CRS 2018 with Laura: Derek Jones
Related Stories
Press Release: Billy Ray Cyrus Returns to Rolling Thunder, Dedicates "Some Gave All" to Fallen Veteran During Grand Ole Opry Performance
During CRS 2018, I had the opportunity to talk with emerging artist, Derek Jones. Jones, who is not a stranger to the music industry, definitely was a great sport as we finally were able to keep our laughter under control on "take" three.
Jones first picked up a guitar in 2003 after completing his service in the Navy and he has never looked back since that time. An Indiana native, Jones moved to Nashville six years ago to pursue this dream. That decision has paid off in many ways, including sharing the stage with legends in the business such as Billy Ray Cyrus, Alabama, Blackberry Smoke, Charlie Daniel's Band, Jamey Johnson, David Allan Coe and Tyler Farr. Additionally, Cyrus invited Jones "into the circle" at the Grand Ole Opry to perform a duet.
Since that time, Jones was also invited into the studio to contribute on a revisit of Don Williams' classic, "Tulsa Time" with Cyrus, Noah Cyrus as well as Joe Perry (Aerosmith). Listen as Jones discusses his appreciation and friendship with Cyrus and where the term "Turn Up The Jones" came from along this journey.
While Jones is a laid back, says-it-like-it-is, real deal, he is the first to say that he has his opinions and he does not expect everyone to believe as he does, just as he may not believe as someone else, however, respect of each position is key. Jones takes a lot of pride in writing about what he knows and giving his audience his "true" self. His writing, singing, and performance will always reflect the real person underneath it all and there is something to be said for that type of honesty.
Jones did share a hint of an early March or early Spring release of his new single, "Pray" and we can not wait to bring that to you as soon as it becomes available.
Make sure you check out Jones on all social media platforms and stay up to date on what he has coming up. This fan, for one, is excited to watch what happens with this amazing talent.
About Laura Lou
JournalistBeginning about age 13, music always been my “safe place”, my “escape”, it became a part of who I am. My background includes being a photographer/journalist for newspapers, magazines and radio stations and more recently I have been an artist manager. What I continue to strive to learn is, what is important to the fans/readers? I find that the answer is always that they want to feel close to the artist they are supporting. The human contact that we all need is something that I want to deliver to anyone that happens to read something I write or see a photograph I shoot. It is important to me to provide that experience, because I am, after all, still always a “fan” and that giddy 13-year-old girl is simply amazed! I never imagined that my passion and love for music would lead me where I am today! I use the hashtag #iamtheluckiestgirliknow because I cannot believe how blessed I am! I’m excited to see “what happens next” and take you all along with me! This is going to be amazing…
