On March 19 the Memphis Chapter of GRAMMY U and the GRAMMY Foundation hosted a GRAMMY SoundChecks with John Mayer at the FedExForum in Memphis. Students gathered for a rare opportunity to meet the GRAMMY-winning artist, and were escorted to the arena where they were welcomed with a performance from Mayer of the title track off his most recent album, "Heartbreak Warfare." The highlight of the soundcheck came when Mayer and his band held a jam session with Hi Rhythm Section's Charles Hodges — a brief cameo appearance that the rest of the world had yet to see.
Following the soundcheck, students were brought backstage for a candid question-and-answer session with Mayer, and when one student asked at what point in his career did he realize that he had "made it"? Mayer said, "There is no one moment. When you walk through one door, there are only more doors to follow. If you are here, now, sitting in this room, you are doing it. You are your own business."
He also spoke regarding the importance of knowing the ins and outs of writing a song, even if you don't consider yourself to be a songwriter. When asked how to maintain composure at such a high level of celebrity, Mayer spoke of the importance of retreat and staying true to yourself. Students left feeling empowered and inspired by Mayer's words of advice.