Jeff is originally from St. Cloud, Minnesota. He would do a stint in Branson, Missouri where he served as musical director for Bobby Vinton and Ray Stevens. He has also performed with Fabian, the Shirelles, Danny & the Juniors, Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers and many more. He was nominated in the Branson Terry Music Awards as Keyboard Player of the Year.

During the 90's, when not performing at Branson area theatres he recorded many cassettes with Craig Strong. Their duo was named The Screamin' Popeyes. He still had creative roots in St. Cloud contributing keyboards to the bands Slip Twister and Deep Seven.