Before Hi Jackson was pioneering his own brand of country-soul fusion, he was crafting hits for others—from Sophia Grace’s Billboard-charting “Best Friends” to collaborations with Tamar Braxton, Yo Gotti, K-pop star Jay Park, and his first Billboard #1 single for gospel powerhouses David and Tamela Mann. But it was returning to his Texas roots that uncovered his true sound. “I started writing country/southern music because it felt more identifiable to me,” Jackson reflects. Now, as Hi Jackson & The Country Club, he’s blending country, blues, folk, zydeco, and R&B into a distinctly Southern musical jambalaya that’s finally getting its due.
Jackson’s sound is steeped in heritage – from his childhood in Baytown, TX listening to country, blues and zydeco, to his father’s saxophone work with legends like BB King and Johnnie Taylor. “I used to reject the Southern influence when working in Atlanta and LA,” he admits. “Now I see it’s what makes me unique.” That authenticity came at a price – as one of the first Black artists to embrace country music in Texas, he faced skepticism. “Walking around as a Black man in a cowboy hat, people laughed,” he shares. “Seeing others succeed with what I pioneered early is mentally taxing, but I know why I started.”
After a four-year hiatus, Jackson is returning with a powerful new single in June – a statement of artistic maturity. “I know myself now,” he says. “Country was always honest music to me. I’m past the glitz – I just want to represent who I am.” This clarity comes with hard-won wisdom: “Don’t worry what anyone thinks. If people don’t understand you, someone else is paying attention.”
While Jackson insists his proudest moment is still ahead, his vision for the next year is bold: “I see myself in front of you and everyone reading this.” With a sound that bridges genres and a story that defies expectations, Hi Jackson & The Country Club aren’t just making music – they’re reclaiming Southern roots.
To fans old and new, Jackson leaves a simple invitation: Follow the journey. The best is yet to come.
The country-soul revolution starts here – and Hi Jackson’s just getting warmed up.