Back Home - In Conversation | Absolutely Gospel Music

Back Home - In Conversation

Site Administrator Deon Unthank chats with Jimmy and Jennifer Layne (Back Home)

Deon Unthank: Give us a little history of Back Home. How did the two of you meet? When did you discover that you wanted to sing together? Tell us about your family.

Jennifer: We come from an area where everybody knows everybody, so it seems we’ve know each other all of our lives. We each grew up singing, and our families traveled and sang. We sang together in church, but three years ago, we felt like God wanted us to do more.

DU: How did the name Back Home come about?

Jennifer: We wanted the name Prodigal, but the name was already taken. So, we came up with Back Home, because that is the heart of the story of the Prodigal Son. Our ministry is about letting people know that everyone has a past, but God still wants you to come back home.

DU: I love the sound that you two have together. How would you best describe it? How do you feel that Back Home's ministry is different than every other group on the right today?

Jimmy: I would describe our sound as country gospel, which is exactly who we are. We feel that what makes us a little different is the way we minister. We don’t have a set list. We don’t ever know what we are going to say. and we pray that each service is specific to the needs of the people that are in front of us at that moment. We are who we are in the way we talk, the way we dress, and in the real life based songs that we sing. (We were asked in an interview one time, “how did you learn to talk and sing so country?” Our answer was, “we live in a holler in Kimball, Tennessee. There ain’t no learnin’ to it!”)

DU: Jennifer is an awesome songwriter. When did she start writing? What is her inspiration for writing?

Jennifer: Thank you so much for that compliment. The first song I ever wrote was after the miscarriage of our twins. I really wanted to share the healing process that God had given me with other women/people. My inspiration for writing is from seeing the world around me - the needs, the hurts, the Jesus I want them to know. I often use my experiences, like my blessings or my hurts, to convey the message.

Jimmy: Jennifer has allowed God to use her in a way that I can’t explain. It is a blessing to see that top writers in Nashville such as Don Poythress, Mark Narmore, Brent Baxter, Gerald Crabb, Leslie Satcher and others are calling to write with her. It’s definitely from God.

DU: Who are your musical influences?

Jimmy: Well, my musical influences covers a wide range of music - James Taylor, Bruce Carroll, Kenny Loggins, Collin Raye and Kenny Hinson. From the passion that they all sing with, you can feel their heart in what they do.

Jennifer: I love the voices of Sheryl Crowe and Bonnie Rait. I also grew up singing every Karen Wheaton track that I could get my hands on - I just loved the passion she sang with. I also love Sheri Easter. She’s just who she is. Lastly, Karen Peck and The Nelons. I grew up singing about everything Karen and Kelly did.

DU: Do you have a person or experience that has had a significant impact on your life? Can you tell us a little about how your life has been affected by them?

Jennifer: Other than my parents, Pastor Phil Webb really had an impact on my life. He didn’t just speak of God’s love; he proved it. He understood that people make terrible mistakes, but God loves them anyway. Just because you mess up doesn’t mean God is through with you. He taught that there is really such a thing as forgiveness and restoration.

Jimmy: The wreck of my son Joey has brought life into perspective. I don’t let a lot of things really bum me out anymore. Things like that will make you look at life a little different.

DU: If you weren't singing Gospel music, what would you be doing?

Jimmy: Probably working in a cube somewhere hating what I do. Or, I may go back to doing background vocals full time in Nashville singing with known and unknown artists from all over the world, which is what I have done for years. I love it!

DU: In your opinion, what is the most difficult barrier to cross in establishing yourself as a credible up and coming group?

Jimmy: The most difficult barrier I have seen so far is trying to figure out why everyone has to have the same sound, same look, etc - before they are accepted. Why can’t we just be the way we are and who we are and that be enough? We are not asking anyone else to change, and we’re not radical in our sound. It’s just a little different, but everyone seems to be wanting us to fit in the mold.

For more information on Back Home - visit their home on the web at http://www.backhomesings.com .