Joe Hermes grew up in a small town south of Chicago, where family gatherings and Bon Jovi singalongs sparked his love for music. Raised in a tight-knit household, he learned business from his father and compassion from his mother. That blend of grit and heart still fuels his sound today.
His musical path was sealed in grade school after hearing Metallica on a Pizza Hut jukebox. He spent his teens playing in bands, shaping a style that fuses rock, modern country, and soul. A standout athlete, Joe earned a football scholarship to Quincy University, later graduating from Eureka College and earning a Master’s from Illinois State.
After stepping away from music, Joe returned in 2019 with a new band and EP—only to be sidelined by the pandemic. In mid-2020, a chance meeting with Grammy-winning producer Dale Oliver reignited his momentum. Together, they began writing and recording, undeterred by the industry’s shutdown.
Joe’s debut single “Stronger than Whiskey,” co-written with country artist Bucky Covington, dropped in summer 2021 and climbed Nashville’s Music Row chart for 25 weeks. That same year, he opened for Craig Campbell, Kinsey Rose, Black Stone Cherry, and Head East, showcasing both his country roots and rock edge.