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Richmond music legend James “Plunky” Branch joins The Hook with Johni & Jess for a wide-ranging conversation about more than five decades of music, creativity and cultural impact.

From his early years in Richmond and time at Columbia University to the evolution of Juju and Oneness of Juju, Plunky shares how jazz, African rhythms, funk, soul and R&B shaped his unmistakable sound. He also opens up about his connection to the early development of go-go music, his path as an independent artist and label owner, and the experiences that have taken his music around the world.

Along the way, we talk about creativity, family, race, community, technology and why Plunky continues to seek out new sounds and new ideas after all these years.

It’s a thoughtful, surprising and often funny conversation with an artist whose influence reaches far beyond Richmond—and whose connection to his hometown remains as strong as ever.

Mentions:

• Lonnie Liston Smith
• Melvin Ras Mel Glover
• Mighty Joshua
• WHUR 96.3 / The Daily Drum
• Experience Unlimited (E.U.) / Sugar Bear
• 725 Arts

Connect with Plunky:

🌐 Website: www.plunkyone.com
📘 Facebook: www.facebook.com/PlunkyandOneness
𝕏 X (Twitter): https://x.com/plunkyone
▶️ YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/plunkyb
🍎 Apple Music: music.apple.com/us/artist/plunky-oneness/6315845
🟢 Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/0zeMpqW3Y0hyDOV6iQ6U9p?si=YYw70XuoQD6l8vKsp-MBgg&nd=1&dlsi=f660f15c79fa454b

Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess.
This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed.

Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at:
https://www.johniandjess.com

Follow The Hook on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements:
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If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook.

The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.

Send Johni & Jess a text

What happens when three incredibly talented musicians share a studio, trust each other completely, and set out to make the best music they possibly can? You get JORDAN REIN.

In this episode of The Hook with Johni & Jess, Jordan Rein, Peter Wellman, and Maddox Bruce join us for an unforgettable conversation about the evolution of their Richmond-based power trio, their collaborative creative process, and the friendships that fuel their music.

The band shares how they came together, why performing as a trio pushes each of them to new creative heights, and how every member leaves their fingerprint on the music. Jordan reflects on receiving his first guitar as a surprise Christmas gift, Peter talks about unexpectedly becoming a drummer before performing at the Grand Ole Opry with his high school show choir, and Maddox shares how playing bass during the pandemic and performing in church shaped his musical journey.

We also dive into Jordan Rein's ambitious new concept album, 65432, a deeply personal project exploring the five stages of grief through music, accompanied by an upcoming short film. Jordan opens up about the healing process behind the record, while Peter and Maddox discuss how emotionally invested they became in bringing the songs to life.

Along the way, the conversation takes plenty of unexpected turns—from Jordan's experience performing at the legendary Whisky A Go Go alongside rock icons, to touring with musicians like Oliver Anthony and Joey Davis, the future of authentic rock music in the age of AI, Jordan's lifelong fascination with sharks, and the hilarious true story of building the world's fastest flying lawnmower.

The episode also features three tracks from Jordan Rein, a live performance of The Star-Spangled Banner at Carmax Park and an always entertaining speed round, making this a must-listen for music lovers, creatives, and anyone who appreciates the stories behind passionate artists.

Featuring: Jordan Rein (vocals/guitar), Peter Wellman (drums, keys, multi-instrumentalist), and Maddox Bruce (bass).

Follow Jordan Rein on Social Media

IG ww.instagram.com/rein.rocks

FB www.facebook.com/ReinRadio

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@rein.rocks

Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess.
This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed.

Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at:
https://www.johniandjess.com

Follow The Hook on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook.

The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.

Send Johni & Jess a text

From hitchhiking the East Coast with a harmonica in his pocket to performing on some of the most iconic stages in America, Gary Green has lived a life that sounds more like a movie script than a résumé.

In this episode of The Hook with Johni & Jess, Gary shares the incredible journey that took him from teaching himself harmonica on the side of the road to winning at the World Harmonica Championships, performing at the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium, and collaborating with musicians around the globe. Along the way, he opens up about playing alongside Jimmy Buffett, performing with the cast of The Dukes of Hazzard, working with Afghan musicians through a U.S. State Department cultural exchange program, and engineering sound for legends including B.B. King, Kris Kristofferson, Mavis Staples, George Thorogood, Yo-Yo Ma, Chick Corea, and many more.

Gary's passion for music extends far beyond performance. Whether he's talking about the art of supporting songwriters, the magic that happens between performer and audience, or the unexpected lessons learned through travel and cultural connection, every story reveals a deep appreciation for the power of music to bring people together.

This conversation is packed with road stories, behind-the-scenes music industry insights, harmonica geekery, and unforgettable moments from a career spent chasing great songs and meaningful connections. If you've ever wondered what happens when talent, curiosity, and a harmonica collide, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

Links & Social Media

Gary Green Official Website
Gary Harmonica Green

YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@cvilletunes

Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Hook with Johni & Jess.
This is where we talk to musicians, artists, creators, and visionaries about the moment they got hooked—and the journey that followed.

Learn more about our guests, watch episode highlights, and explore more stories at:
https://www.johniandjess.com

Follow The Hook on Facebook for new episodes, behind-the-scenes moments, and upcoming guest announcements:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61588050877252

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, share it with someone who inspires you, and leave a review. Your support helps us continue telling the stories behind the hook.

The Hook with Johni & Jess — where passion begins with a moment.