Artist Information
"A lot of times you get trapped in a situation like that and you want to make a deal with God – get me out of here and I'll be a better person," Jeff says. "I didn't want that and I didn't ask for that deal. I simply said I don't want to be this person anymore … please help me be a better person. That was all I was after, no matter how long I had to stay in jail to do it."
Some are not nearly as fortunate as Jeff when they find themselves in that kind of situation, but he is one of the few who stayed strong in his choice to change. Just two years after being released from jail, Bates inked his first record deal with RCA Records and released his debut album, Rainbow Man. Three more albums would follow for Bates, including Leave the Light On (also on RCA), and his self-titled project and One Day Closer, both on Black River Entertainment. In 2014 he released his tribute to Conway Twitty, Me And Conway.
Not a single day goes by for Jeff that he doesn't count his life's blessings. He takes pride in being an inspiration to others and is honored to give back in any way he can, especially through music. "There are so many things out there competing for entertainment," says Jeff. "I just want to make the music that I want to make for the people who want to hear it and continue to grow that fan base. It's been so much fun. My fans have been a huge blessing, and I love making music for them."
