F.A.Q. v3.11c

JACKOPIERCE/American Horse/Cary Pierce/Jack O'Neill
Frequently Asked Questions

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Cary Pierce
1. Who is Cary Pierce?
2. How many albums has Cary Pierce released and what are they?
3. What is his first song that Cary Pierce wrote?
4. What did Cary Pierce do after JACKOPIERCE?
5. What was Cary's first single as a solo artist?
6. What bands have influenced Cary over the years?
7. What are some of the meanings & explantions behind Cary's songs?
8. Where is Cary Pierce currently touring?
9. What musical artists has Cary colalborated with or produced?
10. Are there any email discussion lists for Cary Pierce fans?
    

    JACKOPIERCE
    

11. Who is Jack O'Neill?
12. Who is JACKOPIERCE?
13. What about their early beginnings as a band?
14. What's the story with JACKOPIERCE breaking up, and what is their legacy that they left behind?
15. Is it true that JACKOPIERCE got back together again?
16. What are all the JACKOPIERCE members up to now?
17. How many albums did JACKOPIERCE release and what are they?
18. What is the deal with Vertical Horizon & JACKOPIERCE?
19. What are some of the meanings & explantions behind JACKOPIERCE's songs?
20. Where is JACKOPIERCE currently touring?
21. Are there any email discussion lists for JACKOPIERCE fans?
    

    Misc. Info
    

22. Who is American Horse?
23. How many albums did American Horse release and what are they?
24. How many albums has Jack O'Neill released and what are they?
25. Is Jack O'Neill currently performing in a Broadway play?
26. What's the name of JACKOPIERCE's infamous vans?
27. I've seen some live bootlegs of Cary Pierce/JACKOPIERCE, isn't that illegal?
28. Who is the (artist) manager for Cary Pierce and JACKOPIERCE?
29. Ever thought about going to the Vineyard?
    

    Contact Info
    

30. How can I contact Jack O'Neill and/or Cary Pierce?
31. Who maintains this *Pierce F.A.Q. page?
    

1. Q: Who is Cary Pierce?
   Cary Pierce, whose real name is "Carl", was born in Buffalo, NY.; lived in Syracuse, Atlanta, Florida, grew up in Connecticut and now lives in Dallas. In Cary's early years, he was in several bands--"Pseudo Blue" was the name of his high school band. After high school he moved down to Texas and went to Southern Methodist University (SMU). Today, Cary is a singer/songwriter out of Dallas, Texas and inbetween touring he spends his time working with his own label Foreverything Records working to help produce other artists. He's shared the stage with many great artists such as Vertical Horizon, Howie Day, John Mayer, Pat McGee Band.
   

2. Q: How many albums has Cary Pierce released and what are they?
   Cary has released 6 solo albums: "You Are Here", "Foreverything vol.1", "I Believe In America", "Foeverything vol.2", "Live at Schubas", & "Live at Schubas on 05/06/04" (which is also known as "Live In Chicago"). You can find more information about these albums--as well as compilation albums, misc. releases, and cd singles-- at the Cary Pierce Discography page.
   

3. Q: What is his first song that Cary Pierce wrote?
   Cary's first song that he wrote was called "Three Of Us In A Boat". When Cary was about 17 years old he met a girl in high school in Connecticut, and after High School they both wound up at SMU in Dallas, TX. It's about 3 people - Cary, his girlfriend (Ray), and her boyfriend. This was Cary's first literary allusion; Farley Mowat wrote The Boat Who Wouldn't Float. As a side note, the chorus is "I found new days of sunshine" but the original lyrics were "I miss my Ray of sunshine." More about this song as well as his other songs can be found at the Cary Pierce Song Meanings & Explanations page.
   

4. Q: What did Cary Pierce do after JACKOPIERCE?
   The following text is taken directly from Cary Pierce himself . . .
   

   "After JACKOPIERCE's breakup, I was completely burnt-out on playing and touring. For 3 months straight I avoided rock music. I didn't go to the clubs or listen to rock radio. Instead, I immersed myself in my Mozart collection and found great jazz and blues on the radio. I wasn't even sure I wanted to play music anymore. During our "Farewell Tour", I lost 20 pounds, stopped drinking, and buried myself in motivational, educational, and spiritual books and tapes. I also got into the best shape I've ever been in my life.

   "While contemplating my future in the music scene, I did get to live out another lifelong dream. Since I was a kid, I've always wanted to renovate homes. Needless to say, the first thing that my wife and I did was to buy houses and fix them up! We had no idea of what we were getting into, all we knew was that we loved it. After playing live for so long, I was tired and needed a break. I didn't want to play guitar for a living, and it felt like a chore. I needed to put the guitar down for awhile and simply wait for it to be fun again. Now, after a good rest, I'm back!

   "It's these abrupt changes--like the breakup of a 10 year career--in our lives that cause us to evaluate what is most important. These changes turn "shoulds" into "musts". I now welcome and embrace change - for as we all know - it's the only thing that ever stays the same.

   "Working with Justin was just what I needed to get back into the swing of things. His home studio is inside a barn that sits on 200 acres of rolling hills outside Nashville. All of the sudden, music was fun again!"

   
   

5. Q: What was Cary's first single as a solo artist?
   "Tower" and it was released on the "Aware 6" Compilation from Aware. When talking about his first single "Tower" Cary writes,

   " . . . the song basically recaps the thoughts I had after a wild, three and a half-year ride of being single on the road. While spending a week in New York City, I hit rock bottom. I realized that a radical change was the only cure. The song was recorded in two days in Nashville with Justin Neibank (Eric Clapton, Blues Traveler, Mavericks, Stir). Mark Knopfler's Drummer, Chad Cromwell, was also kind enough to play on the track."

   
   

6. Q: What bands have influenced Cary over the years?
   The following text is taken directly from Cary Pierce himself . . .
   

   "When people ask me what my music is like I usually just let them know the bands that I've played with (listed above), I also name the bands that most influence me. My mom introduced me to the Beach Boys, Neil Diamond, Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, John Denver, Paul McCartney, and the Beatles. Growing up in the mid 80's really influenced my music. The Smiths, Roxy Music, Smithereens, English Beat, New Order, Tears for Fears, U2, Nik Kershaw, Duran Duran, The Cure, Depeche Mode, and many other "new wave" bands were a big part of my high school years. Some of today's brilliant new music from artists like Matthew Sweet ("Girlfriend" is one of the best albums of all time!), PM Dawn, Sara McLachlan, Tracy Chapman, Shawn Colvin, David Garza, John Gorka, October Project, Daniel Lanois, Emmylou Harris, Tonic, and Third Eye Blind have all had profound effects on me in different stages of my life and writing career."

   
   

7. Q: What are some of the meanings & explantions behind Cary's songs?
   Cary Pierce encourages its fans and listeners to make personal interpretations of their songs, but he has given some insight into what some of his songs mean. Stories behind the songs as well as their explanations and meanings can be found at the Cary Pierce Song Meanings & Explanations. Note: Not all songs are covered.
   

8. Q: Where is Cary Pierce currently touring?
   You can check out the latest, as well as the past, tour dates under the Cary Pierce Tour Archive. The Tour Archives are kept up to date as often as new tour dates are announced. In addition, both Cary Pierce & JACKOPIERCE are available for private parties and/or corporate events (please check with their management for more info).
   

9. Q: What musical artists has Cary colalborated with and produced?
   Cary has worked to co-write, produce, and help many artists such as Graham Colton, Jay Quinn, Chris Tomlin, Creede Williams, Kyle Riabko, Jon Abel, & American Royal. He helped to produce Graham Colton's first album including the track "Best Thing" which was also featured on Foreverything vol.2., toured with Jay Quinn, co-wrote the song "Unfailing Love" with Christian singer Chris Tomlin, played with members of Vertical Horizon on Creede Williams' "Something Borrowed" album, toured with 17 year old Canadian sensation Kyle Riabko to help promote Kyle's first EP album, produced Jon Abel's first record, and finally produced American Royal's first album.
   

10. Q: Are there any email discussion lists for Cary Pierce fans?
    Yes. There's actually two of them. Cary's Mailing List which Cary maintains himself sending announcements & news to everyone. The second group, Cary Pierce Yahoo Groups Email List, is a "fan-based list dedicated to discussion about Cary's music, performances, live recordings, cdr-trading, cd's, setlists, and tour dates, pertaining to Cary Pierce. It is also a way for fans to meet other fans and to support Cary Pierce". Both email services are free.
    

11. Q: Who is Jack O'Neill?
    Not too much is known about Jack O'Neill, whose real name is "John." Jack is happily married and currently resides in New York City.
    

12. Q: Who is JACKOPIERCE?
    In 1988 Jack O'Neill and Cary Pierce formed an acoustic duo to form the band "JACKOPIERCE". They started out as an acoustic duo for many years and then eventually added Clay Pendergrass on bass guitar & Earl "The Pearl" Darling on drums in late 1994 - early 1995. JACKOPIERCE toured the world in 44 states, 10 countries, and on 3 continents. They recorded 6 records (2 for A&M). To the dismay of many fans, after ten years of touring, the band decided to call it quits in the fall of 1997. The final show was on New Years Eve 1997 in Houston, TX with Matchbox 20 and The Wallflowers.
    
    
    [JACKOPIERCE Members Left -> Right: Clay Pendergrass, Jack O'Neill, Cary Pierce, & Earl Darling]
    

    
    

13. Q: What about their early beginnings as a band?
    Both Jack & Cary were awarded theater scholarships at Southern Methodist University, School of the Arts in Dallas where they both met. Coincidentally, Cary's roommate in college was Brady Wood and Jack's roommate was Brady's brother ... Brandt Wood. (Brady Wood would go on to become JACKOPIERCE'S first manager) [1]. Anyway, Cary and Jack got together to jam in Cary's room one night, and it just clicked.
    
    Their first gig was at the Rhythm Room--a 5pm Fraternity/Sorority mix. Even though they didn't feel that they were ready, Mr. Brady Wood pushed Jack & Cay into that first gig. At first they played a lot of covers. From Jack's influences came songs by Bob Dylan and Neil Young, while Cary enjoyed playing his favorites from R.E.M., New Order and Big Country. The band evolved as their attention turned to songwriting. "Cary was always determined," Jack recalls. "When we first started playing he said, 'Look, this is what I want to do with my life. Are you in?" And I said, 'I guess I am. What's the deal? We get free beer?'"
    
    Every Tuesday night JACKOPIERCE would play at "Mimi's Pub" in Dallas, TX. In 1991, brothers Brady and Brandt Wood bought the venue TREES in Deep Ellum, TX [2] (where JACKOPIERCE would play frequently as well). These two places are some of everybody's favorite early memories of this local Dallas band. Over time JACKOPIERCE eventually developed a following and as the fan base continued to grow, the guys shifted gears ... Cary majored in journalism while Jack switched his major to political science and enrolled in the ROTC to help pay his tuition. Both Cary & Jack managed to graduate despite constant local gigs and increasing opportunities to play other college towns.
    

14. Q: What's the story with JACKOPIERCE breaking up, and what is their legacy that they left behind?
    Ten years later after six albums (two for A&M Records), both co-founding members Jack O'Neill & Cary Pierce went their separate ways. JACKOPIERCE sold nearly half a million of the 6 CDs combined! They were fortunate enough to play all over the world and also play the biggest one-day ticketed event of all time: the 1997 Blockbuster Rockfest (in Dallas) with over 500,000 people in attendance! During their 10 year reign, JACKOPIERCE shared stages with tons of bands, including: Matchbox 20, Dave Matthews Band, Hootie and the Blowfish, The Wallflowers, Counting Crows, Sheryl Crow, Blues Traveler, Widespread Panic, their personal friends Vertical Horizon . . . as well as many countless others.
    

15. Q: Is it true that JACKOPIERCE got back together again?
    YES! In 2002 Jack and Cary got back together and performed for the first time at the GYPSY TEA ROOM in Deep Ellum, TX on 11/23/2002 ... five years after the 'break-up' in the winter of 1997. Cary and Jack currently perform several times a year around the US. For more information on their touring schedule, please check out the JP Tour Vault.
    
    HOW did the reunion happen? In Cary's own words ...
    
    

    "Our manager, Brady Wood, and I were roommates for years and Jack roomed with Brady’s brother, Brandt. Brady and Brandt would get together and they would reminisce about the good old days. The idea of us getting back together seemed out of the realm of possibility a couple of years after the break-up, but four-plus years into it Brady said it was time and I agreed. We’ve been blessed with a much more mature relationship as we’ve gone forward." [1]

    
    

16. Q: What are all the JACKOPIERCE members up to now?
    
    • Cary Pierce lives in Dallas; inbetween the JACKOPIERCE tours and his solo career, Cary spends his time working with--and producing--new and upcoming artists in Texas. In addition, Foreverything records is his own label where he not only produces his own albums but other artists as well. (As a side note, Cary attends Watermark Community Church in Dallas, TX where he has been known to play guitar and first worked with christian singer Chris Tomlin.)
    • Jack O'Neill is happily married and now lives in New York City where he is an actor and member of the critically acclaimed Bat Theater Company, to which has has appeared in several plays. In the spring of 2001 Jack did a little touring and played again for "Shannon's Flying Saucer" emporiums between Houston and Raleigh, N.C. As a shock to everyone, in December of 2002 Jack released a solo debut CD "Halfway Round The World".
    • Clay Pendergrass is currently playing, writing, and producing in several projects. His band Clay & the Electronic Cowboys including other side projects such as Vibrolux, & RudeTalent (a salsa/funk group w/ horns). Clay is always writing for and producing Texas artists, even has a few songs on Jack O'Neill's first solo album (Halfway Round the World). He also has a music/production house named Silversounds dedicated to film/commercial work. Clay is currently living in East Dallas with his 2 dogs named Santo and Nuba.
    • Earl "The Pearl" Darling lives in Houston, Texas where he plays drums for Cary from time to time as well as with some other local bands.
    • Chuck Keith (JP's old soundman) did the sound for a band called Cowboy Mouth after JACKOPIERCE. After almost 4 years with the Mouth, in June of 2001 Chuck left and took a new job with Brazilian Jazz artist Bebel Gilberto.
    • Reese Anderson (JP's old equipment tech) is married and currently living in a yacht in New Orleans.
    
    

17. Q: How many albums did JACKOPIERCE release and what are they?
    JACKOPIERCE released 7 albums: "JACKOPIERCE", "Woman As Salvation", "Live From the Americas", "Bringing On the Weather", "Finest Hour", "Decade", & the most recent one "Promise of Summer". The first release was cassette only entitled the "Someday You'll Understand" demos. It sold over a hundred units the first day-in six hours time. With that success and the requests for a CD, the guys went back in the studio and recorded some new tracks. They only kept two of the tracks from Someday You'll Understand. You can find more information about these albums--as well as compilation albums, misc. releases, and cd singles--at the JACKOPIERCE Discography page.
    

18. Q: What is the deal with Vertical Horizon & JACKOPIERCE?
    When talking about either JACKOPIERCE or Vertical Horizon, the two are nearly synonymous. JACKOPIERCE discovered Vertical Horizon back in early 1992. Jack and Cary heard their music and liked it. They took Matt and Keith under their wing and showed them the ropes. VH would open up shows for JP on the road quite often and helped them to establish other contacts in the music business. These contacts eventually allowed Vertical Horizon to open for bands like Better Than Ezra and the Allman Brothers Band. Both JACKOPIERCE & Vertical Horizon are still great friends to this day. To the extent that Vertical Horizon covers a couple JACKOPIERCE songs and vica-versa.
    
    Cary pierce has this to say about it ...

    "Many of y'all don't know how far back the JP/VH bond goes. We met in the early 90¹s at the home/studio of Doug Derryberry and John Alagia. Matt and Keith Kane came over to the house to meet us and hang out. They brought with them a copy of their yet-unreleased debut, There and Back Again. It never left the cassette deck for two weeks straight while we were on tour. We asked them to start doing some shows with us. We ended up taking them everywhere with us as an opener. They would always join us on stage for songs. One of us would announce them and vice versa (JACKOPIERCE, "Live from the Americas" begins with Keith bringing us out on stage). The bond between the two bands grew over time - eventually leading to the duo signing on with our management company, RobinsonWood. It was then that RCA began taking a look at signing the band. Right around that time, JACKOPIERCE was disbanding, the management company was dissolving and they decided to sign with a much bigger firm in New York."

    
    Keith Kane (of Vertical Horizon), when asked ... "What kind of impact did JACKOPIERCE have on your music career?" says ...

    "There are many arguments for the case that we wouldn’t be here today without the opportunity that JP gave us. They helped in teaching us how to run a touring business, as well as introducing us to many fans and clubs across the country. Even though we kicked their asses in whiffle ball, we have remained great friends. I wouldn’t be surprised if we did more shows together in the future."

    Here are a couple of Pictures of JACKOPIERCE and Vertical Horizon together from circa 1994 ...
    (Thanks to Raymond Garcia for the pictures!)
    
    

    1 - The first picture ... is Jack on stage with Matt Scannell playing the guitar while Keith Kane (right) looks on. 2 - The second picture ... is of Cary in the blue N.C. shirt while both Matt Scannell & a bearded Keith Kane play.

    
    For more information about Vertical Horizon, please see the Vertical Horizon FAQ Page.
    

19. Q: What are some of the meanings & explantions behind JACKOPIERCE's songs?
    Most of JACKOPIERCE's songs are autobiographical, meaning that they are a biography of either Jack or Cary from their past experience or feelings. JACKOPIERCE has given some insight into what some of their songs mean. Stories behind the songs as well as their explanations and meanings can be found at the JACKOPIERCE Song Meanings & Explanations. Note: Most of the songs are covered, but not all.
    

20. Q: Where is JACKOPIERCE currently touring?
    You can check out the latest, as well as the past, tour dates under the JACKOPIERCE Tour Archive. The Tour Archives are kept up to date as often as new tour dates are announced. In addition, both Cary Pierce & JACKOPIERCE are available for private parties and/or corporate events.
    

21. Q: Are there any email discussion lists for JACKOPIERCE fans?
    Although not an official discussion list exists, there is however an official announcement list. Sign up on JACKOPIERCE.com.
    

22. Q: Who is American Horse?
    Jack O'Neill moved to New York and started a new band called "American Horse" with former JACKOPIERCE bandmembers, minus Cary Pierce. American Horse's influences ranged from Willie Nelson or Bob Dylan to Jeff Buckley and Marvin Gaye. It was a short-lived band that eventually broke up.
    

23. Q: How many albums did American Horse release and what are they?
    American Horse released 1 self-title album; and since they only pressed 1,000 copies of the new record, the release was a limited edition. American Horse consisted of Earl Darling on drums, Clay Pendergrass on bass, Jack O'Neil, & Chris Claridy on guitar. Also joining American Horse is Reece Anderson, R.J. Harrison, Jim Cocke, Davey Faragher.
    
    
    

    1 - "American Horse EP" - 1999
    After the breakup of JACKOPIERCE, Jack went on to form American Horse with JP members Clay Pendergrass and Earl Darling, and adding Chris Claridy on guitar. The band released an EP and subsequently toured the country. Recorded at Last Beat Studios, Dallas, Texas. The Tracklist:

    

    1. Steering Wheel
    2. Ladyfingers
    3. Lover's Boxing
    4. Believe Me
    5. Blubuick (Acoustic Demo)
    6. Moment Betrayed

    
    
    
24. Q: How many albums has Jack O'Neill released and what are they?
    To the surprise of everybody, Jack O'Neill released his first solo album in December 2002. This marks his return after a four-year absence. This new release is his first since 1998's American Horse EP.
    

    1 - "Halfway Round The World" - 2002
    The Tracklist:

    

    1. Steering Wheel
    2. The Comeback Kid
    3. Independence Day
    4. Halfway Round The World
    5. Angeline
    6. Stillhouse Hollow
    7. Ain't That The Way
    8. Once In Your Life
    9. Blu Buick

    
    

25. Q: Is Jack O'Neill currently performing in a Broadway play?
    Jack O'Neill has been pursuing acting since moving to New York several years go. Do stay tuned here for the latest updates on any upcoming theatrical performances of Jack O'Neill. (Hopefully there will be many more) Past performances of Jack O'Neill on Broadway ...
    
    A - In late 2003, Jack landed the lead role in a new off-Broadway comdey play entitled "LIKE I SAY", written and directed by Len Jenkin, which features Jack O'Neill as Isaiah, a writer with a mysterious past. (Picture & information courtesy of TheaterMania.com). Here's the info:
    

    TITLE:  LIKE I SAY
    WRITER/DIRECTOR:  Len Jenkin
    PLOT SUMMARY:  Seven people, all with their own very different agendas, are marooned together in a decaying hotel on the psychic edge of our world. They include a writer, his nurse, an aging artist, and two dangerous puppeteers. A second storyline involves Coconut Joe, an upstanding American salesman--brave, clean, and reverent, who ventures far off-course into a dark and devious universe.
    DATES:  October 23 - November 22, 2003; Wednesday through Friday at 7pm, Saturday at 3pm & 7pm
    IMAGE:  Carolinne Messihi & Jack O'Neill in Like I Say (Photo © Terry Gruber)
    

    
    

26. Q: What's the name of JACKOPIERCE's infamous vans?
    There are many stories, and of course many songs, attributed to with JACKOPIERCE's vans. The 1st van was blue and was called "Ol' Blue," the 2nd was red and was called "Big Red," and finally the 3rd van was called "Ol' Big"-- a 27 ft. Damien Escaper Class-C RV [see image below]. Among the many songs are VINEYARD (the car Cary had coming back from the airport broke down at I-35 & MLK Blvd.), LATE SHIFT (Jack used to take the late shift ride at night), WILDFLOWER (reference to riding in a VW Van).
    
    
    

27. Q: I've seen some live bootlegs of Cary Pierce/JACKOPIERCE, isn't that illegal?
    No. It is legal to have and trade live bootlegs of Cary Pierce/JACKOPIERCE, however it is illegal to purchase them at a cost that the seller would profit from it. Check out the CD-R List for a listing of some JACKOPIERCE & Cary Pierce bootlegs Cover Art. There are many other people who trade live shows, and to find those check out http://db.etree.org & the Yahoo Group discussion lists. Recently, Archive.org, with the permission of JACKOPIERCE's management, allowed us to host live bootlegs of JP on the Live Music Archive. (To be able to download those shows, you must have both a fast internet connection and be able to utilize both shn and flac files.)
    

28. Q:Who is the (artist) manager for Cary Pierce and JACKOPIERCE?
    JACKOPIERCE's first manager was Brady Wood [1] (Cary's first roommate in college). From 2003- 12/2008 JACKOPIERCE's manager was the infamous AWARE Music. As of 12/2008, the manager for both Cary Pierce AND JACKOPIERCE is DRYVE MANAGEMENT. Dryve Mgt. also manages artists such as Derek Webb (formally of the Christian band "Caedmon's Call"), Sandra McCracken (Derek's wife), and Dave Barnes.
    

29. Q: Ever thought about going to the Vineyard?
    Vineyard is the ever-popular song. Although Cary alternates and plays with the lyrics time-to-time, it's still the same Vineyard that fans love. The song is based on a true story that happened with Cary. But have you ever thought about taking a trip (or pilgrammage) to the Vineyard? I have received reports from some JACKOPIERCE & Cary Pierce fans who have gone and written about their time there. So, if you're thinking about going Cary writes this advice,

    Edgartown is the QUINTESSENTIAL New England Town. White picket fences, etc. Oak Bluffs has a really cool area with tons of multi-colored Victorian houses. Nothing going on in Vineyard Haven. I would highly recommend getting a bike and cruising through all of the bike paths. They meander through the woods and are BEAUTIFUL. Oak Bluffs is really just one strip of bars and restaurants. Also go to Chappaquidick (sp?) -it't where they filmed Jaws. Gay head also...Make sure you take a trip to Nantucket. Rent a car or have a cab take you all over the island. Go to Sconset, Downtown, all the beaches are gorgeous. Nantucket is even MORE New England if you can believe it. It's more isolated and harder to get to so it's more exclusive and pristine.

    
    

30. Q: How can I contact Jack O'Neill and/or Cary Pierce?
    Both Jack O'Neill & Cary Pierce have their own websites; www.carypierce.com & www.jackoneill.net (now defunct). They also have a Myspace & FACEBOOK page.
    

31. Q: Who maintains this *Pierce F.A.Q. page?
    The F.A.Q. page is maintained solely by myself. Many thanks to all those people that have helped me to compile this FAQ page. Please submit any corrections or mistakes to me via email. All quotes appear courtesy of CaryPierce.com and various sources.

Footnotes