JODY RAFFOUL may be from a small town in Southern Ontario, but his diverse career as a working class pop-rock singer/songwriter has continued to put him in the spotlight here stateside. Jody has already brought his signature throaty vocal style across the states, opening for big name artists such as Collective Soul, Kid Rock, Nickelback, Joe Cocker, Blues Traveler, Richard Marx, Counting Crows, The Allman Brothers Band, Uncle Kracker, John Entwhistle, Chris Isaak, Paul Rodgers and most recently Bon Jovi. A reliable “critic’s pick” in the Detroit Metro area, Jody’s career jumped leaps in 2006 when he beat out over 17,500 bands nationwide in the Bon Jovi “Have a Nice Gig” competition. Jody’s “Light of Day” won the regional gig, chosen by Detroit’s WDVD 96.3, giving him the chance to open for Bon Jovi at the sold out Palace at Auburn Hills in November 2005. In early 2006 Jody was named the Grand Prize winner of the national contest, hand picked and announced personally by Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora. He went on to open a sold out show at Giant’s Stadium in Bon Jovi’s home state, New Jersey, alongside fellow Canadians, Nickelback. As the national winner he was also featured on XM Satellite Radio’s, Billy Zero Unsigned Artists show. The contest win and word of mouth has increased his following across the states winning over new fans along the way. At home in a small club or the big stage, his signature voice and compassionate stage presence has been described as a hybrid mix of Bono and Bruce Springsteen making every performance unique. Jody’s solo acoustic album “Simple Life” which was only sold at live shows, not only garnered attention from the music industry, contemporaries and some of Jody's musical influences, but it also showcased Jody's diversity. His sensitive, in-tune songwriting ability combined with infectious rifts and full band is reflected in the album, “Like A Star”, which has never been commercially released. Showcasing the ‘two sides’ of Jody, indie label Takes the Biscuit will release a special remixed and re-mastered “Best of” selection taken from Like A Star and Simple Life as a double album (currently untitled). Slated for Spring 2008, the release will also include new tracks that reflect Jody’s career growth and bright future. In a world full of musical choices Jody’s music has no gimmick; the songs speak for themselves, and the passion he puts into them is undeniable.