Jay Geils is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter best known as the founder and leader of the J. Geils Band. Born in New York City in 1951, Geils began playing guitar at a young age and formed his first band, the J. Geils Blues Band, in 1967. The band released their debut album in 1970 and went on to become one of the most successful rock bands of the 1970s and 1980s, with hits like "Centerfold," "Freeze-Frame," and "Love Stinks." After the band broke up in 1985, Geils pursued a solo career, releasing several albums and collaborating with other artists. He has also worked as a session musician and producer.