“Music is for the soul. Music heals, helps, protects, inspires, grows, liberates, and connects us all in a way that feels cosmic and magical.”— Hannah Jackson
No better quote could describe the essence of Hannah Jackson’s music as this soulful singer/songwriter out of Lubbock, Texas, mesmerizes you with her heartfelt lyrics to music that opens the door and welcomes you along her journey. This West Texas gal is certainly a tribute to our generation, having started her career at the tender age of two, singing with her family as they traveled to different churches and conventions performing for crowds of up to 15,000. All the while, she was keeping up with her school work as she waited for her cue to take the stage.
Photos by Ashley Jackson, Olive & Pearl Photography Lubbock
No stranger to the limelight, Hannah Jackson garnered not only a spot on the first season of Simon Cowell’s “The X Factor USA” and made the top 12 in her category, but she won over the hearts of the judges. Especially Cowell, who gave a spot-on compliment of Jackson’s voice stating, “I love your voice. You are extremely current. There are girls all over the internet trying to sound like you. You are an example of goodness. I love you!”
A versatile artist who can remind you of home with tunes such as “Texas Gold,” then switch to an upbeat tune like “Hi-Lili, Hi-Lo” from her album titled “One” with Ray Espinoza. It can make you feel like you stepped right into a Hallmark movie. By the way, Jackson’s arrangement of “Jingle Bells” from her album “Hot Chocolate for Two” with Amy Faris graced a scene in the Hallmark movie “Christmas Cookies.” Hannah Jackson is an artist who can perform in a melting pot of genres, yet bring it all together with a powerful voice showcasing the best of country music with a little bit of retro jazz thrown in the mix for a sound all her own.
Photos by Ashley Jackson, Olive & Pearl Photography Lubbock
“For me as an artist, and the way that I pursue my career, I want it to be very authentic to who I am,” shared Jackson. “I don’t go by a different name… what you see is what you get. I’m actually being authentic with my music and my career.” Jackson is an artist who also prides herself on being there for her family. “I’m very committed to being a good mom throughout the whole process,” added Jackson. “Part of my journey has been to be committed to this: I can be a good mom, and I can still be a good musician. I can do both!” This commitment is admirable and commendable for anyone on a journey to make their dreams a reality, as Jackson has set out on her roadmap to success for herself.
Photos by Ashley Jackson, Olive & Pearl Photography Lubbock
Having been trained to sing Opera at an early age, along with her training in musical theater, and music theory, Jackson admits her instrument is her voice. Having a gift for songwriting just adds to the elements that make up this talented artist’s musical background. Along with her innovative style on the guitar, as can be heard on “Texas Gold,” Jackson has a gift for creating beautiful lyrics. In the instance of “Texas Gold,” those lyrics capture the essence of a true love story between Billy Don Hampton and his wife, Jackie “Texas Gold” Hampton, who the song is named after. It’s an overwhelming tribute to the beautiful life of a strong woman captured through the inspiring storytelling of Jackson and her poignant lyrics along with her collaborations with Kenny Maines, Lloyd Maines, and Brian Maines.
Photos by Ashley Jackson, Olive & Pearl Photography Lubbock
The road Hannah Jackson carved out for herself hasn’t always been an easy one. You could say she choose the road less traveled, as far as jumping into a musical career. “Being creative and navigating how to actually play that out is not easy in this day and age, although it is getting easier for women,” shared Jackson. “It’s definitely been a part of my struggle, just pushing through the barriers of ‘Well, you’re a mom so I guess you can’t seek your following.’” It was a hard reality she came to face during her time on “The X Factor,” and a realization from all parties that it would not be a life Jackson could wholeheartedly jump into at that moment.
Photos by Ashley Jackson, Olive & Pearl Photography Lubbock
But no experience is without its rewards, and Jackson’s career has soared since her time on “The X Factor,” garnering much attention among the music world with her engaging vocals. Often compared to the likes of Dolly Parton and Zooey Deschanel mixed in with a little Carrie Underwood, Jackson creates a powerful combination of sounds in a unique musical repertoire.
Hannah Jackson began songwriting in her mid-20s. You could say she has a gift for capturing moments of impact and translating her own experiences as well as those of others she collaborates with to create lyrics that are not only heartfelt but bring you into the journey of the song. It feels as if you were living that moment in time along with her. Her song “Naïve” from her album of the same title is a prime example of the complete package of Jackson’s talent from the touching lyrics to her angelic voice down to the artistry of her guitar playing.
Photos by Ashley Jackson, Olive & Pearl Photography Lubbock
Currently, this independent artist is working on a country album to be released this spring. As a vocalist who was trained in opera, Jackson admits it was a challenge deciding which genre to focus on. “I love country music. Since moving to Texas, I feel that it has definitely influenced me, and I’m kind of settling into where I was always meant to be, which for me is country music. I love the old, old stuff, like Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton,” shared Hannah Jackson. “I like taking that influence because I tend to also want to do the corky Zooey Deschanel, Ingrid Michaelson kind of thing, and putting that together. I can do the big belt stuff. I can do the big, powerful numbers.” Jackson went on to share that her next single is called “Cowboy.” This song is a very Carrie Underwood-esque, gut-busting, huge country song she is excited to release. She went on to mention they are also working on the video for the single, and her producer is predicting a hit! “It’s an old-meets-new-country,” said Jackson.
Photos by Ashley Jackson, Olive & Pearl Photography Lubbock
Hannah Jackson is a role model for creating your own path to your dreams without comprising the things that are important to you in life, such as your family. This wife and mother is an inspiration and a tribute to knowing you can have it all. She’s an artist that can take you back in time with her music, reminiscent of old school country nostalgia, then transport you to a future mixed in with hints of opera, infused with a little bit of jazz, all wrapped up in a nice country ballad that resonates with life’s true experiences. “It’s like putting a beautiful blanket on everybody. That’s my goal, to let people feel they can just escape for a minute, get away from the troubles of the world, and the ups and down, and just spend some time being together on the journey and the path,” shared Jackson. “To spend some time in music, feel filled up with love and light and enough energy to get through the next day. That’s really what I feel my purpose is and why I do it.”
Photos by Ashley Jackson, Olive & Pearl Photography Lubbock
Presently, you can catch Hannah Jackson mentoring the next generation of singer/songwriters at Songbird Music Studio which she owns, or performing across Lubbock and a few other places in Texas. You can also follow her on the following media platforms: iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon, Google Play, and more. Visit Jackson online at www.hannahjacksonmusic.com and Facebook www.facebook.com/hannahjacksonmusic.
This article was originally published in Heart of Texas Magazine, Spring 2019.
