At 19 years old, Jason Byrd fulfilled a lifelong dream when he became the third generation to serve as a firefighter at the Tallahassee Fire Department. But at this same time, a new and unexpected dream began to consume him. It was to write and perform country music. Raised in Tallahassee, Jason grew up on hymns and country music. Deep appreciation for the music genre turned to profound ambition as his undeniable talent for singing and songwriting became clear.
It was in the nineties that Jason found himself balancing his career in the fire service with a career in Music City. Traveling 490 miles each way, almost weekly, he was determined once again to turn a dream into a reality.
They say Nashville is full of musicians who have spent years hoping to get in front of the
... right person. Someone who can change the trajectory of their whole career. For Jason, it was no different. But for him, that person was none other than legendary country music artist George Jones. Unexplainable fate found Jason sitting in the living room of George and Nancy Jones, and his life and career changed forever.
The two began managing Jason’s music career and providing him with the mentorship that he needed to be successful in this ever-changing business. Small gigs at local bars and honkytonks turned into a long run of playing on stages across the United States and Canada opening for powerhouse artists including, but not limited to, Billy Dean, Joe Diffie, Tracy Lawrence, Joe Nichols, Trace Adkins, Confederate Railroad, Mark Chesnutt, Loretta Lynn, Dierks Bentley, and, of course, George Jones. Additionally, Jason has had several appearances on the world-famous Grand Ole Opry and The Nashville Network.
Jones’ passing in 2013 brought a time of deep reflection for Jason, and he returned home to focus on family and his career at the fire department. But music was in his blood. In 2019, Jason left his position in the fire department after a distinguished 28 years of service. Eager to focus solely on music, Jason knew he wanted to re-introduce himself to the world by paying tribute to the man who defined country music for legions of fans.
In 2021, Jason released his first single to country radio. A self-pinned duet with George Jones called, “Better Life," which was nominated for the 2022 “Single of the Year” by the Josie Music Awards. "I am humbled and honored to give George Jones fans the chance to hear him again on the radio and hear one of the last things he recorded before he passed," says Byrd. “I miss my friend and hope he is proud of me for 'keeping it country'! I truly believe country music fans are starving for traditional country music, and I plan on giving it to them."
To date, Jason has released 12 singles and is currently working on a new album that will be released in summer of 2025. Jason recently had two songs nominated for the 2024 Josie Music Awards “Song of the Year," “You Ain’t Looking Hard Enough” and “New Kid in Town." Jason’s latest single, “Crops, The Flag and a Little Hell” was released on January 20, 2025.
What Others Are Saying
“I am honored that Jason did this song. George and I love Jason and his music and George would be so proud of that song if he was around today to hear it. I hope the song goes to #1 and people will appreciate it as much as I do.” – Nancy Jones
“I have always loved George Jones’ music for as long as I can remember. He’s been missed and now, thanks to Jason Byrd, we all know what it’s like to have enjoyed a Better Life!” – Johnny Lee
“Jason Byrd loved George Jones. George Jones loved Jason Byrd. I had the pleasure of producing both of these great singers. Listening to the two of them sing this song together took me on a magical ride back to those awesome studio days. I can’t wait to hear this one on the radio. Beautiful job by Jason and George.” – Buddy Cannon
“In an era where it is becoming increasingly harder to find truly great traditional country music, upon hearing the new track, “Better Life” by Jason Byrd, the lyrics, along with the solid vocals by Byrd, is reminiscent of what a country fan would hear perhaps in the 1970s when Jones and Haggard ruled the airwaves! In fact, especially exciting is that George Jones can be heard on “Better Life”, delivering his final vocal treatment to a song both George, and fans of great traditional-sounding country music would be proud!” – Ken Shelton, WFXY in Phoenix, AZ
“Jason Byrd really tugs at the heart on the moving traditional country ballad “Better Life,” and the inclusion of country king George Jones helps elevate it to a higher level. The listener can recall Joe Nichols, and this duet ballad is sensational.” – Markos Papadatos, Digital Journal
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