Many years ago, when I first got involved in the music industry I was told, you gotta check out JB Kline, in Lambertville, NJ. This was early 2000, when he was just going by the name Jeff Kline.
We met at a gig and I was a little intimidated to meet him. I think it was in Doylestown at Rob’s Loft. He was there to see a friend of ours perform. I walked right over and introduced myself and he gave me the biggest smile and made me feel like we were old friends.
I wanted to learn as much as I could about him so he suggested me meeting him one day and we walked along the Lambertville Canal. There wasn’t anything I couldn’t ask him and he always took his time and responded respectfully towards me and my questions.
One night we attended a party together and I was surrounded by his closest friends. He invited me out on a date one night and we became close friends fast. I always took his cd’s with me when I went to Nashville and I was SO proud to have gotten close to him and I cherished our friendship.
Years later we met up outside his shop and he asked me why I didn’t come around anymore because he missed me. I explained why and he looked at me with the kindest most sincere look and said, who cares what anyone thinks of you. You know who you are be proud of that person I still call my friend.
I cherish my friendship with him and look forward to our hugs when we do meet up. They sure broke the mold with this Legendary Musician and I will always be thankful for the closeness we share.
