Jake Owen photo by Chapman Baehler, courtesy of RCA
August 1, 2006--Jake Owen, country artist, was almost Jake Owen, golf legend. When he was 12, the Vero Beach, Fla., native made up his mind that he would compete with Tiger Woods.
"I decided to start playing golf because I wanted to do something with my dad," Jake said. "Once I started playing, I found out that I was pretty good." But a waterskiing accident abruptly ended his professional golfing aspirations. "I had to have reconstructive surgery," he said. "I was so depressed."
While recuperating from his injury, Jake picked up an old guitar, and those hours on the fairway with his dad finally paid off. "My dad loved Vern Gosdin and Keith Whitley," Jake said. "I grew up listening to classic country."
Jake soon realized that guitar came to him as naturally as golf. While sitting in Pot Belly's, a campus bar, he had a musical epiphany. As he watched a singer onstage accompanying himself on guitar, he thought, "I can do that." Later that night, he did. Seventy-five dollars and a few ladies' phone numbers later, Jake had successfully completed his first gig. At that point, he officially traded his golf clubs for a guitar.
Shortly thereafter, Jake formed a band, Yee Haw Junction, which played covers of hit country songs. But it wasn't long before he was writing his own. His first two efforts, "It's Been a While" and "8 Second Ride," received much praise. "I felt like I had something," he said.
Upon his arrival in Nashville, Jake teamed up with producer Jimmy Ritchey (Clay Walker, Mark Chesnutt). The pair spent 18 months co-writing and, with Ritchey's help, Jake was signed to RCA Records. Jake co-wrote every song on his debut album, Startin' with Me, released on July 25. Only two years after his migration to Music City, Jake has already scored a music-business hole-in-one, gaining an opening slot on a tour with Kenny Chesney.
IN HIS OWN WORDS:
Who is your musical hero? "I have lots of musical heroes ... anyone original and innovative."
Which song would you secretly like to cover? "'Easy' by the Commodores."
What CD is on your stereo? "Danny O'Keefe's CD."
What book is on your nightstand? "The Bible."
On the Web: www.jakeowen.net