Laying one down from his debut record.
Jon Pardi has been on the scene for quite some time, releasing his debut album in 2014, Write You A Song. But before that album came lots of time playing in dive bars, hustling in writers’ rounds, and trying to make a name for himself. It’s all very similar to how up-and-comers try to make it today, minus the social media presence.
Two years before the release of his debut album, in 2012, Pardi was in Indianapolis to perform a set for 97.1 Hank FM at Tin Roof. Of course, most people who know country music and travel to Music City have been to the original Tin Roof location near Music Row in Nashville, but they have locations all over. Indy, Chicago, Memphis, Florida, Ohio… there’s a lot. They even have one on Broadway, which is technically walking distance from the original spot in Nashville.
An old clip from this set recently went viral on social media (fun fact: Whiskey Riff blogged about this video a decade ago when Jon was new on the scene), featuring baby-faced Jon Pardi and highlighting his early songwriting as he sings “When I’ve Been Drinkin’.” Before firing up the tune, a man from the crowd yelled at Pardi to perform more original songs—even though he had been during most of his set.
“Original? Those are all originals, buddy.”
He showed the Tin Roof visitor that he has some stellar original cuts, firing up an acoustic version of that song. Even 12 years ago, Pardi still had the same thick twangs and vocal delivery we see today. Pardi was laying down deep cuts that still ring true today over a decade ago as the lyrics of “When I’ve Been Drinkin'” highlight a man who picks up the phone to call a former lover when he’s had a few, hoping that one-day things might turn around. However, since he can’t shake wanting to get back to this girl, he keeps calling her every time he’s been drinking.
”I was just drunk, dialing your number
Hoping that you just might wanna come over
I might have said a little too much
You know I don’t think before I talk when I got a good buzz
Can’t be held responsible for what I was saying
You know I say a lot of things when I’ve been drinking…”
Jon Pardi has been laying down heaters for over a decade, and this performance shows how he’s stayed true to himself throughout his career.
If you like watching clips of your favorite artists before they became a household name, this one is for you.
Check out some of the comments left on the viral clip while you’re here. They are gold.
“It’s giving young Eric church vibes.”
“From his best album.”
“He made a hit out of this song. Shows persistence pays off.”
“Holy hell.”
“Young Pardi looks like Cleto from Flatland.”
I did not see this until reading this comment, but holy sh*t, this user is not wrong. The slight curl and longer hair gives full Cleto vibes, and now I cannot unsee it. This comment wins.
