Murphy David Eli Grimes, known as Eli Grimes in the musical world, was just 10 years old when he bugged his father for a guitar after being inspired by the move about country legend Hank Williams Sr., Your Cheatin’ Heart.
He knew then that he would be a songwriter. Grimes’ persistence paid
off when he received that guitar.
As a young boy, he would walk to a little old wooden church about a mile from his home in Jedburg, S.C., sit down and just listen to the singers inside. Grimes was mesmerized by the spirit and passion that emanated from the tiny building, and he would return repeatedly to hear the music.
Grimes wrote his first song back then. His passion for writing songs and singing continues today.
Earlier this year, Grimes moved from St Augustine, Fla., to Murphy. The former electrical contractor of more than 20 years spends most of his time today writing and singing songs that inspire others. Each song he writes tells a story.
Last year, he met a fellow named Joe Targove, who has a studio called Music Mission in St. Augustine. Last year, with COVID-19 in full swing, Targrove helped Grimes produce 21 new songs.
Targrove inspired Grimes to just be himself with his music. As a result, he was Grimes’ biggest “jump-start” to a music career.
Grimes later met a gentleman in Young Harris, Ga., by the name of Sean Clyde – nephew to Roy Clark – who would help him with vocals. Clyde passed on one of Grimes’ CDs to the musical group Florida Georgia Line with the hopes it would raise an eyebrow and get a listen by the well-known duo.
With six CDs under his belt, Grimes continues to write songs with a purpose – to inspire others to do something. One of the songs on I’m a Songwriter is one he wrote for first responders during COVID-19, “You Are Our Angels.”
Ten years ago, when he realized service men and women were being electrocuted in Iraq due to poor electrical systems, Grimes went overseas there for six months to help. His experience and knowledge as a master electrician allowed him to get more than 200 needed generators up and running safely.
In conversations, Grimes discovered the one thing service men and women wanted most was to come back home. One of his songs, “Back to the Good Ole USA,” was born from that.
When 5-year-old Haleigh Cummings went missing in Florida, he wrote a song that inspired people to continue searching and not give up. The song played worldwide.
Grimes’ most recent song was written about a little black kitten that stumbled across his path, alone and starving. He just couldn’t walk away. He took the little guy, who he named “Black Out,” to an animal shelter.
Within 24 hours of his song and a story being posted online, the tiny feline was adopted. Grimes has allowed the Humane Society of the United States to use his song – “Furrever Friend” – to inspire folks to adopt animals and give them a loving home.
“I’m a songwriter who’ll probably never quit,” he said.
When asked what advice he has for budding songwriters, Grimes said, “If you’re real smart, you’ll come up with a million reasons to quit. I’m not that smart, so I’m a winner.”
Grimes’ songs are playing on a local radio station. You can find his CDs on Amazon. For details, email eligrimesmusic@gmail.com.