Stagecoach '18 news: Jake Owen

Jake Owen, multiple No. 1 artist and past ACM Award winner, has another successful single with "I Was Jack (You Were Diane)," which reunites Owen with producer Joey Moi and marks his first release for Big Loud Records.

"It's been revitalizing. Making music with Joey is all about recording songs that reflect who I am," Jake says of his creative rebirth. "I've seen the negative side of life and the positive side – and I really like the positive side. I want my songs to put a smile on your face."

With "I Was Jack (You Were Diane)," Jake evokes the most golden of memories: a warm-weather romance set to one of rock & roll's essential songs, John Mellencamp's "Jack & Diane." Based around the 1982 hit's iconic melody, Jake both pays homage to and boldly reinvents the classic-rock staple.

"I never release a song without the intention of stepping up to the plate and knocking it out of the park," says Owen. "When I first heard ‘I Was Jack (You Were Diane),’ I thought, ‘How can I do this and re-create what is already a classic song?' But the more I listened to it, the more I saw my own life growing up. The original 'Jack & Diane' was about 'two American kids growing up in the heartland' and that image is exactly what so many country songs are based on. Plus, the most important thing to me and my team is that we sent the song to Mellencamp and he digs the track. Getting his stamp of approval sealed the deal for me that this song should be our debut single."

Along with "I Was Jack (You Were Diane)," Jake's tune entitled "Something to Ride To" has been released to all digital music partners. LISTEN HERE.
“I Was Jack (You Were Diane)” was an iHeart World Premiere, and Sirius XM’s “The Highway” immediately added it. Jake was on the cover of Spotify’s Hot Country playlist, the song topped Amazon Music’s Fresh Country playlist, was added to Apple Music’s A-List Country and Pandora’s New Country Now playlists.

In addition, Owen’s 2018 “Life’s Whatcha Make It Tour” kicks off on May 15 in Chattanooga, TN, at AT&T Field, with special guest Chris Janson and rising star Jordan Davis. The majority of shows will take place at baseball stadiums across the country. Check it out HERE. Tickets on sale NOW.

Owen returns to Stagecoach Festival in Indio, Calif. on Apr. 27.