Get to know: Jon King

Jon King looks more like a basketball player than a country singer. That may have to do with his 6'7" frame as he walks in the door (he's hard to miss) and the fact that he played hoops in college. He hopes to have his music career reach the same heights soon — and he is working hard to get there.King has been hitting local stages and hitting the road over the last several years — promoting his own brand of country music, looking for a break and generating his own chances along the way. He's released a handful of songs, albums and videos that are garnering views and listens across streaming platforms, and his future looks bright, both as a songwriter and performer.He has a new single being released Friday, Nov. 28, called "How Long" (you can find it Friday on his social channels), and he hopes it continues to perform as well as his previous releases.If you like classic country and you want to see a local fella's take on it, you might want to check out Jon King. He's making quite a name for himself in that regard.Before you go, take a few moments and get to know King.When did you decide music was going to be a big part of your life, and how did you first get involved?"When I was in college, I played basketball at King University. A buddy of mine taught me how to play guitar and encouraged me to start singing too. Not long after that, I injured my hand during the season and ended up being sidelined for the rest of the year. During a time when I could have been depressed about my current situation, I turned to writing music and playing shows around the Tri-Cities to cope. Music gave me something to look forward to every day while I was healing. That's really where my journey started."Now, almost ten years down the road, I'm doing things I never would've imagined back then—and I'm grateful for every bit of it."Is this current project the first, or have you been involved in other things?"I have been writing and singing my own music for over 10 years. During that time, I have been able to record 14 songs, make 6 music videos, and play shows across the southeast."What is it about music that makes you want to perform or be involved?"Coming from an athletic background, I seek competition and challenges. I crave anything that gets your adrenaline pumping. There's something about pushing through fear and stepping into that moment of pure excitement that I've always loved. Performing gives me that same rush I used to get walking out on the court before a game. When I'm on stage with my band, playing my songs for a live crowd, that energy hits me all over again. In that moment, it feels like I'm on cloud nine."How would you describe your music/band/project?"Country music these days can get a little too polished and kinda all start to sound the same. My band and I try to take folks back to that old-school feel — the kind of country that's real and raw, like it used to be. But at the same time, I've got my own sound. We mix in some southern rock and tell real stories from my life and the things I've lived through. I want people to hear a song and say, 'Yeah, I've been there too.' There's not another artist out there that sounds quite like Jon King."Is this something you see yourself doing as a career?"Absolutely. If I had the chance to play and tour at bigger venues with my band, I'd take it in a heartbeat. This has been my dream ever since those days back in college, writing songs in my dorm room. For whatever reason, that big opportunity hasn't come around just yet — but I believe everything happens in God's timing, not mine. When it's meant to happen, it'll happen."What are your other interests? Do you have any surprise talents or hobbies?"If I'm not working, playing shows, or recording, you can pretty much bet I will be traveling to a NASCAR race, or I'm out on the lake with friends and family. I like to kick back, have a good time, and enjoy those simple things in life."Who are your influences/favorites (worldwide and local)?"I've always looked up to guys like Waylon Jennings, Eric Church, Hank Jr., and Tyler Childers. In this business, a lot of artists come and go, but the ones who stick around are the ones who stay true to themselves."That's what I like about those guys — they sing what they write, they live how they want, and they march to the beat of their own drum. That's how I imagine my own career. I write my own songs and make my own decisions since I don't have a label or booking agency backing me. I've had to pave my own path, and I wouldn't trade that for anything."If you could tell people one thing they should know about you, what would it be?"If anyone out there thinks the country music they loved is gone, I'd tell them to come out to one of my shows. Country music — and that southern rock sound — isn't dead, it's just been laying low for a bit and I'm doing my best to bring it back. I write songs about real life and real people, the kind of stuff listeners can hang their hat on. This music's who I am — it's my way of life. Everything you hear from me comes straight from my heart and from right there in Piney Flats, Tennessee."How can people contact you about booking and information?"They can reach out to me on my social channels, @jonkingmusictn. I'm on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. They can check out my music page jonking.bandzoogle.com. They can also email me at jonathanwking1995@gmail.com."