Storyteller, songwriter, and artist, Jack Kapanka encompasses everything that makes music what it should be - a moving, thought provoking experience. He blends the chapters of his life with his rich compositions, and has been compared to the likes of James Taylor and the late great Harry Chapin.
Jack Christian Kapanka was born on the outskirts of Bethlehem, PA, raised in Nazareth, PA and is the youngest of twenty brothers and sisters. He was born blind in both eyes. At the age of two, he gained sight in his right eye and by age three, he was singing with his family in various churches and half-way houses across the country.
At age 21 Jack headed to Orlando Florida to pursue his dream of becoming a stuntman. Fueled by his adventurous spirit and natural ahtletic ability, he worked an array of jobs from bungee jumpmaster to professional bicycle free-stylist. At one of these jobs, he was asked to try his hand at writing a commercial jingle. The jingle went Nationwide for "Picway Shoes". The path to his new future was paved into the music industry.
As Jack' s music career began to take hold, he performed his music for a growing group of fans. Jack landed a 20-minute audition with two music industry powerhouses: Robert Fischetti, executive Vice-President of Trans Continental Records, who helped groom bands such as the BackStreet, *NSYNC, LFO, and O-Town, and Johnny Wright of *NSYNC and Britney Spears fame. "I started off sitting back in my chair with my arms crossed and ended up at the edge of my seat. " said Fischetti, "I knew I had something very special before me; I knew Jack was the real thing. "
One of Jack's most memorable experiences has been performing "What They Gave To Me" for U.S. Military veterans. He regularly receives standing ovations from veterans of all service backgrounds expressing their gratitude for capturing their feelings and paying honor to their efforts. "Thank you for my parade" stated Vietnam Veteran John Keller. Since then, Jack has been invited to military bases across Florida and Southern California to perform.
Jack was asked to write a song for the 2001 World Wide Special Olympics. As an athlete who overcame a great handicap himself, Jack composed the inspirational song, "A Champion".This song became the grand finale of the opening ceremonies of the 2001 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Alaska. "Being able to share this song with these athletes and their families has fulfilled my life more than I could have ever imagined. These athletes have taught me the true meaning of sportsmanship."
Jack's latest projects include working closely with several charities. He was asked to write the theme song for "The World's Largest Truck Convoy", which benefits the Special Olympics. The song is called America Moves By Truck. He was also asked by "Freedom Ride", a national organization which assists with rehabilitation for handicapped children by letting them work with horses. When he presented the song titled appropriately titled "Freedom Ride" to the organization, there was not a dry eye in the house.
In the Hollywood scene, Jack was asked to write the theme song to the film "Stroke of Genius - the Bobby Jones Story", about the life of the famous golfer, Bobby Jones. "Stroke of Genius" stars Jim Caveziel, who played Jesus in Mel Gibson's "The Passion.". "Play It As It Lies" was written and used in the trailer and promotion of the film. Jack was invited to perform at the New York City premiere at Tavern on the Green, where he gave a jaw-dropping performance for the cast, producers, and media. Bobby Jones IV commended Jack, telling him that he had truly captured "the man", his grandfather, Bobby Jones. Charities including First Tee and A.S.A.P. have both asked to use the song to help promote their causes.
More than anything, Jack wants his music to touch the hearts of those around him. He states: "I want to impact the world in a positive way. Music is something that everyone connects with. It captures our innermost feelings when words escape us. It heals our deepest wounds in our darkest times of despair. It inspires us to accomplish our dreams."
To Jack's family has been his greatest inspiration. His wife Kandy is credited for the tender ballads "I Know", and "Sunlight on a Saturday Night." He wrote "She's Got My Heart" for his two daughters, Summer and Gabrielle. Jack also has an assortment of heart-wrenching love ballads such as "Soul Mates", "Forever With You", and "Angel In My Arms", that have become wedding favorites across the country. They speak to hearts filled with love, trust, honor, and commitment.
Jack's music is a powerful array of patriotism, inspiration, family values, compassion, and heart-felt poetry about life's experiences. Look no further than the music he makes for his uninhibited take on life. Jack Kapanka is truly "the real thing".
www.JackKapanka.com
