Jeffrey Gaines
“I’m kneeling on an altar looking out a sunny window and
enjoying the senses.”
This was the first thing Jeffrey Gaines said to me when we
Interview by Beth Golden spoke in mid-March. I wasn’t sure if he had meant it literally or
figuratively, nor did I ask. It didn’t really matter. What came
through without question was the voice of a man who is absolutely
content with his place in the moment, no matter what and where
that might be. I could easily have passed this off as complacency
formed over more than two decades “in the business,” but it
quickly became apparent that his awareness and appreciation of
the genuine have always been defining parts of his fabric.
While fronting a number of bands in his hometown of
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in the 80’s, the singer worked with his
dad installing carpet, including a job in a newly built recording
studio where he found enough time on break to “test out the
mics.” The studio staff liked the new carpeting – and what they
heard from Gaines. He took the opportunity to record some
professional demos, which landed in the hands of up and coming
area band Maggie’s Dream. The group was looking to replace their
lead singer, and in 1989 Gaines was offered the spot vacated by the
equally young “Romeo Blue,” who was leaving for a deal to pursue
a solo career under his real name -- Lenny Kravitz.
Suddenly (much to his mom’s surprise), there were limos pulling
up to Gaines’ house, and future promises of contracts, cash, and
chicks. But the one thing the deal didn’t promise was a chance
for him to do any of the original material he had been writing and
wanting to perform.
“I had to ask myself if I really believed in the songs the band was
doing, what the music was about,” Gaines said. “So I’d be a good
replacement? That’s cool but I’m here for something else.”
His self-determination and emerging talent were rewarded
less than a year later when he signed a deal with Chrysalis
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