In Photos: Willie Jones

Mixing the music genres of country and hip hop, emerging talent Willie Jones is quickly becoming an artist to watch. Growing up, Willie’s musical tastes had no limits – listening to everything from gospel, pop, R&B, country, and more. With an array of music creatively inspiring him, the rising talent couldn’t help but gravitate towards the country and hip-hop genres. The “Whole Lotta Love” singer made his first music appearance as a contestant on season 2 of X Factor USA – wowing audiences with his performance of ‘Your Man’. After a successful run on the show, the singer-songwriter made his official debut in 2015 with his song ‘Slow It Down’. Since then, he has released a plethora of tracks and toured with some of country music’s biggest acts like Willie Nelson, Eli Young Band and more.

We were able to sit down with Willie Jones and talk about everything from his earliest musical influences, who’d he want to write a record for, new music and more…

What were some of your earliest musical influences?

Earliest, I’m going to have to say church choirs and worship teams at church. Even my dad helped lead worship at church. I remember watching him and wanting to do just what he was doing. Move people through music. 

Do you remember the moment you decided you wanted to pursue music? 

I can’t remember wanting to do anything besides sing ever since I was four.

You were a contestant on X-factor a few years ago. What was that experience like for you? What were the top three lessons you took away from it?

Yes, I was a contestant on the factor USA season 2, and the top 3 lessons I learned were. 

1. Don’t give up. 

2. Hurry up and wait 

3. My impact is greater than I realize. 

Your music touches on the classic country genre with hip-hop elements sprinkled throughout, Which country and hip hop artist would you want to three-way collaboration with?

Omg. That’s a tough one. I’m going to have to go out on a limb and get creative. 

Tiera Whack 

Kacey Musgraves 

And Willie Jones 

Could you ever see yourself transitioning or focusing on a new genre of music?

I think the genre of music I decide to focus on will still have influences of other genres within it. So I’m going to say yes and no. 

Write, Record, Steal: Who would you want to write a song for? Who would you want to record a track with? Who would you want to steal a record from? 

Write with – Charlie Pride 

Record a song for – Garth Brooks 

Steal a song from – Sam Hunt 

 If you weren’t pursuing music, what would you be doing instead?

If I wasn’t pursuing music, I’m sure id still be entertaining and some degree weather it’s performing in music theater, acting, or even teaching music in some form. 

What has been the craziest moment of your career so far? 

I don’t have all day… 

Do you have plans to release new music anytime soon? 

Yes. Putting together a collection of songs I’ve been working on the past year called “Right Now,” and it should be out soon. 

What is your biggest goal for 2020?

My biggest goal of 2020 is to continue to grow and be happy. I think being happy matters so much to me because It influences how I treat others as well as myself and how I create. So staying in that constant pursuit of happiness and peace is very vital to my success. 

Make sure to check out Willie Jones latest track ‘I Ain’t Gotta Grow Up’ below…