About this user
Joe Tharpe was born November 25th, 1982 in Charleston, South Carolina to Michelle and Phillip Tharpe, also natives of South Carolina. Joe grew up like every little boy, wanting to become a firefighter or police officer, never once thinking or knowing that his life would lead him into the world of music.
Growing up, he was influenced by his father's taste in music with songs from Billy Joel, Kiss, Bon Jovi, Whitesnake, and James Taylor to name a few. His father played in many bands as a bass player, guitar player and lead singer; covering music from all types of genres. But even as he got older, Joe really never had any interest in playing music.
"It just wasn't me," he remembers. "I never felt drawn into playing music or singing . . . well, anything involving music. I never pictured myself later playing guitar, writing music and a demo being passed throughout Nashville."
Growing up, Joe never heard country music so many have asked Joe what got him into playing country music having grown up within a "rock" environment.
"I remember the first country song I ever heard. It was by Randy Travis and the song was, Forever and Ever, Amen. After that, I was hooked on Country Music."
What turned him from listening to country music to wanting to play? One person: Garth Brooks.
It was the appearance of Garth in the Country Music scene that drew Joe fully into that genre. His love for the music was so strong that for his next birthday he asked for only one thing: a guitar. When Joe celebrated his 12th birthday, his father gave him just that. He taught Joe three chords and told him that he was on his own from there. That was all Joe needed. He took off and learned several songs in a matter of weeks. Hed practice each new song until his fingers were raw and bleeding. Once hed gotten each song down, hed go back to his father to show him what hed learned.
Joe continued on with his new passion, learning as much as he could about music. He taught himself as much as he could, expanding and drawing on many genres. He played in front of small crowds, did school talent shows, and participated in any singer/songwriter nights around town as he could.
In 2005, the songwriter in Joe came out with the passing of his mother. After many attempts to write music, Joe had given up long ago. "I tried to write, but it really never got anywhere and I would always end up with half a song because I couldnt think of anything else to finish it. Writers block never left my side. I figured in my mind, there are three key things in doing music. To be able to play, sing and write. I just guessed I was not blessed with all three."
When Joe's mom passed, he remembered a song that he attempted a few years earlier when he began to write a song of remembrance for his grand-mother and uncle. He had written several versions of that song, all saying something different. With the passing of his mother, he decided to go back to the drawing board and, with the help of a long time friend and fellow songwriter, Adam Helms, If You Couldn't Say Goodbye was born. The passionate feelings of loss make this song and its meaning very special to them.
Since that time, Joe has written several other songs and continues to write whatever comes from the heart. It seems the writers block has dissolved. "A lot of my songs are slow, meaningful songs. I never have really tried to write anything fast and upbeat yet because I'm still learning the whole songwriting process. I just write down what my mind and heart feel and say. If my song ends up being a great song, then Im lucky. But if I can touch someone in some way, then I know Ive really done what I set out to do. Thats all that matters to me, making sure that my songs speak to someone in a way that they can relate to them."
Age
29
Hometown
Charleston, S.C
Country
United States
joetharpe
liked
Drew, once again... just flat out amazing. you are a talent to be reckon with... i have nothing but meaning, passion and feelings in everything you sing and its a pleasure to hear you sing every song you do. once again and to no surprise...im blown away