2011 October/November—On The Cover: Jake Owen

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR COPY

Label: RCA Records Nashville
Current Album: Barefoot Blue Jean Night
Current Single: “Alone With You”
Current Video: “Barefoot Blue Jean Night”
Management/Booking: Morris Artist Management
Current Producers: Tony Brown, Rodney Clawson and Joey Moi
Recent Hits: “Barefoot Blue Jean Night”
Awards: ACM Top New Male Artist
RIAA Certs to date: “Barefoot Blue Jean Night”-Platinum single, “Eight Second Ride”-Gold single
Hometown: Vero Beach, FL
Birthdate: August 28
Interesting Facts: After a serious wakeboarding accident, Jake had reconstructive shoulder surgery. During that time with his left arm in a sling, he learned to play guitar and started writing songs.
Outside Interests: Wakeboarding, Wakesurfing
Musical Influences: Alabama, Vern Gosdin, Waylon Jennings, Tom Petty
Favorite Record: Too many to choose from

Guided by musical instinct, a drive for self-improvement and a willingness to experiment, Jake Owen has crafted Barefoot Blue Jean Night as one of the most innovative and refreshing country collections of the year. The CD’s title tune is already exploding as the biggest hit of Owen’s career to date.

“I never wanted to be the guy that did everything the way you’re supposed to do it,” says the candid and outgoing music maker. “And that led me to make this record, which I think really represents who I am more than anything I’ve ever recorded. If nothing else happens after this, I can honestly say that I did the absolute best that I can do. I’ve never felt this good about music, or anything in my career, as I do right now.”

In 2005, Jake went from performing in Florida bars to moving to Nashville and within months he had a Music Row song-publishing contract. Less than a year later, he was signed by RCA Records and was on the charts with his first two singles, “Yee Haw” and “Startin’ with Me.” He went from being a speck in a stadium crowd at a Kenny Chesney concert to opening shows for the superstar. Then Brad Paisley took him on the road as Owen scored his third hit, 2007’s “Something About a Woman.” In 2008, Owen opened shows for Sugarland and this year, Keith Urban asked Jake to be his touring partner on the Get Closer 2011 World Tour.

Jake has previously enjoyed major-league success with such performances as 2006’s “Startin’ with Me,” 2008’s “Don’t Think I Can’t Love You,” and 2009’s “Eight Second Ride.” His revival of “Life in a Northern Town” with Sugarland and Little Big Town in 2008 earned him Grammy and CMA Award nominations. Owen was named 2009’s Top New Male Vocalist by the Academy of Country Music. But nothing, he says, compares to the impact his new music is making.
“If you want to get better at your craft, you have to push yourself, take risks and try something
different,” he reflects. “In order to grow and not be complacent, you have to open your mind, expand your horizons and be grateful. That’s what this record represents for me.”