Jamie DeFrates, as he states it, was born right out of a prayer. To quote one of his songs:

"I was born on a temporal mountain,
I was born right out of a prayer
I was the prayed up state of perfection
Back before my earthly cares."

Preceded by his sister, who is precisely 3 years, 3 months and 3 days older than he, DeFrates came at a time when his parents were enjoying a successful ministry and radio program called "The Golden Gospel Hour" in Springfield, Illinois. DeFrates began singing at the age of five and playing the guitar and writing songs at the age of ten. He studied architecture at the University of Illinois, while still performing in clubs around the campus. After college he began to travel extensively, playing clubs from New York to San Francisco. DeFrates has been a national opening act for: Willie Nelson, Janis Ian, Leo Kottke, Little River Band, Jerry Jeff Walker, Richie Havens, Doc Watson, John Hartford, and John Lee Hooker to name a few.

Finally settling in Jacksonville, Florida, DeFrates formed his own publishing company and recording studio. Along with songwriting (five albums to his credit) his interests are in music for film and video projects. His sound tracks and jingles have garnered many awards over the years. He has also produced and arranged CD projects for other artists.

Jamie DeFrates is a unique individual. His songs are poignant and poetic; they are a variety of moods and extremely visual images. His voice stages and dramatizes a lyric with an intensity of flow that compels the audience to listen. Jamie DeFrates defies categorization and yet upon hearing that, he just laugh's and replies, "I'm just a product of the times that's all, just a product of the times."