Catfish (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781463603052)

A Joplin, Missouri native, Jim bought his first guitar at age 14 for $89.00 and soon began playing with his friends in assorted bands during high school. He attended the University of Iowa on a sports scholarship and upon graduating with Bachelor of Science degree was drafted into Major League baseball. As the pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals, Jim learned that it was determination and drive that would carry him through his baseball career. After several seasons, his sports career was cut short by an injury that would serve as a stepping stone to bigger things. Jim picked up his guitar and honed his singing talents as a solo artist at clubs on Chicago's Rush Street. He soon formed his own band and began touring the country as the opening act for some of the biggest names in the music industry including Alan Jackson, Collin Raye, Joe Diffie, and the late great Waylon Jennings. Wise has trained with Nashville's legendary voice instructors Gerald Arthur and Renee Grant-Williams, earned a Third Degree Black Belt in Karate, and to overcome his fear of flying, became an instrument rated multi-engine pilot. Although he makes his home in Las Vegas, Jim's style and dedication takes him to the far reaches of America. From a baseball diamond to a casino to America's heartland, Jim Wise uses the same amount of determination that carried him through his sports career. Whether he's on the mound or on the stage, the game plan is clear: the wind-up, the powerful release, and the roar of the crowd. With Jim Wise dominating the scene, it's safe to say that the crowd is going to be roaring for a very long time. For more information on Jim's activities, please visit www.wisecountry.com.