Seamlessly amazing fans with the unparalleled energy of his live shows and his honky-tonk country sound, Jared Ashley has been one of the top touring acts in the country for more than 6 years, playing over 150 shows a year since moving to Nashville 9 years ago. Jared Ashley has made his mark in this business with his hard work and dedication to his live shows and his cult like following fan base. Jared Ashley is here to stay!
Born in Hobbs, New Mexico, on May 16, 1976, Jared relocated to Newnan, Georgia at age three where he spent most of his childhood. At barely five years of age, Jared received his first guitar for Christmas. The gift, which sported a picture of Mickey Mouse, quickly became his favorite toy. When Jared was in the 10th grade, his family returned to Hobbs and Jared found himself honing his skills playing guitar and writing music in his spare time.
After graduation from high school, Jared joined the US Navy where he served 4 years on board the aircraft carriers USS Independence and USS Kitty Hawk stationed in Yokosuka, Japan. While in the Navy Jared completed 2 tours of duty in the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following his dream to play music, the charismatic sailor played weekend gigs at George's Country Bar located in the Honcho district of Yokosuka Japan playing acoustic shows. While in the Navy, Jared also played two Persian Gulf DOD tours for over 20,000 military personnel and toured in more than ten countries around the world.
While in Japan, Ashley met a friend who became extremely interested in his music and offered to introduce him to his grandfather. With fate working Ashley's way, the young man's grandfather, was well known in the music business in Nashville and had helped many a rising star, including George Strait. His grandfather heard a demo of Jared and asked him to come to Nashville to meet a partner of his, who also managed and helped other young artist with their music careers.
With only one year left in the Navy, Jared planned a trip to Nashville to meet the Nashville music managers. After the meeting, One of the managers sent him off with advice that would change the country singer's life. Following his advice, and after completing his Navy career, Jared made the big move to Nashville. Once in Nashville, Jared picked up the house gig at the World Famous Tootsies Orchid Lounge.
Jared eventually caught the eye of Doug Johnson, former president of Giant Records and currently the head of A&R for Curb Records. Impressed and supportive, Johnson took Jared into the studio and cut four songs. Later, Jared recorded a four-song demo which included the infectious The Next Glass. The impressive ballad became a listener favorite on one of Nashville’s top radio stations, WSM FM, and quickly created a buzz about the new artist throughout the music industry. Jared then inked a developmental deal with RCA Records to go into the studio with renowned record producer, Buddy Cannon and Joe Scaiff.
Jared along with his band have been called one of the top bands in the SEC college circuit playing at universities all over the South. Jared also caught the eye of a Hollywood casting director who spotted him performing at Tootsies and subsequently flew him to Los Angeles where producers of the popular ABC network series, The Bachelor, Jared considered amongst four finalists for their Fall 05 season. In addition, Jared was chosen by one of Atlanta’s top advertising firms to represent Am South/Regions Bank in their regional marketing efforts.
It 2006 Jared was chosen out of 30,000 hopefuls to compete on USA’s country version of American Idol, Nashville Star. Later that year Jared was awarded the key to the city in his home town of Hobbs New Mexico and also the Mayor proclaimed April 20th "Jared Ashley Day" "Being apart of Nashville Star was the best experience I have ever had, I would do it all over again in a minute" Proclaims the country singer.
As Jared continues to win critical praise for his brand of high-energy country rock, his fan base continues to grow. 2010 is starting out to be a good year.
