitar, JC on vocals and guitar, Michael Wimer on drums, and Jeff Farber on bass

#folkallianceinternational #Hoomac #folkalliance #montreal #newgrass #bluegrass #americana #americanamusic #womenofamericana #Indianamusic #folk #folkmusic - Montreal, words and music by JC Clements (C) Jennifer Blankenship 2024 - ASCAP. Featuring Chris Dollar on guitar, Jesse Beals on banjo, Devin Brown on upright bass, recorded - mixed - engineered - mastered by Ben Cartha Fowler of Jefferson Street, Bloomington, Indiana. Montreal is more than a destination; it is a dream realized, a testament to the power of music and the journey it inspires. This song emerged as I prepared for my first international performance, feeling both excitement and uncertainty. It captures the thrill of stepping into the unknown while staying grounded in my roots. Years of perseverance led to this moment, proving that passion is worth the struggle. The road to Montreal is about more than distance—it’s about believing in the future. Written in the voice of my family’s music, it reflects the mountain and folk traditions that shaped me. My mother is from Hazard, Kentucky, and those melodies and stories live in this song. Featuring Chris Dollar of Hen House Prowlers on guitar, Jesse Beals of Lowlanders on banjo, and Devin Brown of Dakota Curtis and the Dark and Lowlanders, it was recorded at Jefferson Street in Bloomington, Indiana, in January 2025, a month before I played in Montreal. This song is about transformation. Montreal symbolizes what’s possible when we dare to leave expectations behind and follow our own path.

This song speaks to me so deeply. It is about liberation and celebration. It is about survivorship and courage. It is a masterpiece in songwriting. Thank you @TheWoodBros for writing this. Thank you to Marty, Michael, Jason, and Ron for being so generous with your wonderful talent and being part of this band. I am so grateful to everyone who came out and to Buskirk Chumley for the invite to play!

We are discussing the hot topic debate of whether or not to buy a Captain Beefheart vinyl if you come across it in the store. I am in, however Chuck has some reservations. LOL #folk #folksinger #captainbeefheart #vinylrecords #backstage

This song was written when I had family remind me that I was meant to be happy, even in the hardest times. You can dance in the toughest of climates. It was Recorded @secretstudiohq and @LydiaLovelessMusic produced it, she made my voice sound like it never has before, which made it an even more fabulous and special. Andy Harrison Mastered it, and is a wizard. @thehammerandthehatchet play on it, along with Caleb Powers from @TheHackensawBoys It was a magical day. I hope you like it. Written by JC Clements and Chris Forte. Copyright 2022.

Written by JC Clements and Chris Forte, this is an acoustic version that was produced by #lydialoveless at Secret Studio, Columbus, Ohio. It features John Bowyer (Mandolin) and Jayme Hood (Backing Vocals) from The Hammer and The Hatchet, and Caleb Powers from the Hackensaw Boys, along with Jason Blankenship on Guitar, and JC Clements on lead vocals. It is a powerful song about the gift of family and friendship when you are going through a tough time. You need that type of unconditional love to remind you that you are not alone, you can dance even in the most challenging of environments, and you were meant to be happy.

Time to take your dreams down off the shelf they told you to put them up on. If I am going to spend the next 10 years working, I'll spend it working on things that make me #happy #americana #livemusic #rootsmusic #folkrock #singersongwriter #americanamusic #countrymusic #newamericana #midwestfolkrock #liveperformance #nashvillesound #womenofamericana #womeninmusic #telecaster #rock #bluesrock #indierock #womenwhorock #midwestmusic

I wrote this song when someone I loved dearly went through a really tough time, we learned so much about each other, we learned so much about the strength of our family. #familyovereverything #familyrecovery #Americana #LiveMusic #RootsMusic #FolkRock #SingerSongwriter #AmericanaMusic #CountryMusic #Newamericana #Midwestfolkrock #LivePerformance #NashvilleSound #womenofamericana #WomenInMusic #telecaster #Rock #BluesRock #IndieRock #womenwhorock #midwestmusic

Your dreams are your understanding of who you are, live them, #dreams can be your compass if you let them. Drowning, my new single, is about just that.

#rootsmusic #singersongwriter #indiemusic #altfolk #womenofamericana #folkmusicians #countryblues #telecaster #countryrock #Americanarock #FolkRevival #farmfolk #altcountry #womenwhorock #countryblues This song speaks truth to living a life dedicated to your family, no matter what they are going through. Peace - JC

Hello Heartache - December 2023 - coming to all streaming platforms and to Bandcamp. Thank you to everyone who helped make this wonderful piece of music happen! @chrisforteguitar Chris Hambone Cameron, @skoalie02 John Missik, @blankenshipband @jeffersonstparadeband Jefferson Street Studios, @blockhousebloom Andy, @patculleybass @stratochuckster and to @elmforest_ for the amazing cover art - thank you all! See you at the release party on 12/8/23 - written by J. C. Clements copyright 2021

This song was written in honor of the women I served while I was teaching a course on boundaries and healthy communication at a local domestic violence and sexual assault shelter. I had played the song for them and out locally in my area. Then, a few years later, I lost a friend to domestic violence. Her beautiful joy and passion for helping others was lost to the world. Within a few years, I lost another friend, who I deeply respected and who helped our family through a very tough time. I had trouble believing that this was possible. I decided right then, this song would have a purpose. I wanted to use it as a mechanism to raise awareness of and work to combat domestic violence. Money raised from the sale of this song on Bandcamp will be donated to the Desert Rose domestic violence shelter in Martinsville, Indiana. Thank you.

Get more info on this in today's Digitial Music News

Soul Pollution - by J. C. Clements and Chris Forte Art - Emily Medsker Producers - J. C.Clements and Andy Beargie Engineer - Ben Fowler Lead Guitar - Chris Forte Guitar - Jason Blankenship Keys, Synth, Vibes - Chris “Hambone” Cameron Bass - Pat Culley Drums - Rob Davis Additional Drums - John Missik Percussion - Andy Beargie

Understanding someone who is struggling and feels alone is the first step to helping them guide their own recovery. This song is about that for me. Moving from surviving to thriving, hopefully every day. Film of live performance Abby Cannon, Video Production - Frtzln - Fiverr (Indonesia)

Thrilled to get getting added to playlists around the world. Please give them a followPlaylist links for aug 3 2023 Beyond the BridgePlaylist links for aug 3 2023 Beyond the Bridge Corsa, Camminata, e allenamento Radio Caviar Best Music ZeRock Radio Indie Wanderlust https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6KQCvgh6XYolbHkYPTtRNL Kings and Queens Songs with Yallternative energy B side guys Rock and Groove Rock El Mundo https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4Owf8ydUHG7A08yLQjsi8D The Joss List https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JFR87mASgXF4K42YpHajv Hits Style Road Trip Folk Americana Lobello Records Music Addict Only Indie Music https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3f0H8eZFxxPYLE3w2KiJs9?si=f8eca61775984e64&nd=1 Rock Blues Brasil https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3hzDjBLJaC4DGWAgmGrSPH?si=15723967160643c9&nd=1 Popcorn https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6p2dUtLADG5KSlpdhKJUWw?si=HGLBlB8IQW-u0W_xO1OtMQ&nd=1 Montreal Radio https://www.montrealradiocite.com/ The best music of the week https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7qSunOtjP0XBc6gbEnHkdc?si=96fdd6a19ac7454a.&nd=1 RU Rock https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4XOFRV0j33LhJH7kE01RKu?si=048fe089fcb84dbb&nd=1 Red Wave https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6zNPZs1lH7kihyF8yMFVTW?si=W807giJOQI2pqz5Uc5iAkg%0A&nd=1 dreamy paradise https://open.spotify.com/playlist/257yMKpAVNpRiCuoXTZVUs Reflecsons https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5ZfUKJL3TUtlCjzRhMaxrw Rock Blues Brazil https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3hzDjBLJaC4DGWAgmGrSPH?si=48c421257b9d43bf&nd=1 La Hora del Terrock https://www.lahoradelterrock.com/tongas-its-alive-sala-scd-bellavista/ 8 M …. Musica https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0WlJD7vJfEwtaarY8RdfU8?si=14cb2e61ac864079&nd=1 Brazilianmacca https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=758160019652986&set=pb.100063769831963.-2207520000. Corsa, Camminata, e allenamento Radio Caviar Best Music ZeRock Radio Indie Wanderlust https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6KQCvgh6XYolbHkYPTtRNL Kings and Queens Songs with Yallternative energy B side guys Rock and Groove Rock El Mundo https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4Owf8ydUHG7A08yLQjsi8D The Joss List https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5JFR87mASgXF4K42YpHajv Hits Style Road Trip Folk Americana Lobello Records Music Addict Only Indie Music https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3f0H8eZFxxPYLE3w2KiJs9?si=f8eca61775984e64&nd=1 Rock Blues Brasil https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3hzDjBLJaC4DGWAgmGrSPH?si=15723967160643c9&nd=1 Popcorn https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6p2dUtLADG5KSlpdhKJUWw?si=HGLBlB8IQW-u0W_xO1OtMQ&nd=1 Montreal Radio https://www.montrealradiocite.com/ The best music of the week https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7qSunOtjP0XBc6gbEnHkdc?si=96fdd6a19ac7454a.&nd=1 RU Rock https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4XOFRV0j33LhJH7kE01RKu?si=048fe089fcb84dbb&nd=1 Red Wave https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6zNPZs1lH7kihyF8yMFVTW?si=W807giJOQI2pqz5Uc5iAkg%0A&nd=1 dreamy paradise https://open.spotify.com/playlist/257yMKpAVNpRiCuoXTZVUs Reflecsons https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5ZfUKJL3TUtlCjzRhMaxrw Rock Blues Brazil https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3hzDjBLJaC4DGWAgmGrSPH?si=48c421257b9d43bf&nd=1 La Hora del Terrock https://www.lahoradelterrock.com/tongas-its-alive-sala-scd-bellavista/ 8 M …. Musica https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0WlJD7vJfEwtaarY8RdfU8?si=14cb2e61ac864079&nd=1 Brazilianmacca https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=758160019652986&set=pb.100063769831963.-2207520000.

Really, this song is about liberating yourself from #drama and feeling #free - thank you to Abbey Cannon for the amazing video work! She will be very in demand soon. At Brown County Inn, Nashville, IN - July 2023

This song is about the people and place I turn to in those times when life seems to be so hard that you struggle to get through moment to moment. They remind me that I am meant for joy and happiness and I should be treated with compassion and kindness.

Soul Pollution is a song about what we reach for when the weight gets heavy, and what it costs us when we reach for the wrong thing. It is about the things we use to numb our pain, the ways we try to disappear from ourselves, and the quiet erosion that happens when we do. But it is also a song about the alternative: turning toward the people who love us instead of away from them. The pain is real and the song does not pretend otherwise. What it argues, gently and without preaching, is that the way through is not something you swallow or escape into. It is the hand of someone who knows you. Soul Pollution is a reminder that you were never meant to carry it alone, and that the people who love you are still there, waiting for you to turn around.

I wrote this song when I was teaching a class on boundaries to women housed in secured domestic violence and sexual assault shelter. They are truly my heroes. Then, I added to it when I later lost two friends to domestic violence. My hope is that through this song and the conversation around it, more women will become educated on the red flags and warning signs and will reach out and seek help when they find themselves in the cycle.

Distance was written after reading a book of short stories I borrowed off my roommate, she was not a nice person. I hustled to my room and wrote this song pretty quickly, went back to check the author of the book and she had hidden it away. We didn't live together very long, and the experience with her only gives this song more meaning. Words and Lyrics by J. C. Clements

Super Excited! The video for Liquid Lunches will launch today in celebration of my upcoming gig at the Slippery Noodle Inn, Indianapolis, IN 4/28/23 at 8 pm. I will be playing for #FDIC2023, such an honor to play this venue and with this crew! Spot the two Easter Eggs in the video and let me know the night of the 4/28/23 and I will buy you a beverage! Call me, let me know what you think about the video! 812-360-4400

Hard Hitting Rock for Hard Working People - Songs & shows that tell the truths about making ends meet, facing the reality of working class life together, & having a good time when we get the chance. Donate now & partner with us to keep it real in rock: https://gofund.me/9f2b4f67

Growing up in Indiana @johnmellencamp gave you hope as a musician. He makes you believe that you can play music & be cool & be from Indiana. This means a lot to me, coming from my hometown of Martinsville. Sports are king, arts are not as valued. People constantly are communicating that NO ONE makes a living off music, but we can always point to that THAT GUY FROM SEYMOUR, and really so many more. John has that Hoosier grit and authenticity that I love. His lyrics are pure blue-collar kiss my ass and I love that too. As Americana is gaining in popularity and people are learning more about the backbone of the genre it is wonderful to find more and more people discovering him for the first time and falling in love with him all over again. Here's hoping they do a Hoosier State Showcase @americanafest - we would have a lot to offer for sure. Jason Wilbur, @john_hiatt_music, @michaelclevelandfiddle , @guitsteel (Junior Brown), @carrienewcomer @bigdamnband, the Kinsey Report - the bench is deep. @govholcomb @repandrecarson - can we make this dream happen?? I know you got arts dollars to invest :-) #johnmellencamprocks #hoosierproud #morethancorninindiana🌽 #indianauniversitybloomington #womenofamericana

I was a lucky kid, my grandparent's farmhouse in rural Indiana had so much love & routine, & a real sense of contributing to other people's well being. The building blocks of happiness, I think. Chores = acts of love. Classic country, our soundtrack. This Kitty Wells cover is a favorite of mine. I hope you enjoy listening as much as we did playing it. When you can mix music and family you can always count on fun. #happy #family #music #indiana #indianauniversity #classiccountrymusic #grandparents #takamine #americanamusic #womenofamericana @billmonroecampground

Nick Tremulis is an amazing singer songerwriter with a history of GREAT music and musical performances behind him. He is a professor at Columbia College Chicago and we share a few mutual friends. One of which, Jim Lemon, means the world to us. This ones for you Jim! Love ya! The Blankenships ❤️

WE LOVE this song by Buddy Miller, originally recorded with his wife June. He is such a prolific musician and songwriter. I couldn't wait to share this one. Jason and I have been together now for almost 30 years (October 1993 was our first date), and it has definitely felt like gasoline and matches at times. Americana music offers a wealth of powerhouse songs to cover. It is going to be hard to wrap up 30 cover songs in 30 days, this so much fun! What is your favorite Americana song? XOXO - JC

Sometimes you are in love with someone that just knows how to push those buttons! For those times, there is this perfection of songwriting by @bettesmithmusic - just have this playing in the background and let the song do the talking! PREACH Bette! She is amazing. Check her out at https://www.bettesmith.com/ and check out JC at https://www.jcclementsband.com/ - I will be seeing her in NYC next week!

Cover of Alabaster - Wood Brothers Jason and I were lucky enough to catch @oliverwoodmusic at 3rd and Lindsay in Nashville, Tennessee @americanafest in 2022. Epic! I have listened to this song addictively. It really captures the feeling of freedom for a woman leaving a toxic past behind. GREAT songwriting. We will be playing it live for sure - maybe @slipperynoodleindy on 2/10/22 - see you then! www.jcclementsband.com

Decided to throw in a cover from some work we were lucky enough to do at Brown County Indiana - Rainwater Studios - LOVE them. Along with our friends @patculleybass John Missik and @stratochuckster we covered the great Tom Petty and Steve Nicks and did our best at Stop Dragging My Heart Around - hope ya like it!

We had a blast playing this Georgia Satellites cover written by Dan Baird. A great way to start a Happy New Year. Already having fun and adventures together in 2023! See you soon! XOXO JC

This song means a lot to our family, but really that last verse has taken on a whole new meaning for me as a woman. We loved rehearsing and playing with our son Emerson, 17 years old. Music really connects our family and it is even better when it is such a well written piece. Check out all of Jason Isbell's material if for some reason you haven't heard of him, then do yourself a favor and check out his wife Amanda Shires. I have loved her since I heard her Tiger Paws song years ago. Family and music make for happy people. Happy New Year!

Some Unholy War - an Amy Winehouse cover - Believe that those battles that feel like they are breaking you are building you into a much stronger version of yourself. Those battles your loved ones are fighting can be harder on you than anything you ever had to confront within yourself, because you love them so much. Loving them in those moments is the greatest gift of compassion and acceptance. Remember, that is the most beautiful of love to give, unconditional love built on total acceptance.

Having some fun between work and family. This great song was written by Hoosier native John Hiatt and our old boss Buddy Guy really made it his own. My daughter gave me the shirt for Christmas and it was perfect for the song. Holiday Hoosier fun - Happy New Year from JC and Jason

Growing up we were allowed to watch Hee Haw as a treat for hard work. It was the best education in harmony, pitch, songwriting, showmanship, & music community for a kid living out in the sticks. This song came back into my life when I was off to college in Chicago. While walking in Grant Park one day I stopped dead in my tracks, there in front of me was Ted Hawkins. I couldn't believe it. He was singing this song & in that moment my childhood & my life as a Chicago blues musician all crashed together. I sat with him for a good long while & he passed along wisdom in his words & his way of living. Later that day he played for a full house at Buddy Guy's club Legends. He was generous, kind, & soulful. He left a legacy of wonderful music. This was written by Russ Hull, Mary Jean Shurtz, & Autry Greisham and was a classic country hit for Webb Pierce. You can see the Webb Pierce version and the Ted Hawkins version - check them both out. We did our best here as a tribute to both. I hope Ted would approve.

We had a year! Whew! 2022 was a tough decade 😂 I am thrilled to embark on this journey with so many friend who are mayhem makers and music lovers. Looking forward to gathering together in Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, and more to make a priority of fun happen in our lives. 2023 - let’s go! Happy holidays everyone

It is worth it, all of the heartache, sleeplessness, struggle, every bit of it. To have all of this love and adventure in my life. Their love absolutely makes me believe anything is possible.

I am a sister, a mother, a friend, and a wife. I love what is simple, what makes me feel right. I am strong-willed and grounded, my heart knows no boundaries, I feel closer to memories with each passing - Love to you all over this holiday season.

I am so aware that being over 50 is a privilege and that I should be proud of the accomplishments that the time I have had and the resources given to me have allowed me to achieve. I only hope that with the understanding of life that I have gained that I am able to help women younger than me get to the point in their own lives where they begin to expect nothing less than the respect and dignity that should be afforded to them, in every relationship and in every space that is lucky enough to have them be a part of it. #respect #womensupportingwomen #womenofamericana

We all got a different hill to climb, for some it's a mountain. If you're lucky & don't have the job of having to climb a mountain just to be met with a rock slide, stop talking, you don't get it, & whatever you do, keep your judgements to yourself. #MentalHealthMatters

She REALLY pissed me off. Do ya know someone who needs to tell everyone your business & tell ya how they're so much better than you & you're not living your life right? We all do. We don't need 'em, we have a party to get to with our friends - New Music Sneak Peek! See Her Fall

The book "The Girl Who Wrote In Silk" by Kelli Estes is a tremendous piece of social justice and women's empowerment. I was so moved by the book I wrote about it. I can't wait to share it with you in 2023.

In 2023 we will be releasing 9 singles, this is one that is close to my heart. It is all about transcending toxicity and claiming your happiness. Owning where you are in the healing journey is powerful, it helps to ensure you are moving forward even when it might not seem so. Looking forward to 2023 and staying on this path together.

The WFHB Brown County Hour team was gracious enough to interview us about our trip to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January of 2020. During this interview Jason and I, along with one of the show's hosts, couldn't stop talking about how great Bob Margolin is, because he is a power house guitar player and one in a million! Thank you Bob! You left me speechless and unable to get out of my chair for a good hour. It was amazing!

I'll Be Seeing You Billie Holiday (cover) performed by JC Clements Band at the #Ukraine Benefit Concert at the Brown County Playhouse. During WW2 Billie Holiday's song I'll Be Seeing You was very popular and impactful to those who held onto memories of loved ones far away. It was a song of hope. A song that resonates in this time of crisis as we hold onto our hope, love, and support. #fightforpeace #fightforjustic #supportukraine

Chris Forte references #Seinfield and makes #magic happen on an original song written by JC Clements #Fun #Work - Subscribe to hear full songs and be there for the album premiere 2022! Follow on FB https://www.facebook.com/hoosierblues , Follow on https://www.instagram.com/j.c.clements/?hl=en for more great content!

Song from the new album. Follow on FB and subscribe to hear more great music! https://www.facebook.com/hoosierblues A minute in the studio made by band together featuring JC Clements #band surrounded by talented #friends and #family. Fellow #musiclovers. Featuring original song in the background.

Some Unholy War cover by the one and only Amy Winehouse performed by JC Clements Band and Emerson when he was just 14.

Try Again - Here we are, the Blankenships with our amazing angel Sydney Miller on percussion. I wrote this about a month ago. I hope it helps people who are hurting to heal. The chorus says "I am so broken inside, and I don't know where I am sometimes, I don't know if I will heal alright, but I'll try, I'll try, I'll try again" and that is all we can do -- just try again and be okay with not coming back together the same person you were before someone hurt you. Love to you all. JC

Fun over the holidays with our sons, Aiden 20, Emerson 14 (on bass), in my father in law’s studio. Heaven!

An original, from my second album, hope you enjoy