Someone You Should Know: Jeff Bloom, entertainer

BISMARCK, N.D. ( KXNET ) — Some may have had a rough start in the beginning. However, it’s what you do with your life experience that defines you. Musician, entertainer, BNSF railroad worker, and father, are all things to describe Jeff Bloom, someone who is instilling hope through his musical talents.

“My parents didn’t get along, and I didn’t get along with them very well. I was expelled from St. Mary’s and then I went to BHS and missed almost a year of class.”

From the ages of 16 to 17, Jeff Bloom spent time in group homes. Although life growing up was difficult for him, he didn’t let that stop him from making something of himself.

At the age of 18, Bloom decided that he needed some discipline in his life, so he went into the U.S. Marines for four years.

“When you’re with people every day you know my problems and I know yours and you see when things are messing up. And you get friends close enough that tell you when you’re messing up, you’re being stupid here, this is self-destructive,” said Bloom.

In 2001, Jeff met his wife, Stephanie, while bartending. After marrying in 2002, they had two kids together, Connor and Brody. In 2006, Bloom would go on to begin work on the BNSF railway.

“My job’s awesome. It’s always a troubleshooting thing, a problem-solving thing and, like I said, I have to have something to do so it keeps me engaged mentally, too,” said Bloom.

Bloom began playing guitar in his teen years and would find himself carrying his love of music throughout his life. His oldest son, Connor, works at KX News as a valued production member. It was Connor who got his dad to start taking his musical talents to a holier level.

“We had a pretty understaffed music team at the time, and I’m like, ‘Hey dad, they need a guitarist,’ and it took some convincing but ultimately we got him too,” said Connor Bloom.

Even though Bloom has only been with the church for just under a year, he says that he’s made some great friends, all while spreading the word of the Lord.

“Even in the Bible it says that you can’t give somebody the word unless the Holy Spirit quickens it to them. Well, ‘quicken’ means to give something life and it’s gotta mean something to you. Well, some of these songs can touch people and meet them in a place where they are. If you’re having a bad day or whatever, sometimes that song will make a difference and maybe it’ll make you ask those questions,” said Bloom.

And that’s not all – Bloom has also been a D.J. at the Corral Bar in Bismarck for Friday night karaoke for the last few years.

“The atmosphere is fun and I think that’s kind of my job to make everybody have fun and keep the judgmental people quiet,” Bloom explained.

Bloom believes music transcends beyond just the lyrics and can serve as a real “north star” for those who may find themselves a little lost in life.

“The music is almost like an interaction. It’s a back-and-forth, it’s like a prayer to me. And I’ve seen people come out of treatment and they’ve found you know what. I was doing things that were wrong. I would have my instrument and now that I’m out of treatment, this is one of the few habits that I can bring with me,” said Bloom.

“My dad is really my hero. He’s always there. Reliable, he’s inspiring to me and I love him,” said Bloom’s son, Connor.

From a father to a ministry musician, BNSF railway worker, and a karaoke D.J., Jeff Bloom is someone you should know.

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