"Jesse Boleyn is a truly remarkable American songwriter and author. His work is intuitive, visionary, multi-level, and beautifully fun. I have worked with him on a number of key projects across three decades. He brings insight, professional focus, and often hits the nerve of extraordinary creative work." - Chuck Hammer, Guitarchitecture (Lou Reed, David Bowie)

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Jesse Boleyn, born Ray Bowling, is an American music composer, recording artist, record producer, and published author of eight books with over one hundred songs in his BMI catalogue, spanning a forty year career. Boleyn is also a former Green Beret, having volunteered and served with the U.S. Army 7th Special Forces Group (ABN) during the Vietnam era. Jesse was raised in Europe as an Army brat, graduating from Frankfurt American High School in Frankfurt, Germany in 1969, the son of a U.S. Army Lt. Colonel and attended Florida State University. He has an AA degree in English Literature. Boleyn has garnered a loyal following of avid listeners around the world, performing hundreds of concerts in seventeen countries while maintaining artistic freedom and sovereignty of the creative spirit above all else.

 

As an artist Boleyn is best known for the worldly quality of his lyrics, offering a unique blend of intimate commentary and self-refection about the world we live in. Boleyn describes himself as "a wandering bard and mystic storyteller traveling across this marvelous landscape called the human experience." He is a professional croquet player and member of The United States Croquet Association. He is also an avid sailor and golfer.

 

Boleyn's national debut was Oct 12, 1979 at the Strand Theater in Rochester, NY while on tour with music legend Shawn Phillips and is often considered Phillip's protege. Boleyn earned the unique distinction of being Phillips' first opening act in thirteen years, chosen by Shawn himself after a personal three song audition. Upon which Phillips stood on his head in a yoga position as all the change fell out of his pockets saying "that's what you get. Congratulations." They remain friends until this day, having performed many concerts together over the years.

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Many world class artist's contribute their talents to Boleyn's music making. Backing vocalists Sally Stewart, (Las Vegas performer) Beth Andersen, (Scarface, Debbie Harry, The NeverEnding Story) Paul Trudeau, (Elton John, Billy Idol, Melissa Etheridge, Rick Springfield) and Norwegian superstar Aina Olsen to mention a few, along with award-winning record producer Chris Garcia. (Celine Dion, Carlos Santana, Christine Aguilera, Katy Perry, Adele) Longtime friend and legendary guitar pioneer Chuck Hammer, has contributed his world class talents resulting in a beautiful collection of masterful works. 

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Boleyn's writings, from the late 70's until now, remain strangely current possessing a timeless quality. Jesse was first published in March of 1979 with the release of his hit single "Countdown for the Meltdown" about Three Mile Island, receiving extensive national airplay after mailing 500 copies to radio station program directors marked "Radioactive!" on the envelopes. Boleyn's first album "Foreign Soil" was released in 1980 co-produced by Chuck Hammer. Jesse Boleyn has continued to author an enduring legacy of successful creative songwriting all as an independent artist.

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