Jeremiah Joseph Shea (J. J. Shea) is a former Canadian Foreign Service Officer whose long-serving diplomatic career provided unique settings for song-writing inspiration and recording studio sessions. He has been writing and recording his original songs since his early teens - a love that continues to this day (he's working on an album of new songs).
The lyrics to J. J. Shea’s song Earthly Heaven recently received a top five Semi-Finalist placement under the Lyric Only Category in the 2026 USA Song of the Year competition. His song Manhattan Girl received a top Finalist Placement in the Rock Category.
The influence of Shea's global travels can be heard in much of his music:
- New York (is Falling in Love) and Daddy's Car, recorded in Kingston, Jamaica, feature Jamaica's outstanding Grammy award winning percussionist Sly Dunbar and have a distinct pop-reggae feel.
- Not Hard to Please, written during Shea's diplomatic posting to Brazil, has a subtle Brazilian rhythmic feel.
- By the Buffalo Harbour and Liberty, showcase exceptional New York rock and roll guitar and drum work.
- And A California Girl, recorded in Colombo, Sri Lanka, was inspired by Shea's frequent visits to California and his love of West Coast rock.
To hear a selection of J.J. Shea's recordings, starting with one of his earlier tracks, please click play below. To read each song's story/lyrics and to play/download free 320 kbps MP3s please click here.
Acoustic versions of his song New York - originally titled New York (Makes You Fall in Love) - and the song Manhattan Girl can be found on Shea's 2026 album First Takes on Spotify and iTunes.
J. J. Shea's songs receive very high ratings in SHAZAM: His tracks Not Hard to Please, It's Always Sunny, Daddy's Car, Earthly Heaven, A California Girl, Till the End of Time and New York (both versions) all receive high ratings for "Melodicness" – catchy tunes and lyrics, with singable and memorable melodies.
J. J. Shea is open to publishing opportunities, sync licensing and artist coverage. He owns 100% of his songs' master and publishing rights and is a member of SOCAN, the Canadian music rights organization (look up Music Creator: Shea, Jeremiah in SOCAN's Public Repertoire listing).
J. J. Shea's family has a distinguished history in the entertainment world, having built several Shea's Theatres in Toronto, Canada and Western New York, hosting a range of entertainment greats over the years. For more on the Shea’s Theatres please click here.
To learn more about J. J. Shea, please click here,