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My Morning Jacket
My Morning Jacket
My Morning Jacket
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My Morning Jacket is an American rock band formed in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1998. The band consists of vocalist/guitarist Jim James, bassist Tom Blankenship, drummer Patrick Hallahan, guitarist Carl Broemel, and keyboardist Bo Koster.[1] The band's sound, rooted in rock and country, is often experimental and psychedelic. The group amassed a following beginning in the 2000s in part due to their live performances.

Key Information

The group first found success in Europe after the release of its debut album, The Tennessee Fire (1999). Its next release, At Dawn (2001), led to a large stateside following and preceded several lineup changes. After signing to major label ATO Records, the group released two albums, It Still Moves (2003) and Z (2005), with the latter representing a critical breakthrough. The group's next release, Evil Urges (2008), was more polarizing for fans and critics, while Circuital (2011), its sixth album, saw a more measured response. The band's seventh album, The Waterfall, was released in 2015, followed by The Waterfall II in 2020, My Morning Jacket in 2021, and their tenth, titled Is, in 2025.

History

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Formation and debut releases (1998–2000)

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My Morning Jacket was formed in Louisville, Kentucky in 1998 by singer-songwriter Jim James. James created the group as an outlet for acoustic songs he had developed on his own that his band at the time, Month of Sundays, could not use.[2] The group's first lineup included his cousin, Johnny Quaid (guitar), Tom Blankenship (bass), and J. Glenn on drums, all formerly of Shelbyville-based emo-punk band Winter Death Club.[citation needed] The band's name stems from James, who once found a discarded coat with the emblazoned letters MMJ.[3]

The band's debut album, The Tennessee Fire, was released in May 1999. It was mildly successful in the U.S., though it became a surprise hit internationally, particularly in the Netherlands and Belgium. Soon, the group launched a European tour, where it received high marks from Dutch and Belgian press; the group also appeared in the Dutch documentary, This is NOT America. Danny Cash joined the band as keyboardist in 2000.[4]

Early years and breakthrough (2001–2007)

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The band's second effort, At Dawn (2001), helped grow the group's fanbase in its home country. For the album, James recorded his vocals in a grain silo, creating a sound heavy on echo that became a hallmark of the band's early releases. Subsequently, drummer J. Glenn left the band, and was briefly replaced by Chris Guetig.[5] Patrick Hallahan, James' childhood best friend, replaced Guetig.[4] In the early 2000s, the band toured heavily, often supporting bands such as Guided by Voices, Doves, and Foo Fighters.[4] The group signed to independent label ATO Records in 2002 ahead of its third album, It Still Moves, which saw release in September 2003 to wide acclaim. In January 2004, Cash and Quaid announced their departure from the group; they were replaced by keyboardist Bo Koster and guitarist Carl Broemel.[4] Cash and Quaid's departures left James and Blankenship as the two remaining original members.

Z, released in 2005, became the group's breakthrough album.[3] It received positive critical reviews; in his review for Rolling Stone, critic David Fricke wrote, "America is a lot closer to getting its own Radiohead, and it isn't Wilco".[6] The album was noticeable for a break from James' heavily reverbed vocals, and featured experimentation with dub, reggae and psychedelic rock.[5] Okonokos, a live album captured while the band toured Z, was released in 2006.

The band's four-hour late-night set in the rain at Bonnaroo 2008 has been regarded among their best performances.[7][8]

Shift in sound (2008–2013)

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The band's next release, Evil Urges, marked a considerable shift in their sound, and it received polarizing reactions from fans and critics. Many songs on the album developed on 90-minute walks James would embark on in Louisville. Its lyrics centered on a relationship that fell apart shortly before recording.[8] To promote the album, the band appeared on Saturday Night Live. The band toured in support of the record that summer, which included a storied appearance at Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester, Tennessee. The band, beginning at midnight, performed for four hours in the rain. Unfazed by a torrential downpour for much of its first half, the band's set went on to feature thirty-five songs, including all but two tracks from Evil Urges and numerous covers, and featured a guest appearance from Kirk Hammett of Metallica. The set has commonly been regarded among the band's personal best and one of the best in the history of the festival. Rolling Stone called it "career-defining."[8] Evil Urges was nominated for a Grammy for Best Alternative Rock Album. My Morning Jacket performed before a sold-out crowd at Madison Square Garden in New York.

The band members appeared as themselves in the American Dad! episode, "My Morning Straitjacket", which aired on November 22, 2009. The episode is based on American Dad! co-creator Mike Barker's "life-changing experience" at the band's 2008 Bonnaroo performance.[9]

In 2010, My Morning Jacket took up residency at New York's Terminal 5 on October 18, 19, 21, 22 and 23, performing one of its five studio releases each night along with additional material from the relevant period.[10] According to the September 16, 2010 issue of Rolling Stone, My Morning Jacket started working on its next LP. "We've got five songs done," says front man Jim James. "It'll probably be out next spring." James co-produced the record with The Decemberists collaborator Tucker Martine in an old church in My Morning Jacket's hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. "We're trying to do everything but the strings live," said James. "There's something old and dirty-sounding about it." The band's sixth album Circuital was released on May 31, 2011. The band toured for two years in support of Circuital. In 2013, it embarked on a tour alongside Wilco and Bob Dylan that left band members disappointed, as they had falsely been told Dylan desired to work with them.[11]

Recent events (2014–present)

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While the band took a break, James stayed busy, touring behind his solo album, Regions of Light and Sound of God, and collaborating with Elvis Costello and Marcus Mumford for the New Basement Tapes project. These individual side projects, rather than detach the musicians, worked to strengthen band members' skill as musicians, according to Blankenship. This led to a greater appreciation of the group upon their return to it.[12] The band's next album, The Waterfall, was mainly recorded at a hilltop mansion above Stinson Beach in Marin County, California.[13] The band felt the surroundings were "slightly supernatural,"[14] which produced a largely idyllic recording process.[11] The Waterfall was released in May 2015, debuting number 11 on the Billboard 200 in the U.S., with 33,000 copies sold in its first week.[15] In December 2015, The Waterfall was nominated for the Grammy Award for Best Alternative Music Album.[16]

The sessions for The Waterfall were fruitful, producing over 24 completed songs, enough to fill two albums.[13] MMJ took most of 2018 and the early part of 2019 off from touring, but regrouped for select shows in August 2019. James described the shows as among his favorite recent MMJ performances and says the group worked through some of their personal issues in advance of the shows.[17] The members of My Morning Jacket admitted that they were not sure if they were ever going to reunite for a period of time during their extended break.[18]

The Waterfall II was released on July 10, 2020.[19] The band contributed a cover of the Metallica song "Nothing Else Matters" to the charity tribute album The Metallica Blacklist, released in September 2021.[20] The band's ninth studio album, the self-titled My Morning Jacket, was released on October 22, 2021.[21] Its first single, "Regularly Scheduled Programming", debuted on August 24 along with an accompanying music video.[21] On November 24, 2023, they released their first Christmas LP Happy Holiday!.[22][23]

In March 2024, the band announced that they would do an East Coast tour with Nathaniel Rateliff that fall.[24] While on tour, the band released a single titled "Aren’t We One?" which they performed live on tour and would be part of an upcoming album.[25][26]

Band members

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Current

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  • Jim James – lead vocals, guitar (1998–present)
  • Tom Blankenship – bass guitar (1998–present)
  • Patrick Hallahan – drums, percussion (2002–present)
  • Bo Koster – keyboards, percussion, backing vocals (2004–present)
  • Carl Broemel – guitar, pedal steel, saxophone, backing vocals (2004–present)

Former

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  • Johnny Quaid – guitar, backing vocals (1998–2004)
  • J. Glenn – drums, percussion (1998–2000)
  • Danny Cash – keyboards (2000–2004)
  • Chris "KC" Guetig – drums, percussion (2000–2002)

Timeline

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Discography

[edit]
Main article: My Morning Jacket discography

Studio albums

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

My Morning Jacket

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from Grokipedia
My Morning Jacket is an American rock band formed in , in 1998 by singer-songwriter . The group is renowned for blending , alt-country, psychedelic, and jam-band elements into expansive, atmospheric soundscapes that evoke both rural Americana and cosmic exploration. Over more than 25 years, the band has built a dedicated following through critically acclaimed albums, marathon live shows, and a commitment to musical evolution, releasing ten studio albums and earning three Grammy nominations for Best Alternative Music Album. The current lineup features on vocals and guitar, Tom Blankenship on bass, Patrick Hallahan on drums, on keyboards, and Carl Broemel on guitar, a configuration solidified after early lineup changes in the early . Originally starting as James's solo project with homemade recordings distributed via cassette, the band transitioned to a full group with the release of their debut album, The Tennessee Fire, in 1999, which showcased lo-fi influences. Subsequent breakthroughs came with (2001) and the polished (2003), the latter marking their major-label debut on and establishing their signature mix of reverb-drenched guitars and soaring harmonies. Key albums like (2005), praised for its eclectic and anthemic tracks such as "," and (2008), which experimented with and , highlighted the band's versatility and led to high-profile festival appearances, including a legendary four-hour rain-soaked set at Bonnaroo in 2008. Later works, including (2011), The Waterfall (2015)—nominated for a Grammy—, (2020), and the self-titled (2021), reflect a maturing sound amid lineup stability and global touring. In 2025, they released Is, their tenth studio album, coinciding with the 20th anniversary deluxe edition of , underscoring their enduring influence in . The band's live prowess and thematic depth—often exploring spirituality, nature, and human connection—have cemented their status as one of the most innovative acts of the 21st century.

History

Formation and early recordings (1998–2001)

My Morning Jacket was formed in 1998 in , by and as a to channel his songwriting, drawing initial inspiration from , , and alt-country traditions. James recruited his cousin Johnny Quaid on guitar and longtime friend Tom Blankenship on bass to round out the core lineup, with early drummer J. Glenn completing the initial configuration. The band's name originated from a vintage jacket James owned, evoking a sense of whimsical Americana that would permeate their aesthetic. The group began rehearsing in an empty grain silo on a relative's outside Louisville, a cavernous space that naturally amplified sounds with heavy reverb and echo, profoundly shaping their signature atmospheric production style from the outset. This unconventional venue not only fostered experimentation but also contributed to the ethereal quality of James's vocals, often layered with and harmony. Early sessions emphasized raw, heartfelt songcraft blending folk introspection with rock energy, as James handled most instrumentation on initial demos recorded on a four-track. Their debut full-length album, The Tennessee Fire, was released in 1999 on the independent label Darla Records, following a Valentine's Day demo submission from James that caught the label's attention. The record captured the band's alt-country roots through tracks like "Heartbreakin Me," featuring twangy guitars, shuffling rhythms, and James's emotive delivery, establishing a lo-fi charm that resonated with indie audiences. Around this time, the lineup stabilized with the addition of keyboardist Danny Cash in late 1999, enhancing their textured sound, though Blankenship remained the primary . By 2000, drummer Patrick Hallahan, a childhood friend of James, joined the band, bringing a dynamic propulsion that solidified their live energy and replaced earlier percussion efforts. This expanded quartet recorded their second album, At Dawn, released in 2001 on Darla Records, in a secluded rural cabin to further embrace natural acoustics and isolation for creative focus. The album leaned into atmospheric production, with James's soaring falsetto prominent on songs like "The Way That He Sings," highlighting a shift toward more immersive, psychedelic-leaning arrangements while retaining southern gothic undertones. During these formative years, My Morning Jacket built a cult following through limited tours confined to Midwest DIY venues, house shows, and small festivals, performing without major label backing and relying on word-of-mouth in the scene. These intimate gigs honed their improvisational style and reverb-drenched sets, laying the groundwork for wider recognition in the years to come.

Breakthrough and major label era (2002–2007)

Following the success of their independent album (2001), which built a dedicated following through word-of-mouth and college radio play, My Morning Jacket signed with in 2002, an independent label distributed by RCA that provided wider national distribution and marketing support. This move marked the band's transition from indie obscurity to broader commercial viability, allowing them to expand beyond regional tours while retaining creative control. The band's major-label debut, (2003), was self-produced by frontman and recorded at their own Above the Cadillac Studios in . Blending riffs with psychedelic reverb-drenched atmospheres, the album featured standout tracks like the soaring "Golden" and the riff-driven "One Big Holiday," which became live staples. It peaked at No. 121 on the , signaling their breakthrough to mainstream audiences. To promote , My Morning Jacket embarked on extensive U.S. and international tours, honing their reputation for immersive live performances with extended jams and elaborate light shows. Their set at the 2004 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in , became legendary for its epic improvisations and rainy-night energy, drawing widespread praise and cementing their status as a must-see act. In 2005, the band released , co-produced by James and (known for work with and ) and recorded at Allaire Studios in . Incorporating orchestral elements and ambitious arrangements, the album highlighted tracks like the anthemic "Wordless Chorus," earning critical acclaim for its bold scope and emotional depth. It reached No. 7 on the , the band's highest charting release to date. Capturing the intensity of their Z tour, the live album and Okonokos (2006) documented performances from London's Electric Proms, showcasing the band's raw energy and improvisational prowess across reinterpreted songs from their catalog. By the end of the decade, these efforts had elevated My Morning Jacket to alt-rock prominence, with frequent festival appearances and headlining slots solidifying their growing influence.

Artistic shifts and experimentation (2008–2013)

Following the departures of guitarist Johnny Quaid and keyboardist Danny Cash in late 2003, My Morning Jacket stabilized their lineup with the additions of guitarist Carl Broemel and keyboardist , both joining that same year to solidify the core ensemble that would shape the band's sound through the late 2000s. This reconfiguration allowed frontman and the remaining members—bassist Tom Blankenship and drummer Patrick Hallahan—to explore bolder creative directions, emphasizing experimentation in genre blending and production techniques. The band's fifth studio album, , released on June 10, 2008, via , marked a significant pivot toward poppier, funk-infused arrangements, diverging from the epic, reverb-drenched rock of prior works. Self-directed by with co-production from Joe Chiccarelli, the record featured tracks like the groovy title song "Evil Urges" and the upbeat "I'm Amazed," incorporating soulful rhythms and concise song structures that showcased James's and the group's rhythmic interplay. It debuted at No. 9 on the chart, signaling commercial momentum, yet elicited mixed reactions from fans accustomed to the band's sprawling , with critics noting its "schizophrenic" shifts and potential to alienate listeners seeking cohesion. To support Evil Urges, My Morning Jacket embarked on an extensive tour spanning 66 performances, including headline slots at major U.S. arenas like and , as well as international festival appearances such as Bonnaroo, , , and in the UK. These shows highlighted the band's evolving live energy, blending funk-driven grooves with extended jams, though the relentless schedule contributed to internal fatigue, prompting a self-imposed break after 2009 to recharge creatively. Emerging from this hiatus, the band recorded their sixth album, Circuital, in a converted church gymnasium in their hometown of , during the summer of 2010, capturing a raw, communal vibe with producer using analog tape for an organic sound. Released on May 31, 2011, the album returned to a rootsier rock foundation, emphasizing heartfelt Americana and psychedelic edges in songs like the driving "Holdin On to Black Metal," which fused gritty riffs with introspective lyrics. It debuted at No. 5 on the , earning acclaim for its unified vision and production maturity that balanced the band's genre fusions without the fragmentation of Evil Urges. Amid these shifts, frontman pursued a solo project with Regions of Light and Sound of God, released on February 5, 2013, via , where he handled all instrumentation to explore intimate, jazz-tinged that subtly informed My Morning Jacket's collaborative dynamics by encouraging individual experimentation within the group. Critics across this period praised the band's growth, viewing Evil Urges as a risky evolution in and pop integration, while Circuital represented a refined synthesis of their roots with broader sonic palettes, solidifying their reputation for adaptive artistry.

Mature phase and recent developments (2014–2025)

My Morning Jacket's mature phase began with the release of their seventh studio album, The Waterfall, on May 4, 2015, via . Produced by and frontman at a remote studio in , the album showcases the band's signature blend of expansive rock with lush, psychedelic arrangements, exemplified by tracks like the soaring "Believe (Nobody Knows)" and the groove-driven "Compound Fracture." It debuted at No. 11 on the chart and earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Alternative Music Album. The band maintained creative momentum with a series of live performances that highlighted their evolving sound. In June 2015, they headlined the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival's main stage, delivering an energetic set that included material from The Waterfall alongside fan favorites. Later that year, they performed at the , contributing to collaborative sets and reinforcing their reputation for immersive, genre-blending shows. These appearances underscored the stability of the band's core lineup—Jim James, Tom Blankenship, Patrick Hallahan, Carl Broemel, and Bo Koster—which had solidified since the early . In 2020, amid the , My Morning Jacket released on July 10 via digital platforms, with a vinyl edition following on August 28. Drawn from the same 2013 sessions as its predecessor but shelved until then, the companion album incorporates experimental edges, such as the warped, circus-like opener "Climbing the Ladder" and psych-pop flourishes throughout, offering a more introspective counterpoint to the original's emotional intensity. The band responded to restrictions by pivoting to virtual performances, including livestream events with artists like , and releasing archival live recordings to engage fans remotely. In one notable instance, James recorded solo acoustic sessions at after other members tested positive for the virus, later compiled into the digital collection Live from RCA Studio A (Acoustic) in 2022. Following , the band issued their self-titled ninth studio album in October 2021, marking a return to full-band recording post-pandemic. By 2025, they released their tenth studio album, is, on March 21 via , produced by Brendan O'Brien and featuring melodic tracks like the lead single "Time Waited." This release, their first full-length in over three years, debuted at No. 32 on the Official Album Sales Chart and emphasized the band's refined songcraft. To support is, My Morning Jacket launched a U.S. arena tour in April 2025, starting April 1 at Chattanooga's Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium and extending through November. The run included high-profile stops such as two nights at Atlanta's Fox Theatre on October 31 and November 1—featuring a Halloween-themed set with covers—and a headline slot at the Music Festival in , from September 4 to 6. These performances highlighted the band's enduring live prowess, with no-repeat setlists across multiple nights. The year 2025 also saw the celebration of the 20th anniversary of their breakthrough 2005 album Z. On October 3, issued a deluxe rerelease featuring 14 previously unreleased tracks, including demos and B-sides like "The Devil's Peanut Butter," which received its live debut during the commemorative shows. The band marked the occasion with a series of performances at Brooklyn's Paramount theater on October 16, 17, and 18, playing the full Z tracklist on the opener and unique sets thereafter. Throughout this period, frontman pursued collaborations that expanded the band's influence, including past work with on her 2010 album and ongoing partnerships with artists like . My Morning Jacket also contributed to film soundtracks in the , building on earlier efforts like the 2005 Elizabethtown score with selective tracks for projects emphasizing their atmospheric sound.

Musical style and influences

Core sound and genre blending

My Morning Jacket's core sound is rooted in a fusion of , , and alt-country, creating a distinctive blend that evokes the expansive landscapes of their origins while incorporating experimental edges. This genre blending draws from a wide array of influences, including the folk-rock introspection of , whose country-tinged sensibilities shaped the band's early devotion to twangy guitars and heartfelt narratives. Similarly, echoes of Pink Floyd's progressive epics appear in the band's sprawling, atmospheric compositions, with direct nods to tracks like "Careful with That Axe, Eugene" in their instrumental builds and psychedelic explorations. The result is a sound that transcends traditional boundaries, merging southern grit with psychedelic expansiveness and alt-country warmth. Central to this identity is frontman Jim James's soaring , often layered with rich harmonies that add emotional depth and ethereal quality to the music. These vocals, frequently enhanced by extensive reverb and delay effects—particularly from James's early recordings in a grain silo—create a haunting, cavernous resonance that defines the band's sonic signature. The music features dynamic shifts, transitioning from quiet, introspective passages to explosive, jam-like crescendos, blending ful roots with improvisational energy influenced by classic and R&B traditions. Instrumentally, the interplay of dual guitars from James and Carl Broemel produces textured walls of sound, weaving intricate layers of distortion and melody, while Bo Koster's prominent keyboards contribute atmospheric synths and organ swells that amplify the psychedelic and progressive elements. Lyrically, the band explores themes of , , and heartbreak through abstract, poetic expressions that invite personal interpretation. Songs often evoke imagery and metaphysical longing, reflecting a blend of secular and spiritual yearning, as seen in Jim James's ability to merge hippie-era with old-time religious undertones. Heartbreak emerges as a recurring motif, portrayed with raw amid broader existential reflections. Production techniques further enhance this core aesthetic, emphasizing home and studio experimentation, such as the use of analog tape for warmth and analog reverbs to maintain an organic, immersive feel.

Evolution across albums

My Morning Jacket's early albums marked a progression from raw, lo-fi alt-country roots to more expansive psych-rock explorations. Their 1999 debut, The Tennessee Fire, captured a haunting, lonesome sound steeped in reverb-drenched twang and ghostly atmospheres, evoking a sense of isolation broadcast from afar. By 2001's , the band refined this into straightforward rock with acoustic warmth and psychedelic undertones, blending country influences with fuller, more confident arrangements that highlighted Jim James's ethereal vocals. This evolution culminated in 2003's , a polished breakthrough that amplified the epic scope through acid-tinged country-rock and soaring guitar work, positioning the band for broader appeal without diluting their essence. In the mid-period from 2005 to 2011, My Morning Jacket embraced orchestral grandeur and experimentation while occasionally circling back to core rock foundations. (2005) introduced sweeping, spiritual arrangements with worn-in rock elements and subtle religious motifs, expanding the sonic palette to include lush, cinematic textures. The 2008 follow-up, , ventured into poppier, funk-infused diversions, featuring falsetto-driven struts and proggy Southern-rock duels that risked alienating fans but showcased bold adaptability. By (2011), the band reverted to organic, live-recorded rock with trippy, transcendent vibes, toning down prior excesses to revisit earlier highlights in a grounded yet immersive form. Later works from 2015 onward deepened immersive with increasing electronic and experimental leanings. The Waterfall (2015) delivered sunny, trippy rock laced with personal introspection, reaffirming the band's vitality through bent notes and expansive grooves. Its 2020 companion, , leaned further into psychedelic jams with subtle electronic flourishes, offering familiar bliss but with a more contemplative, revelatory edge. The self-titled My Morning Jacket (2021) shifted toward a loose, meandering jam-band aesthetic, capturing extended freeform explorations in a baggy, process-oriented structure. Their tenth studio album, Is (2025), offered a polished, upbeat refinement of their classic sound, blending '70s pop, country, and rock into cohesive, hypnotic tracks with catchy hooks and warm textures. Across their discography, My Morning Jacket traced an arc from regional indie introspection to arena-ready fusion, incorporating R&B grooves, hints, and orchestral swells while preserving alt-country and psych-rock roots, culminating in recent works that balance jam-oriented expansiveness with accessible, glossy production. These shifts reflect frontman Jim James's solo explorations—such as his introspective, genre-bending work on albums like Regions of Light and Sound of God—and the band's growing maturity, allowing them to balance innovation with cohesion amid lineup changes and production evolutions.

Band members

Current members

The current lineup of My Morning Jacket, stable since the additions of guitarist Carl Broemel and keyboardist in 2004, consists of five core members who have driven the band's evolution through extensive touring and recordings into 2025. serves as the band's lead vocalist and guitarist, having founded My Morning Jacket in 1998; he is the primary songwriter, renowned for his ethereal vocals and hands-on production work across their albums. Tom Blankenship has been the bassist since the band's inception in 1998, anchoring the group's sound with a steady, groove-oriented foundation that supports their expansive arrangements. Patrick Hallahan joined as drummer in 2002, bringing a powerful and versatile style that infuses the band's live performances with high energy and rhythmic drive, often adapting seamlessly to their genre-blending sets. Carl Broemel became the second guitarist and backing vocalist in 2004, contributing intricate melodic lines, harmonies, and multi-instrumental flourishes that enrich the band's layered sonic palette, particularly evident in albums like Z and beyond. Bo Koster joined as keyboardist and backing vocalist in 2004, adding depth through atmospheric synths, piano, and organ textures that enhance the band's psychedelic and immersive qualities, as heard in tracks from It Still Moves onward. This consistent quintet has enabled My Morning Jacket to maintain a rigorous touring schedule and release critically acclaimed work, including their 2025 album is, without lineup disruptions for over two decades.

Former members

My Morning Jacket's former members played pivotal roles in establishing the band's early psychedelic and roots-rock identity through their contributions to initial recordings and live performances. J. Glenn was the band's original drummer, serving from 1998 to 2000 and providing the rhythmic foundation for debut album The Tennessee Fire (1999) and follow-up At Dawn (2001). Chris "K.C." Guetig served as drummer from November 2000 to 2002, supporting the band's early tours and live performances following the release of At Dawn, including contributions to recordings like the Xmas Fiasco Style EP. Johnny Quaid, a co-founder and cousin of frontman , handled guitar and backing vocals from 1998 to late 2003, helping shape the group's hazy, psych-inflected sound on early releases like The Tennessee Fire and (2003). His distinctive harmonies added emotional depth to tracks on , enhancing the album's breakthrough appeal. Quaid departed primarily for family reasons and to address the mental and physical toll of relentless touring. After leaving, he pursued solo endeavors as The Ravenna Colt. Danny Cash joined as keyboardist in 2000 and stayed through late 2003, bolstering the band's sonic texture during the major-label breakthrough era, including contributions to and supporting extensive tours that elevated their profile. Cash left alongside Quaid, citing the need for more family time amid the exhaustion of road life. These members' exits prompted lineup changes, with Quaid and Cash's foundational work influencing the band's evolution into its current configuration.

Membership timeline

The membership of My Morning Jacket has evolved over time, with the core duo of and Tom Blankenship remaining constant since the band's formation. The following timeline outlines key join and departure dates for band members, presented in tabular form for clarity.
YearJim James (vocals, guitar)Tom Blankenship (bass)Johnny Quaid (guitar)J. Glenn (drums)Chris "K.C." Guetig (drums)Danny Cash (keyboards)Patrick Hallahan (drums) (keyboards)Carl Broemel (guitar)
1998Founding memberFounding memberFounding memberJoins (initial drummer)-----
1999ActiveActiveActiveActive-----
2000ActiveActiveActiveLeaves (late 2000)Joins (Nov 2000)Joins---
2002ActiveActiveActive-LeavesActiveJoins--
2003ActiveActiveLeaves (late 2003)--Leaves (late 2003)ActiveJoins (late 2003)-
2004ActiveActive----ActiveActiveJoins (early 2004)
2005–2025ActiveActive----ActiveActiveActive
This lineup, featuring James, Blankenship, Hallahan, Koster, and Broemel, has remained stable since 2004, coinciding with the release of the Z and subsequent tours.

Discography

Studio albums

My Morning Jacket's debut studio , The Tennessee Fire, was released in 1999 on Darla Records and features 16 tracks rooted in alt-country and lo-fi rock influences. The , recorded in a raw, reverb-drenched style, showcased the band's early sound blending elements with psychedelic touches and received positive critical reception for its atmospheric debut quality, earning a 3.5-star rating from . It did not chart on major lists but was reissued in 2001 with additional tracks to wider availability. The band's second album, (2001), contains 10 tracks and marks an atmospheric shift toward more expansive, echo-laden production, emphasizing Jim James's soaring vocals and reverb effects recorded in unique spaces like a grain silo. It peaked at No. 190 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart, reflecting growing underground buzz. Critics praised its dreamy, nocturnal vibe, with awarding it 4 stars for its immersive Southern . (2003), the third studio album with 13 tracks, served as the band's breakthrough on , amplifying their rock elements while retaining rustic charm and earning gold certification from the RIAA for 500,000 units sold. It debuted at No. 121 on the , bolstered by singles like "Golden" that gained radio play. The album received strong acclaim for its anthemic energy and live-show synergy, rated 4.5 stars by as a pivotal evolution. The fourth album, (2005), features 10 tracks with orchestral arrangements and a polished, expansive sound, peaking at No. 7 on the and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album. Certified gold by the RIAA, it highlighted the band's genre-blending prowess through tracks like "Gideon," and critics lauded its ambitious scope, with giving it 4 stars for its stadium-ready . Evil Urges (2008) comprises 14 eclectic tracks exploring funk, soul, and experimental rock, debuting at No. 7 on the Billboard 200 and nominated for a Grammy in the Alternative category. The album's diverse production, including falsetto-driven songs and heavier riffs, drew mixed but generally favorable reviews for its bold risks, earning 3.5 stars from AllMusic. In 2011, Circuital returned to rootsy, analog rock across 11 tracks, peaking at No. 11 on the Billboard 200 and praised for its warm, organic feel reminiscent of the band's early work. Recorded in a Louisville gym, it emphasized live-band chemistry and received widespread acclaim, with AllMusic rating it 4 stars as a mature homecoming. The Waterfall (2015), an 11-track effort, represents a psychedelic peak with lush, introspective arrangements, debuting at No. 12 on the and earning a Grammy nomination for Best Alternative Music Album. Critics highlighted its emotional depth and sonic layers, awarding it 4 stars on for its immersive journey. The companion piece The Waterfall II (2020) features 10 tracks continuing the previous album's exploratory vibe amid the COVID-19 pandemic, peaking at No. 31 on the Billboard 200. It received solid reviews for its hazy, resilient sound, with AllMusic giving it 3.5 stars as a fitting sequel. My Morning Jacket (2021), the self-titled ninth studio album, features 11 tracks and was released on October 22, 2021, via ATO Records, debuting at No. 49 on the Billboard 200. It showcases a raw, jam-heavy approach with positive reception for its organic energy, earning 4 stars from AllMusic. Is (2025), the tenth studio album with 10 tracks, was released on March 21, 2025, on , peaking at No. 111 on the Billboard 200. Produced by Brendan O'Brien, it blends elements and received critical acclaim, with awarding it 4 stars for its cohesive sound.

Live and compilation releases

My Morning Jacket's extended plays include early releases that highlight the band's formative sound. The Sweaty Palm EP, a cassette-only release from 1998, captured initial demos and served as a limited-distribution artifact from their Louisville origins. Later EPs like Sweatbees (2002) featured tracks such as "Lowdown" and "The Way That He Sings," offering a bridge between their debut album and subsequent work, with modest charting on indie lists. These EPs often emphasized raw, elements and received limited commercial attention but built a dedicated fanbase. The band's live releases showcase their reputation for expansive s. Okonokos, released on September 26, 2006, is a double live album and recorded during the fall 2005 Z Tour at The Tower Theater in , featuring tracks like "Wordless Chorus" and "One Big Holiday" that capture their psychedelic and jam-oriented style. More recently, the MMJ Live series, launched in 2021 through , includes Volume 1: Live 2015 (documenting the Tour with 16 tracks including "Victory Dance"), Volume 2: Chicago 2021 (highlighting post-pandemic shows), Volume 3: Bonnaroo 2004 (a archival set from their early festival appearance), and Volume 4: Terminal 5 – NYC – The Tennessee Fire 10/18/10 (a full of their debut album plus encores). These volumes, available on vinyl and digital, emphasize the band's in live settings without official full recordings from iconic venues like Red Rocks, though bootlegs of their performances there are prevalent among fans. Contributions to live compilations include a track on the 2007 Led Zeppelin tribute , underscoring their collaborative spirit. Compilation releases provide insight into My Morning Jacket's archival material. The Early 4-Track Recordings series, curated by from Darla Records archives, comprises Chapter 1: The Sandworm Cometh (2004, with demos like "Rocket Brothers"), Chapter 2: Learning (2004, including B-sides and covers), and Chapter 3: Early Recordings, B-Sides, Covers & Y Mas (2005, featuring additional rarities). These collections highlight pre-major label experiments in lo-fi and country-rock fusion. The Z 20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition, released on October 3, 2025, remasters the original 2005 album with 14 unreleased outtakes, demos, and B-sides, such as alternate versions of "," and has charted on indie and rock lists reflecting renewed interest. Soundtrack contributions extend the band's reach beyond original material. For the 2005 film Elizabethtown, they provided "Where to Begin," a live rendition that integrated into the movie's narrative and appeared on the official alongside artists like . Additional appearances include covers of Okkervil River's "Unless It's Kicks" in live and compilation contexts, demonstrating their interpretive approach to indie folk-rock. These releases collectively underscore My Morning Jacket's emphasis on live energy and hidden gems rather than mainstream commercial pursuits.

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