Country singer Tony Jackson has a strong and loyal fanbase that began in Virginia (where he calls home), then grew across the country and beyond, after his cover George Jones “Grand Tour” went viral seven years ago.

“I originally did “Grand Tour” as a tribute to George Jones, just being a huge fan of his,” Jackson says. “I never intended to record it and put it out, but it got so popular we had to.”

It wasn’t just the song; it was Jackson’s distinctive voice that resonated so much with music fans. It shines in every song he sings from those on his 2017 self-titled debut album Tony Jackson (like “Old Porch Swing,” and “Country Road”) to those on his just released I’ve Got Songs to Sing

One of those songs is one called “Do You Remember Country Music” written by Bobby Tomberlin, Mo Pitney, and Aaron Bowlin. It’s full of nostalgia, reminding listeners of those familiar country songs through the years that either sparked new emotions or evoked old ones, but always touched the heart. The music video was beautifully shot at the old Johnny Cash cabin in Bon Acqua, Tennessee and features a guest appearance at the end, by the legendary Randy Travis.

For Jackson, getting to do a song and video with a cameo appearance by Randy Travis, was not only a bucket list opportunity musically, but a full circle “life” moment.

Jackson is a Marine veteran from a Navy family. While growing up, his father was stationed in Rota, Spain. It was there the singer first met Travis years ago.

“He came to Spain on a USO USO tour when I was 10 years old,” Jackson recalls. “And a group of us kids caught the base bus to the airport hangar where they were setting up for his concert. And he came out and talked to us. I remember him asking us what it was like to be an American kid overseas and we loved it! This was the guy everybody had been buzzing about for weeks. So, to have him on this song, with his stamp of approval on it, and to meet him and his wife, Mary, was a wonderful, wonderful thing.”

The song is one of 11 tracks on the new record. The album comes several years later than planned. Jackson wanted to do it sooner, but COVID pushed things back a bit. He says it all worked out, giving him the chance to build relationships with some very talented writers, and the time to find the best possible songs.

“I’ve gotten to be friends with some great songwriters whose messages are more aligned with mine. And I’m really proud of the songs we put together.”

The title track, “I’ve Got Songs to Sing,” was written by Erin Enderlin and Jamey Johnson. There’s the previously released, “Five Dollar Bible,” then “I’m All In” which Jackson co-wrote. Jackson covers “Wichita Lineman,” the Jimmy Webb classic Glenn Campbell made famous. And Rhonda Vincent joins him for a duet on “Leave a Light On.”

“Rhonda is such a great person with an incredible work ethic,” Jackson says.” I did a country music cruise with her in 2019 and that entire week she entertained tirelessly, singing, playing music, and including others. It set a good example for the type of entertainer I want to be. I’ve played with her on the Grand Ole Opry a couple of times and when we were putting this record together, I said I need her voice on this project, and thankfully, she agreed to do it.”

Jackson has enjoyed much success, selling more than 80 million records since the release of his first album six years ago. It’s especially rewarding since his decision to pursue music came later in life. After high school, he joined the Marines as a network engineer, then afterward, transferred those computer skills to a position with Bank of America BAC in Richmond, quickly moving up the corporate ladder. Jackson only considered becoming a performer after a friend asked him to join his band to replace the outgoing lead singer.

“So, I did the weekend warrior thing for a while, then I met Donna Dean Stephens (widow of Jimmy Dean). She said, ‘I’ve got to get you on this show I’m producing,’ then after that said, ‘Now we need to get you to Nashville. You need to get out there and be heard.’”

Jackson hasn’t looked back since.

And while he may not have initially had dreams of a singing career, looking back, there were signs early on, he was destined for music. It’s always captured his attention, even as a young child.

“My dad had a stereo set up in a linen closet when we lived in Atlanta. And each shelf was a component to the stereo and the bottom was all of his albums. And I’d lay on this pillow and put headphones on and fumble through these records, and depending on how interesting the album cover looked, that’s the one I would listen to.”

But it was while living overseas during the 1980s, the seeds for his eventual love of traditional country music were planted. Back then, his main source for music was the single channel Armed Forces Radio.

“There were no genres,” Jackson recalls. “It was just a guy on the radio playing whatever people asked him to play. And it just so happens most of the music coming across the airwaves was country music. It was the themes that recur in country music, family, home, and things like that, the things you miss most when you’re overseas, that you’d typically hear.”

Those days in the military, first as a child of a serviceman, then while serving on his own, prepared him in another way he might not have realized at the time.

“After all of those years of traveling, I’m not a stranger to anybody and nobody’s a stranger to me. I’m used to being in different places. So, being able to travel and perform works really well for me.”

Jackson is grateful he’s able to perform and record the music he’s passionate about, and thanks to the age of streaming, he can do it without making choices based on current trends.

“There was a time when the only mass outlet you had for getting music to people was the radio, so you kind of had to tune your sound to what was popular in order to get it in that narrow space. But now with YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Music, you can get your music to anybody who wants to hear it, anytime. So, if my passion is for the traditional sounds of country, I’m able to do it.”

His longtime manager and producer, Jim Della Croce, says there’s been a strategic effort to allow Jackson to do what he does best.

“We didn’t chase charts in a traditional fashion, but focused on traditional media like national TV, social media, and Music Row stations, Opry performances, and continued touring. We touched a nerve and found a loyal country audience waiting for a real, true singer and storyteller, and Tony fit the bill. Over 106 million views is proof the audience is listening.”

Jackson says he’s grateful to the fans who continue to seek out his music, come to his shows, and support him.

“I never lose sight of the fact that if someone chooses to spend the time or money to come see you, that’s a gift they’re giving you. They can be doing any number of things. So, I’m appreciative of that and really excited that it gives me the opportunity to do something I really, really love to do.”