“Music is so powerful and we literally have that power in our hands and voices. Be conscious. Speak on things that affect you or could help someone else. Music should bring everyone together and not separate us. Look what Michael Jackson did to the world with just his music. It's a beautiful thing when used right.”

Jovin Webb: Southern Gospel Idol

Six years before he dazzled millions of viewers on American Idol with his bayou mystique, his humility, and his distinctive gravelly vocals, lifelong musician Jovin Webb was on the verge of giving up on his music career dreams. Bringing Louisiana soul to the famed talent show franchise proved to be a career reset. The Baton Rouge-based artists steps forward with his raw and emotive debut album, Drifter (2024), out on the iconic blues label, Blind Pig. The 12-song collection is a vibrant mix of growling low-down blues, Jovin’s wailing harmonica, heartfelt soul ballads, and rowdy, Little Richards-style rock 'n' roll. Drifter was produced by multi-Grammy winning producer Tom Hambridge (Buddy Guy, Susan Tedeschi, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram).

(Photo: Jovin Webb)

His life story is one of humility and strength. Raised by a devoted single mother who sacrificed for her family, Webb learned the importance of hard work and determination. His father, a charismatic figure, introduced him to the blues at an early age, singing John Lee Hooker’s “Boom Boom” and instilling in him a love for the genre. With Drifter, Jovin Webb emerges as more than just a contestant on a talent show—he is a first-rate artist whose music echoes the trials and triumphs of his life. His debut album encapsulates a journey of self-discovery, transforming personal struggles into powerful melodies that resonate deeply with listeners.

Interview by Michael Limnios        Special Thanks: Jeff Schroedl (Blind Pig Records)

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most?

Music has influenced me in many ways because it was always part of my life since a child. From the singing to playing music and dance, it always just felt innate to me. Music and rhythm has always been pumping through my veins which led me to my first love, the drums. The moment I heard Michael Jackson for the first time was big for me. Such beauty and perfection, love, and hurt in his music. His music has a hold on me to this day.

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? What keeps a musician passionate in Gospel, Blues, Soul?

I can't really describe my sound, but if I could try, I would just say 'soulful and gritty.' I believe music should be a free place to express yourself. A story or picture painted in three to four minutes. It's a crazy concept but it should mean something. Authentic expression. Nothing complicated--just good on the ears. That's what I think if I'm listening to a good song or creating one of my own. Once you know Southern Gospel there is no getting away from it. Good Gospel comes from raw emotion. Once you tap into the feeling it never leaves you no matter what you decide to sing. Gospel has every element you need for any genre whether it's blues, soul, rock, jazz, or country. It's all there.                                   (Photo: Jovin Webb, multitalented artist from Louisiana)

“I'm from south Louisiana. When you hear the blues or jazz you think of us. The rich culture of food, music, and people of all colors shines through when I sing and perform. A melting pot of so many different people--black, white, red, blue or whatever--have all contributed to making Louisiana what it is. Soul and blues comes from down within. It can't be taught. Either you have it or you don't.”

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

What I miss the most from music in the past is that feeling they had back in the day. It meant something. I miss how timeless those songs were. 30-40 years later and those songs are still great. A lot of stuff we listen to is here today and gone tomorrow. I want to make timeless music. The last 10-15 years have been a real interesting time for music--like a rebirth or renaissance for music. People are getting back to the roots of music. Authentic, tangible music. Like, for instance, vinyls are back. People are tired of all this streamed music that's up in the air and they are starting to want something they can feel again. Some amazing new artists have been working, creating, and making their way on the scene with some incredible talent. It's refreshing. Little kids are putting instruments in their hands again. That's a great start. AI can't duplicate that.

What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far? Do you have any interesting stories about the making of debut album “Drifter” (2024)?

I can't really narrow down just one highlight of my career thus far because it has all been amazing to me. The good and the bad is all part of the journey. From karaoke to American Idol, being on TV, being on the cover of my first magazine, getting signed, having my first album, touring Europe, being on a movie soundtrack. It has all been a blessing; a dream that I never thought would happen but I'm glad I tried and didn't give up. Nothing super interesting about the making of Drifter. It was something that was long overdue. I needed that. Great songs, amazing studio and musicians, and topped it off with a great producer, Tom Hambridge.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

The most important lesson I've learned from this whole musical journey is that you have to start somewhere. Put yourself out there and never give up. This profession isn't for the fickle. You have to literally be insane to pursue this career. I fit the description! Growing and making connections is huge in this industry. Singing is the easy part but learning the business is the key. I'm still learning and trying to figure this thing out. Word of mouth is great but social media is that real boost to help any artist. There are so many other elements around being a signed, touring artist that I never thought existed. To make it, surround yourself with people you trust. It's a grimy industry.

“Music has influenced me in many ways because it was always part of my life since a child. From the singing to playing music and dance, it always just felt innate to me. Music and rhythm has always been pumping through my veins which led me to my first love, the drums. The moment I heard Michael Jackson for the first time was big for me. Such beauty and perfection, love, and hurt in his music. His music has a hold on me to this day.” (Photo: Jovin Webb)

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of music/musicians in today’s society?

It is important to preserve the blues but I think it will be preserved if we try or not. The blues is literally somewhere in everything we listen to. Name a genre and it's in there or it's influenced by it. It's our duty as musicians to spread joy and different emotions, and talk about things that matter. Music is so powerful and we literally have that power in our hands and voices. Be conscious. Speak on things that affect you or could help someone else. Music should bring everyone together and not separate us. Look what Michael Jackson did to the world with just his music. It's a beautiful thing when used right.

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

I don't think I'm necessarily doing anything specific to present it to a new generation. I'm just being authentic. I'm 35 year old, so not y oung, but also not old. I still have something refreshing to bring to the blues. When you hear my music you hear different things in the mix. I still get compliments from people 16 and younger saying they like my music. I don't know how they hear it but somehow the music resonates unintentionally.

How does your hometown (Baton Rouge) that affect your music? When it comes to authenticity in blues, do you believe race makes a difference?

I'm from south Louisiana. When you hear the blues or jazz you think of us. The rich culture of food, music, and people of all colors shines through when I sing and perform. A melting pot of so many different people--black, white, red, blue or whatever--have all contributed to making Louisiana what it is. Soul and blues comes from down within. It can't be taught. Either you have it or you don't.

Jovin Webb - Home

(Photo: Jovin Webb)