Tony Jackson

Though he released his debut album in 2017, Tony Jackson's music is a proud throwback to the era of classic country, influenced by the honky tonk and Bakersfield sounds of the 1960s as well as New Traditionalist hitmakers like Randy Travis and George Strait. Jackson's rich, mellow voice is a perfect fit for vintage country tropes, and he went viral in 2013 with a faithful cover of George Jones' "The Grand Tour." He re-recorded the cover for his 2017 debut album, where he also put his stamp on classic tunes from Conway Twitty ("It's Only Make Believe") and the Lovin' Spoonful ("Nashville Cats"). A variety of setbacks kept Jackson away from the recording studio for several years, but he returned in fine form with 2023's I've Got Songs to Sing, which included a guest appearance from one of his heroes, Randy Travis.

Tony Jackson was a late bloomer as a performer; at the time he released his debut album, he was 40 years old and had been immersed in music for only about ten years. Jackson was born in Portsmouth, VA, and his father was an officer in the Navy; young Tony grew up listening to Armed Forces Radio, where the diverse programming included plenty of country music. The storytelling of country songs made a strong connection with him, and while his family was stationed in Spain, he not only saw a Randy Travis concert held on base, but also got to talk to the performer, which marked him as a country fan for life. Following his father's example of life in the military, Jackson joined the Marine Corp after high school, and after completing his service, he pursued a career in Information Technology, working for a major financial institution. Jackson was called back to service in the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, but he returned to IT work after coming home. While Jackson loved country music and had a strong desire to sing, he also had a solid career with benefits and a promising future, and was hesitant to walk away.

After the death of George Jones in April 2013, Jackson was convinced by some friends to join them in cutting a version of Jones' classic 1974 single "The Grand Tour." The performance was posted on social media, where it became a viral success with country fans, and it was discovered by Jimmy Dean's widow, Donna Dean Stevens, who was in the process of reviving the Old Dominion Barn Dance in Richmond, VA. Stevens offered him a spot, which he eagerly accepted, and after his performance was well received, she and Jim Della Croce became Jackson's co-managers, sending him to record the album that became his eponymous 2017 debut, which included appearances from Vince Gill, Steve Cropper, and Willie Nelson's longtime harmonica player, Mickey Raphael. Five singles were released from the LP, it was well received on major streaming platforms, and Jackson would become a regular guest on the Grand Ol' Opry. Plans for a second album had to be put on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Jackson's strength and patience saw him through, and in 2023 he issued his second full-length project, I've Got Songs to Sing. Recorded during sessions in Nashville (produced by Chuck Rhodes and Buddy Hyatt) and Woodstock, New York (produced by Jim Della Croce and former Lovin' Spoonful leader John Sebastian), I've Got Songs to Sing featured a number of stellar musicians including Waddy Watchel, Cindy Cashdollar, and Jenee Fleenor. It also included cameos from two established stars: Rhonda Vincent dueted with Jackson on "Leave the Lights On" and Randy Travis contributed a guest vocal on "Do You Remember Country Music." ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine & Mark Deming