Today we’d like to introduce you to Jack Jones.
Hi Jack, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey started at the age of 8, my choir director Ms. Billie German called my mother in for a meeting. She was tasked with creating a children’s choir for the Challenger Space Shuttle tragedy. I was the first kid selected, she told my mother “Stevie is really gifted, he sees colors” I had no idea what that meant and neither did my mom. We lived in South Park (Southside of Houston), in some apartments called Villa Americana AKA The VA. It was a notorious dangerous environment, filled with gangs, drugs and prostitution. My mother did the best she could to raise us by instilling discipline and order, it literally saved our lives. I was more afraid of my momma, than any gang banger lol.
We lived in a 3 bedroom apartment and all 5 (2 sisters, brother and mother) My mother was a music junky, but her go to genres were country western and blues. My oldest sister listened to nothing but what’s considered classic soul, artist like Isley Brothers, Betty White, Maze, Gap Band, etc. My other sister was obsessed with 80’s pop, Boy George, Culture Cub, Madonna, Cindy Loper etc. Last my brother who probably had the most influence on me listened to nothing but Prince. I was the youngest in the house and in order to be in their spaces, I had to like what was being played in their spaces. Music was the only thing in that house that could calm the chaos. Those years subconsciously molded me, but I didn’t find myself until years later. My mother loved her kids, but never received love as a child and so she wasn’t good at showing it or nurturing gifts. I was never told I was good in that household, never was hugged yet it was understood my mother loved me. I loved music and singing regardless and would write songs while in elementary. I kept it up all the way into high school where another teacher (band director) told me I was gifted and why wasn’t I using my gifts. I made a habit of hiding them because if my family didn’t acknowledge the gifts, then why should I? I was asked to join a singing group and I remember we wanted to be Jodeci. I played the Jo Jo role to perfection, but I knew I was really K-Ci ( I hope the reference lands lol) I really spent the rest of my life trying NOT to stand out.
I was raised to never stand out and to speak when spoken to, It bothered me sometimes knowing I could do so much more, but it was safer to just enjoy the music and blend in. I wrote the songs and played my role until eventually we were good enough to get signed.. We were shelved due to the label not knowing what to do with our music. After that, I wrote songs for groups in the city and essentially gave up on the group thing. I wanted to just write music, being a solo artist was NEVER a thought. I grew up and did what most people do, get married and started a family. I had a great career with an awesome company and lived a picket fence lifestyle. It wasn’t until my son was diagnosed with pure OCD and anxiety. He had to go through a lot of therapy just to break even, but something happened during one of these sessions. The doctor would talk to my son first and then bring us in afterwards to discuss the session. He was explain what my son was going through and the details on how people with this type of OCD anxiety learn to function. He would be speaking about my son, but so much related to me. It was an out of body experience and prompted me to go seek my own therapy. I never had therapy, wasn’t an option or thought. I never considered anything wrong and that it was just normal to be this way. I never until that point even heard of Anxiety let alone Pure OCD. The therapy help save my life and finally put a face to the issue that plagued me all my life. I was living with anxiety and depression and because of the environment I was constantly in, became dangerously uncomfortable.
Soon after, I started to see myself and most importantly hear myself. I never heard what others would hear. I never seek validation or admiration because I was never given that. I never wanted to be famous or be in front so I would do everything I could to just blend. I had to learn that I was meant to stand alone, never built to blend in. My therapy concluded with the making of my first EP Left Handed in my Right Mind. This was the final step to my therapy sessions. Make records, with my true voice….no strings attached. Just make it and put it out. Don’t worry about promoting it, just do it. This is right when Covid hit, so my introduction to the world kinda worked in my anxiety favor and allowed me time to come to terms with who I really was. The EP was received well regardless and prompted me to press forward. During this time, I found GOD and understood what the power of purpose was. I did not want to die empty, so I continued to make music and it continued to be received well even though I did little promotion and marketing. I gained attention from my peers, who learned my story and filled me up when I ran empty. The local artists in the Houston area have supported me the last 4-5 years and now it’s time to fully embrace what I was meant to do. They have been singing my praises behind the scene and I appreciate that support. To be accepted and acknowledged by your peers is everything I needed. I’ve been writing and producing a lot of music, preparing for this moment. I’m here and I like to formally reintroduce myself. I’m Gotdamn Jack Jones.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I have always been my own obstacle that was in the way. I blocked my own blessings many of times. Suffering from anxiety and depression was a constant obstacle and it still remains a challenge till this day. Due to my relationship with GOD, I’m able to continue progressing and evolving. There is truly no weapon formed against me will prosper.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Right now I’m releasing my new Single KINGDOM on Oct 31st while completing my debut album Shepherd. I’ve always considered myself a writer first and so I’m always making music. I’m blessed to work with some of the most talented artist in Houston. Scribble Scrabble and The Ensmble, a collection of writers and producers working together trying to take over the world, one song at a time! I’m proud of the work we’ve done thus far. My manager calls me the “Anomaly”, still figuring out what she means by that lol, but all I want to do is make timeless music and find freedom. I want my life to revolve around melodies going forward, that’s what freedom looks like for me. I have to used the gifts GOD gave me to get that kind of freedom which is why I’m talking with you fine folks lol
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was a quiet kid with a big imagination. I was the youngest of 5, like I was 8 years younger than my closet aged sibling. I always loved music, I loved the music my family listened to. We are completely dysfunctional, but all of us had an exceptional hear for music. I loved playing outside with my friends, but I was super content with my own company. My imagination was huge, I could entertain myself for hours as a child. That same imagination helps me write my songs. I love sports, a huge Rockets fan. I’ve forgotten more about the Houston Rockets than most people know lol. I have a dark sense of humor and I see the world as it is and not what I think it should be. I’m a Pieces so I tend to flow with the current. Because of how I was raised, I’m antisocial but I’m not shy. I was always the most quietly confident person in a room.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.scribblescrabblemusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotdamnjackjones/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOTDAMNJACK
- Twitter: https://x.com/gotdamnjack
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@gotdamnjackjones
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/07A2EwgtIWaYdgn269HGSi?si=AIOJS103Trqrmh2LZFcQyQ
