Jeffrey Backus

In 1989 Jeffrey was introduced to the sound of new style country music and began to write his own songs that showed a marked country influence. He left Germany for the U.S. for the first time in 1991, to learn more about the country he always felt bonded to, as well as about the music. Living in Dallas, Texas for six months and then in Syracuse, New York for further six months showed him the country music of the South and the rock music of the North. Whilst in New York he played two original songs live on a local radio station and performed at various venues in Syracuse. Jeffrey continued to write a number of folk and country- influenced songs on this trip.

In 1992 he returned to Germany with his songs and decided to promote "New American Music" - the new style of Country Music. He began touring solo again, singing covers and some of his own material. Jeffrey was among the first musicians to introduce this kind of music to Germany and he started to build a reputation as a country performer. Whilst touring he met "The Patty Burns Band" and was invited to join them as a guitarist, later becoming the band leader and sharing the lead vocalist position with Patty Burns. He often made guest appearances with other musicians as part of duo and trio acts and as a guitarist and vocalist with other bands.
In 1993 Jeffrey formed his own Country-Rock band "Jeffrey Backus & Gundust". Still performing mainly covers, they toured all over Germany and Austria. He still performed solo and his reputation as a top country performer spread. He appeared in Radio interviews for "Radio Trausnitz" and "Radio Gong", was featured in Newspaper articles for both Local and National press and was a favorite at Country Festivals. The Band played at the German Country Music Fan Fair in 1995, received an encouraging response from the media, and are featured in the Video "Highlights of the Fan Fair 1995". Jeffrey and the band recorded the album "Bits and Pieces" as a promotional demo in 1994.

In 1996 Jeffrey decided he had to go to Nashville - Music City, USA - to pursue his music career and permanently left Germany for Nashville. He arrived in New York in July and played at The Eagle Hotel, Leroy, NY. He purchased a motor home, taking the opportunity to travel through America and Canada for a few months. Jeffrey arrived in Nashville in October 1996 and started performing on a weekly basis at the "Hall of Fame Lounge". He also joined the Friday and Saturday night band playing at "Paul's Country Club" and took part in several talent contests including the Opryland Talent show held at the Acuff Theatre. He also appeared at Open-Mic and writer's nights singing his original songs.