Just before my accident, I worked for the multi-platinum recording artist Jessie James Dupree. It was a dream job that was about to unlock an endless sea of business connections and opportunities like I had never experienced before.
JJD has his business hands in everything from music to booze to motorcycles. The guy is in his 70’s and can still work people 1/3 his age into the ground. He never stops. He never quits. He expects perfection. He’s a man of his word and if his name is tied to it, you better believe he takes personal pride in whatever it is.
Part of me expected that I would have to contend with a narcissistic celebrity as my boss. I mean, what famous person isn’t? They’re created by public and media attention. I felt I was ready for whatever awaited due to the fact I had extensive experience with extreme cases of NPD people in my recent history.
To my amazement it went nothing like I expected it to. Was he tough? Yes. His name was attached to everything I touched so he had the last word on anything before it went out. Was the job intense? Most definitely. I was only one of two people who were responsible for the management of multiple massive marketing campaigns and social media channels. There was enough work for 4 people, yet only 2 of us at the helm with no plans for future additions.
I worked in a small enclosed building (Guest house) with a total of 3 other people sharing the space -Jessie being the 4th when he wasn’t on the road. I hadn’t even got my feet completely wet when I was hit by a car and lost it all. Due to the requirements of the job, I knew I could never return. I would no longer be able to keep up with the break-neck pace.
Although I had only been with them for two months – Both JJD and his wife continued to reach out to me a year after the wreck to see how I was doing, as did two of the other employees I got to know while I was there.
How many jobs allow someone the opportunity to sit right outside a recording artist’s office, listen to them play from time to time while sipping whiskey made by that artist’s label… during business hours and within 2 yards of their recording studio?
So yeah… You could say losing that job was a hard one to get over. But at least I did get some great memories while I was there.
Off The Rails 
An adventure cut short
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