Check out our interview with talented rising country artist Jess Kellie Adams who just released her new single “The Baggage.” This Grit and Grace artist has the perfect longing love song for the fall season, with a track which uplifts unconditional love, even when someone comes with “Baggage”.
“The Baggage” is co-written and produced by Lonestar’s founding member Dean Sams. With rural roots that traverse Texas, Ohio and Tennessee, Jess Kellie Adams is swiftly blazing a path on the country scene. Having played with or opened for Luke Combs, Jon Pardi, Ashley McBryde, Lainey Wilson, Rodney Atkins, Parmalee, Craig Morgan, Ernest and more, her brazen lyrics and fierce vocals are carved from the leading, only one name needed, ladies that serve as the foundation and current face of the genre.
Follow Jess @jesskellieadams
Hi Jess, please tell us a little about you and walk through your career up to this point.
I got started at 13-years-old by playing the county fairs around Northwest OH. When I was 15-years-old, I participated in a singing competition and through that got the opportunity to open for John Michael Montgomery, Billy Ray Cyrus and Julianne Hough. During my show I sang a song of mine called, “Shine”. This song talked about not letting magazines (wow! That’s probably a dated reference now! Lol) and nay-sayers determine how you see yourself in the mirror because, “even on a rainy day, it’s your world and nobody can shine like you.” After my set, a woman came up to me and said she wished her nephew would’ve waited a week to hear my song. She didn’t need to say more, I knew what she meant. I quickly realized that my purpose on that stage wasn’t just for me to feel seen and heard but to share the message of my songs with the audience as well and hopefully we can all feel accepted, seen and understood.
Fast forward to now, the past year and a half my band and I have played over 65 shows from Texas to upstate New York, Ohio down to Florida and most states in between. We’ve opened for some really cool people like Justin Moore, Craig Morgan, Parmalee, Rodney Atkins, Diamond Rio, Ernest and Lonestar twice. The opportunity to open for Lonestar led to working with Dean Sams, the founding member and pianist for the group, in the studio. I’m proud to say we’ve co-written what I believe to be 6 great songs and Dean has also produced those 6 songs and two others as well. I know this is just the beginning of all the music we’re going to create!
Describe your sound in 3 words?
To describe my sound best in 3 words is Grit with Grace Country! Grit with Grace is the combination of elegance, poise and kindness with tenacity, resilience, and unwavering determination.
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
My grandpa loved to lay back in his lazy boy chair and blare country music all throughout the house. He’d close his eyes and tell me he loved to let his imagination run with the music and would invite me to do the same. So, I’d lay down on the couch, close my eyes and let my imagination run with the music too. When I did this, I always saw myself on a stage singing these songs like they were my own. When I told grandpa what I saw, his face lit up with joy. So, I started singing to bond with him and make him proud. My mom, grandma and grandpa attended all my shows, no matter where they were. We lost grandpa in 2020 and I know he is up in heaven continuing to be my biggest cheerleader and helping me on this journey.
Do you play any instrument?
I do play an instrument. I play the guitar!
You are often on the road and tour all around the Midwest. Do you ever get nervous when performing?
YES! Normally around a half-hour to forty-five minutes before the show, I’m in my sprinter van doing my vocal warmups and revisiting lyrics that I sing almost every day just to make sure I have the words right in my head. I calm myself by remembering some great advice that my producer Dean Sams tells me; it’s just music…and don’t suck! Lol! But, as soon as I walk on stage my mind goes silent and it’s just me and the crowd. In those moments, I feel reassured that I was born to perform and share my art with others.
Tell us about your new single “The Baggage”?
“The Baggage” is about the concept of the unconditional love you receive from those who love you with their whole heart. It’s hard to find people who truly have your back through thick and thin. So, when we find those special people that are there for you through the ups and downs, we have to hold onto them because relationships like that are hard to find. The thing my heart craves the most is to feel safe and accepted and to be able to give that same kind of love in return. When I have found this kind of love, I’ve held on tight and I don’t ever let myself take it for granted!
How was working with Lonestar’s founding member Dean Sams?
I’ve been trying to find the words to answer this question for myself. Dean pushes me outside of my comfort zone. He is extremely honest with his feedback; he challenges me and never fails to prove that I am capable of more than I ever thought possible. Every morning I thank GOD for Dean! He has not only been instrumental in helping me find my sound and articulate the messages laying on my heart, but he also has been right by my side through some really big trials this year and has coached me through them. He helps me out any way he can even if the only thing he can do in that moment is to be my cheerleader and tell me I have what it takes to push through the fire. He is an answered prayer for sure. For as long as I have been doing this, I have prayed that someday I would have the opportunity to work with a legend like Dean to produce my music and guide my career. I am so proud to continue my work with Dean as we create new music and all the fun assets to support it.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part of my work is talking with the crowd after the show and hearing their stories. I make music to connect with people. So, when I am able to accomplish this, I feel like I am living out my purpose.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
I would tell my younger self that my voice matters, that I am good enough, and I belong!
What is next for Jess Kellie Adams in the last months of 2023?
To end 2023, I am releasing a very energized, rockin’ Christmas song called “Under The Mistletoe”. It was written by Lonestar’s very own Dean Sams and Michael Britt, and I am beyond honored that they asked me to sing it! There will also be a very festive music video to go along with it that was inspired by the movie, Christmas Vacation. We had a lot of fun filming – especially with Grandma’s spiked eggnog in the early afternoon! It’s just super wild and fun and I can’t wait for people to hear the song and see the video. What’s really special about it is my grandma in the music video is my actual grandma and she overcame her stage fright to play this role for me!
Lastly, I have a few more shows left in SC and AL. I might be adding a new date or two to end this year so head to my website, www.JessKellieAdams.com and check those out. I’d love to have you at a show and meet you!
What is your favorite healthy food?
My favorite healthy food is almond flour chocolate chip cookies. I also really love Olive Garden’s house salad! That’s healthy, right?
And your favorite cheat food?
My favorite cheat food is Chicken Fajitas smothered in Queso.
How would you explain your fashion style?
A little bit of grit, a little bit of grace!
What is your own definition of happiness?
Being able to never work a day in my life because I’m doing what I love and loving what I’m doing!
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
I would love to meet Dolly Parton. She has accomplished so much and I’m sure has a lot of wisdom and stories to share. I feel just being in her company would fill my cup.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years from now?
Hopefully traveling the world, playing my songs and well on my way to leaving my mark and building my legacy in country music.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
My favorite karaoke song is “Here for the Party” by Gretchen Wilson. It has always has been my go-to and probably will always be! I cover “Something To Talk About” by Bonnie Raitt in my show and that’s been stuck in my head a lot lately so, maybe that might turn into my new karaoke song!
Book: Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers
Quote: “Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” – Dolly Parton
Movie: Hope Floats
TV Series: Friends
Favorite Food: Fajitas
Travel Destination: Gatlinburg, TN.
Photos: Alexa Jones
