Music has always been a part of singer Willie Jones’ life.
He grew up watching his dad sing in church and knew at a young age that being a country crooner was his calling. Jones puts his own spin on the western genre, combining country with R&B and hip-hop influences.
The Louisiana native wrote his first song when he was 14. In 2012, right after he graduated from high school, Jones competed on X Factor, which he says helped him figure out his sound. He calls it “ratchet country.”
Growing up, he listened to everything from gospel music to show tunes and draws inspiration from a wide array of musicians, from Beyoncé to Little Big Town.
“I’m just inspired by good music and storytellers,” he says.
Jones says fans would be surprised to know that he loves musical theater.
“I think that’s one reason why I was not so turned off to country as a young black man because I was so used to hearing stories being told through show tunes,” he says. “In musical theater, the songs are really descriptive. That’s one thing I like about country music. It’s so easy to understand.”
Jones will embark on his first tour next month, accompanying fellow country singer Logan Mize. The duo will stop at Topgolf in Gilbert on February 28. Fans of all ages can attend.
“At a live show, you can expect a good time. The live shows are high-energy, and it just feels good,” he says. “I just let my problems go and get on stage.”
Jones’ secret to success is “pushing myself every day and not comparing myself.”
“They say you are your own worst enemy but there’s a balance with that because you’re also your own best friend, your own coach, your own cheerleader,” he says.
The genre-defying singer is currently working on his first full-length album, which he says will be released within the next few months. Jones’ favorite track on the album is called “Right Now,” a song about living in the moment.
“If you live in the right now, there’s no reason to be stressed… if we just stay in this moment, we have everything we need,” he says. “When you live like that, it’s the most beautiful, fun way to live.”
Logan Mize with Willie Jones
Friday, February 28, 8 p.m.
$16 advance, $19 at the door
Topgolf, 1689 S. Santan Village Pkwy., Gilbert
480- 240-1282, topgolf.com
