All over America, outraged protesters are listening to young folk singer Jesse Wells. He explains the mindset of the ICE hoodlums: “If you’re lacking control and authority, come with me and hunt down minorities, join ICE.”
He was nominated for Grammy Awards in four different categories, including Best Folk Album for Under the Powerlines, Best Americana Album for Middle, Best Americana Roots Song for “Middle,” and best Americana Performance for “Horses.”
He has won his fame with little or no airplay and shot into the heart of America with his daily Instagram posts where he turns out new songs as fast as things happen. His personal appearances sell every seat.
In the times we’re in, not too many of us would sit down and watch an awards show. The business elite is patting themselves on the back for making more money while the American people are under occupation and just trying to get by.
But the recent ICE actions have been felt and seen by everyone, even the celebrity class. Many celebrities, including Elijah Wood and Olivia Wilde, joined ICE protesters outside the Sundance Film Festival while others expressed their outrage at the killing of Renee Good and Alex Pretti with their anti-ICE pens.
Concerned Americans watched the Grammy awards Sunday, Feb. 1, to see if Welles would get due recognition. Unfortunately, he didn’t take home any trophies this go-around, but his daily Instagram posts of new songs being played in an open field have created an underground fan base that’s helping to sell out shows from coast to coast.
Jesse writes about real issues affecting us every day. Welles is often compared to his personal hero, Woody Guthrie. In his song “Red,” he clearly depicts the turmoil of the Trump administration.
People are finding out about Jesse Wells. He performed “Join ICE” on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” and the song has become a regular at anti-ICE rallies. In the song “Horses,” Jesse writes, “Singing this song about loving all the people that you’ve come to hate,” showing a path to a better world that we need to create.
Every revolution needs a soundtrack, and I think Jesse Welles is singing ours.
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