If there’s a place where music, vision, and conviction collide, it’s wherever John “JB” Meldrum plants his feet. Born in the USA and now crafting sonic poetry from his base in Paris, Meldrum is no ordinary troubadour. He’s a dreamer grounded in justice, a rocker with a preacher’s fire — channeling the spirits of John Lennon and Martin Luther King Jr. into a lifelong mission of melody with meaning.
JB Meldrum’s artistic legacy stretches far and wide — from the pop-rock rebellion of No Rules Here to the West African-infused Ayijah with Zongo Ambassadors, and the aching beauty of his remastered folk gem Long Live Love. But it’s his masterwork, Peace Oratorio, the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, that finds him at the spiritual summit of his storytelling powers.
And from that towering piece comes “Happy Feet,” a joyous, soul-laced anthem that feels like a gospel revival marching down the streets of Selma.
From the first beat, the live performance glows with communal electricity. The rhythm section is jubilant yet rooted, echoing the cadence of protest, of unity, of feet hitting the pavement in pursuit of justice. Meldrum’s guitar work carries a vibrant melodic lift — playful, reverent, and resolute — while the ensemble responds with brass, percussion, and vocal fire that makes the song dance like a sermon on Sunday morning.
JB’s vocals on “Happy Feet” are raw in the most human way. He delivers each line with conviction, not as a performance but as a purpose. There’s a celebratory ache to his tone as if he’s carrying both the pain and the promise of the civil rights movement in every breath.
Production-wise, the track embraces the imperfections of a live stage and turns them into strengths. There’s nothing sterile here — instead, the air feels thick with spirit and spontaneity. The mix allows each instrument to rise and breathe, while the overall sound glows like a sunrise over a hopeful horizon.
“Happy Feet” is a moving tribute, a sonic march, and a call to feel joy even in the struggle. It reminds us that when music walks hand in hand with a message, it doesn’t just move you — it moves nations.
JB Meldrum isn’t just an artist. He’s a visionary with a guitar, a heart tuned to justice, and happy feet that won’t stop walking forward.
Listen to “Happy Feet” on Spotify
Follow Author Bryant here for more information
