CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Singer and musician Jay Ammo of Clarksville wowed The Voice judges with his performance of Ed Sheeran’s “The A Team,” earning a four-chair turn on March 4. The audition was a big step in the music career of this 29-year-old Army veteran.

Born and raised in Guyana, he faced obstacles pursuing music. “It wasn’t easy to pursue music as a career in Guyana, because back then, when I was doing it, you wouldn’t get sought after of being the kind of artist that I am,” he said. While his parents supported his early interest in playing guitar, they didn’t encourage him to pursue music as a career.

Video by Wesley Irvin

His first time on stage came at the encouragement of his Sunday school teacher. He wasn’t interested in performing, but she pushed him to take the stage, and that moment started his passion for music. He started playing guitar, and he joined the choir, which got him more involved in music.

“The thing that brought me here (Clarksville), honestly, was the military,” Ammo said. After some time in the Army, with a deployment to Afghanistan, he was ready for a change. “I wanted to get out. I wanted to retire; one of my friends that was in with me said, ‘You know, if you want to do music, you should go to Fort Campbell. It’s close to Nashville.’” The military gave Ammo the mental stability and confidence he needed to pursue his dreams. It wasn’t until later, after settling in Clarksville, that he fully took on music as a career.

Turning chairs on ‘The Voice’

As for his audition on The Voice, Ammo barely remembers the reaction. “I blacked out from the minute I walked through those doors. I didn’t look at anybody,” Ammo said. He was completely focused, not looking at anyone in the audience or even his parents. When his performance ended and he turned around, the reality of the moment hit him. He told himself, “Don’t make a face.”

He said he’s really moved when young people tell him his journey encouraged them to follow their own musical dreams. Looking ahead, he has high hopes for his career. “I see myself going as far as my music will take me. The ultimate dream is seeing myself on stage where I don’t have to say a word and everybody is just screaming my song back at me.”

Ammo thanked everyone who supported him, including the community in Clarksville, his friends, and his supporters from Guyana. He also gave a shout-out to Revel House, the place that saved him and his music, and the military for keeping everyone safe.

His journey isn’t over. The Voice will enter the Battle Rounds, where Ammo will compete for a place in the Knockouts. The Voice airs again on Monday, March 17, at 7 p.m. on NBC. Ammo continues to make music and perform locally. Fans can find Ammo’s music on all major streaming platforms at @JayAmmo.

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