Influenced by Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson, John Prine and Paul Simon, Knight began performing around his hometown and later joined a touring band. He honed his music while working as a truck driver and signed a contract with the Music of the World Publishing Company. After Jeff Knight's songs were performed by Johnny Cash, Vince Gill and Pirates of the Mississippi, Mercury Records signed him and released his debut album, Easy Street (1993). ~ John Bush