Netflix is set to celebrate one of rock’s most influential rhythm-makers with its upcoming documentary series, In the Pocket: The Jaimoe Story, shining a long-overdue spotlight on Jai Johanny “Jaimoe” Johanson—the jazz-rooted drummer and co-founder of the Allman Brothers Band.
A key figure in shaping the band’s signature blend of blues, jazz, rock, and soul, Jaimoe helped lay the foundation of Southern rock as we know it. With his fluid, improvisational style and deep musical instincts, he brought finesse and swing to a genre often dominated by grit. Alongside drummer Butch Trucks, Jaimoe formed one half of the Allman Brothers’ legendary dual-drummer setup, creating a sound that was at once raw and refined—most famously captured on the band’s genre-defining live album, At Fillmore East.
In the Pocket, slated for release later this year, promises an intimate and revealing look into Jaimoe’s life and career. The series will trace his early days growing up in segregated Mississippi, his formative years on the road with R&B legends like Otis Redding, and his pivotal role in the formation of the Allman Brothers Band in 1969. Through a mix of archival concert footage, behind-the-scenes material, and personal interviews, the series will document how a drummer with jazz in his veins helped lead one of rock’s most enduring acts.
Jaimoe, now in his 80s, remains the last surviving founding member of the band following the passing of guitarist Dickey Betts in 2024. His reflections provide a powerful narrative backbone to the series, offering rare insight into the band’s rise, internal struggles, musical breakthroughs, and lasting legacy.
The documentary is also expected to highlight Jaimoe’s post-Allman career, including his work with his own ensemble, Jaimoe’s Jasssz Band, where he continued to explore his love for improvisational jazz and genre fusion.
While many rock documentaries focus on frontmen and guitar gods, In the Pocket takes viewers behind the kit—where time, feel, and soul quietly drive the music. Netflix’s decision to focus on Jaimoe is both refreshing and overdue, honoring a musician whose influence has rippled far beyond the spotlight.
As fans await the first trailer, anticipation is building for a series that not only celebrates a musical pioneer, but also captures the pulse of a generation—and the man who kept it steady.
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