Music like Jimbo Mathus

James H. Mathis Jr. (born August 1967), known as Jimbo Mathus, is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, and member of the swing revival band Squirrel Nut Zippers.

He was born in Oxford, Mississippi to Jimmy Mathis and Jeanella (Malvezzi) Mathis. His genealogy is of Scottish and Italian origin. His early life was filled with music, as his father and relatives were instrumentalists and singers. He began joining the family musical circle at an early age and by age eight was played mandolin. By 15, Mathus had been taught the rudiments of guitar, piano and harmony singing. The family's repertoire consisted of folk, bluegrass, country blues and pre-recorded songs passed down through the Mathus and Byrd families. His father was an outdoorsman, traveler and also raised hunting dogs and horses. Thus, Mathus' early life consisted of hunting and fishing in the Corinth, Mississippi, area.