Jason grew up on a farm in Calera, Oklahoma, where his grandfather taught him to play harmonica and fiddle. He also told him, "Never trust a man who wears his hat straight," which explains why Jason always wears his slightly off center. In addition to the harmonica and fiddle, Jason taught himself to play guitar. He grew up singing, and eventually played nightclubs, dance halls and honky tonks throughout Oklahoma, Texas, and surrounding areas before moving to Nashville. There he worked construction jobs during the day and sang demos, wrote songs and performed around town at night. He and his family live on a farm in Lebanon, TN, where he likes to relax by attempting death-defying jumps on a motocross track. The influences for his traditional sound include Merle Haggard, George Strait, and Hank Williams, Jr.
EXCLUSIVE -- JASON TALKS ABOUT HIS LIFELONG DREAM:
"You know, this contest is getting me more pumped up every week. I am so close to winning a record deal I can almost taste it--thanks to all my fans who vote for me each week. I hope that by now people can realize who I am and what I live and stand for, and that is to bring and sing good country music that may inspire or change someone's life as it has mine.
"I am finally getting to show the world what I do best and that is the greatest feeling I could have at this point in my career, I thank God for that every day. If I make it through to the next round or not, I still get to do my first BIG concert for some of my fans back in my home town and support the American Red Cross all at the same time--who could ask for more than that?
"I want to say thank you again to the Nashville Star crew for such a life-changing experience--this is what I have lived for my whole life. As we venture closer to the end of the show, the months have turned to weeks, the weeks into days, and days into minutes. We are all under more pressure to do our best. No matter what, I will still give it 100% for everyone pulling for me.
"I would like to say HELLO to my life long buddies who have already went home from the show. I miss you guys very much and I hope your dreams are coming true for you! I ask that all of you please keep me and my family in your prayers; hope to see you in the next round! God bless you all as He has me. LONG LIVE COUNTRY MUSIC! "
EXCLUSIVE -- JASON GETS ON HIS 'HIGH HORSE'!:
"I would like to say a very big thank-you to my family, friends, and fans for voting me into another step towards my dream. Being the first one called out this week was a big relief. I didn't have time to get nervous or worry if I was going to be called out, and it made it a lot easier for me.
"This was a very special night for me to sing my original song for America, and I was very blessed to get to do so. I sat backstage and watched the TV monitor as somebody's dream was taken away. It was very sad because we all have bonded with each other in our own way. And seeing someone leave is like watching your best friend from high school move away, and knowing that you will never see them again hurts your feelings.
"But on the other hand, we got to horseback ride as a group this week, and it was a blast. Just being out on a horse in an open pasture, for a short time not thinking about the sad things, was a very mind-clearing event. I would like to thank the Nashville Star band for all the help they have given me and their dedication for perfection. It is very comforting to know you have such perfection backing your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I hope my original song was strong enough to move me on to the next round. God bless, hope to see you next week! Keep it country!"
EXCLUSIVE -- JASON SPEAKS TO NASHVILLE STAR:
"My thoughts of the first show was: It was awesome. The biggest rush I have ever experienced in my career. It all started backstage right before walking out, but when I got to center stage and saw all of the fans I had there to cheer me on--especially my wife son and family--and when the band started playing, my adrenaline went over the top!
"I wished that the viewing audience could see what goes on behind the scenes, because they have no idea what it takes to pull off something like this. My hat goes off to all the producers and to all the crew for a fabulous job at making the show a hit. Thank you Nashville Star for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I hope we can have a strong and lasting relationship, win or lose, in days to come. It feels really good to get the chance to do what I've been working on all my life. I just pray that America will give me that opportunity to.
"Working with the big guns like LeAnn was really cool. They are all very professional and take their jobs very seriously, but yet have fun at the same time. Most of all I am very blessed to build a bonding relationship with the other contestants--they are all very professional also, and in my eyes are all winners too. I strongly hope the placement of each person in this competition doesn't change the friendship we all have accomplished. We're just one step closer to fulfilling our dreams.
"In closing I would like to say thank you to everyone very much, and God bless you all. Hope to see you in the next round."
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