Jake Owen

BIOGRAPHY

Jake Owen’s biggest hit is undoubtedly 2011’s “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” a summery anthem about never growing up, never slowing down. In 2025, though, Owen isn’t feeling those lyrics so acutely. “Now, all these years later, I'm going, ‘I totally grew up. I've totally slowed down in certain ways,’” he says. “I've just become a guy that wants to sing songs for people that have also matured with me in my life.”

Owen wasn’t expecting much when he commented on one of Shooter Jennings’ Instagram posts, half-jokingly suggesting that they make a honky-tonk record, but the producer called his bluff. Two days later, Owen’s manager had Jennings on the line and, soon, Owen was on his way to L.A. and Jennings’ Sunset Sound. It was a cozy yet electric scene: Jennings and Owen cracking jokes in the sepia-toned studio, creativity crackling as they collaborated with the likes of songwriters Ben Chapman and Kendell Marvel, as well as long-time shooter pal, guitarist/harmonic player Leroy Powell.

“All my friends who have heard my stuff have gone, ‘Dude, Jake, this is you man. This is who you've always tried to be,’” Owen says. “Sometimes you need to get outside what's comfortable, what people think you are, or think you should be, and take a risk.”

The recording artist, headlining entertainer, and actor has released nine albums, headlined tours globally, and appeared in the movie Our Friend (2019). The music business executive, philanthropist and father of two is a partner in Good Company Entertainment (a Nashville-based management and label service company) and the founder of The Jake Owen Foundation (2010).