Amy Jack is a country music artist and Oklahoma sport enthusiast. Amy is inspired by sports and shines in his music in terms of sound, mood and general theme. Starting, he released his homonymous debut album, produced by Merle Haggard, the late legend of country music. Amy appeared on the ‘Road To Rio’ tour for the 2016 United States Olympic Games with his song, “For The Love of the Game”. It was also used for a mini feature for Kobe Bryant in Fox Sports and ESPN DURing March Madness. He also appeared in a Fox Sports segment for Baker Mayfield with his song, “Shake and Bake.” His song “Born to Lead” was the soundtrack of the NCAA Lombardi Awards as well.
Amy has achieved a lot in her career, but it seems that she is just beginning. It was a pleasure to ask some questions and connect the points between sports and music together, and the results of that are below. Enjoy!
Kyle: There are many sports songs through your discography, so I am curious to know, what took you to sports? Did you practice sports while you grew up, or are you still actively involved in sports?
Amy: Yes, I have always been very active and involved in sports. I have a twin brother, and we really started fighting when we had only two or three years, I could set it at the time, and still mentions it! I played basketball and even hit a university player in a game of horses. Later, while I was in Ou, I play another game of horses with an athlete of all conferences, it was a top scorer or a hero and hero of free throws. I also directed the track and was part of the relay team. He was known for being explosive outside the blocks, and for the fifth grade, I could overcome most of the children.
In tennis, just although we did a formal program in my small hometown, my coach once told my mother that if I had started an age, it could have been professional. Similarly, when I started playing golf later, my coach in Nashville said it was unfortunate that we did a golf program where I grew up, I could have obtained a scholarship. I did all the sports that were available to me, and although sometimes I would like to have more opportunities to go further, I am proud or how involved I was. To this day, I still exercise daily: it is part of who I am and something I could not live.
Kyle: His native state of Oklahoma is known by the Oklahoma Sooners, Osu Cowboys and the OKC Thunder that are the #1 seed at the West Conference of the NBA at this time. Do you have a sport, a player, a favorite player and why are your favorites?
Amy: My favorite player is Baker Mayfield, the Shakin ‘Bake of my really inspired song. I admire his passion, resistance and the way he connects with fans and teammates. It has become a dear figure, especially with the Bucaners of Tampa Bay, of course, the Oklahoma Sooners. Only in Cleveland, many fans still support and miss him. I know the LED in several statistics from Mariscal de Campo last season, I don’t want to cite badly, but he continues to impress me. I just adjusted my travel plans just to catch their live games on television. That’s how big I am a fan.
When it comes to teams, I have seasonal tickets for the Oklahoma Soners, Dallas Cowboys and Dallas Mavericks. He was a fan of the Mavs just before the Oklahoma City thunder existed, but now the Thunder are my team. I briefly had the honor of singing the national anthem in one of its games. Oklahoma City is exaggerated for a championship: they approached so many times, the era of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Russell Westbrook. Westbrook, in particular, has always shower such loyalty and appreciation for Oklahoma, and many of us still hope he returns one day. I am definitely encouraging hard for Thunder at this time, they are an exciting and talented team!
Kyle: Music and Sports Cross Raths enough with the national anthem, part -time shows and special events of events. Have you had the performance opportunity in sports environments like this? What is the concert of your dream in the sports kingdom?
Amy: In addition to singing the national anthem for the Oklahoma City Thunder, I have also acted for the Cardinals of San Diego Padres and Arizona.
I would love to act in the Sofi Stadium in Los Angeles. The place is impressive: there is something magical about the way the lake shines, special at night. I also love the energy of angels and people there, so acting in Sofi would be a dream come true.
Kyle: I love how the expressions and stories you have in your music can apply to people in all areas of life, not only in sports. In his song “Bunce Back”, you talk about being shot down, but to find a way to get back up. In his career as a musician, how has he found ways to “recover” from a setback or something that is not in his own way?
Amy: Willie Nelson once said: ‘I left every day’, and yet, at 91, he is still acting, touring and recording incredible music. I know a member of his family, and I have always admired his resilience, especially after losing his Saister pianist and pulmonary time, Bobbie. Musicians face all kinds of challenges: physical, emotional and mental. Just yesterday, I was on a flight with Randy Travis, who still travels despite being in a wheelchair after a blow. He is on his leg for a long time, but he is still appearing. This industry can be difficult (there are financial setbacks, personal sacrifices, equally familiar pressures to quit smoking, but their stories are stopped why we go ahead. It is about passion, purpose and persistence, regardless of what life throws you.
Kyle: How was working on your homonymous debut album with Merle Haggard?
Amy: Working on my debut album with Merle Haggard was an unforgettable experience. He was a true perfectionist: passionate, curious and constantly learning. What surprised me was how much life loved. His son Ben once said, just after Merle died, “he loved everything about life,” and that could not be more true. You felt it in the way he made music, in the way he lived.
Merle had a difficult childhood: he lost his father with only nine years, and that shapes much of his life. His sister Lillian, who lived to be over 100 years old, did everything possible to guide him, especially after the sudden death of his father. I think Merle came to understand, later in life, how many people like his sister tried to help him. It is something that many of us realize too late: show a lot that others were doing for us while we were too trapped to see it.
Merle was more than a legend: he was a teacher, mentor and, in my eyes, a genius. I like to imagine that he is still there in heaven, playing with his heroes like Bob Wills and Hank Williams Mr., and still that perfectionist always.
Kyle: I have the feeling that it is difficult to work better with Merle Haggard on your debut album, but what songs are you more proud or?
Amy: I have worked without stopping, so it is sometimes difficult to look back, especially with new projects on the horizon. But someone once that your most importing song is the one you house so far. That said, a song I am especially proud or is “for the love of the game.” It was presented in main networks such as ESPN, NBC Sports and Fox Sports; At one point, Kobe Bryant vs. was even broadcast twice. Dirk Nowitzki. It also served as a duration of the theme, the Olympic Games, were broadcast on star hours in NBC in Dallas and California, and was played in Iheartradio. That exposure Mean a lot for me.
Another song that I am proud or is my release recently, “Love and Hate can never be friends.” He has a powerful and timeless message that I think the world really needs to hear at this time.
Kyle: Your musical style is very unique. His songs range from country and rock are like “Lay Me Down in Oklahoma”, all the way to the club and pop sounds like “March on”. How would you describe your musical style?
Amy: My musical style: it is difficult to specify. I follow the inspiration it carries. Some songs have rock or country roots, such as “Lay Me Down in Oklahoma”, while others are inclined in pop vibrations or club, such as “March on.” Simply defends what the song requires. I simply inspired myself in Cajún music: I love Louisiana and its culture. Like Merle, which was recorded in genres, including pop and the Gospel, I believe in being dynamic, taking risks and staying open to creativity. At the end of the day, simply try to make music cool the soul, because that is something we all need.
Kyle: Its recently single “dogs are barking (but the bus continues to move)” has high energy and themes that are suitable for the NBA playoffs that have just tilt. What is the general meaning behind the song and what inspired you to publish that album?
Amy: Inspiration came from a conversation with my friend Stan in Oklahoma. One day I asked him how things were going, and he said: “Well, the dogs are barking, but the bus keeps moving,” then laughed. That phrase really stayed with me. What he meant was that, regardless of noise, whether negativity, criticism or even bigger challenges such as war or riots, the bus moves. Life progresses, and you must stay focused on your purpose.
That message also resonated more when I knew that his son had just won an important case of the Supreme Court on prayer in public. Like his dad, hey, he didn’t quit smoking, he kept pushing forward. Then, the song is really perseverance and stay faithful to its path, regardless of distractions. It is a great energy because that is what is needed to boost noise, and that is exactly why it feels so appropriate for something as intense and focused as the NBA playoffs.
Kyle: Speaking of inspirations, what musicians would you compare yourself in terms of style and theme?
Amy: Someone in CMT once said that I reminded Bonnie Raitt, which was a great fulfillment: it is a great influence on me. Willie Nelson also told a family member that I reminded him or Doris Day, Debbie Boone or Barbra Streisand. I have always admired Streisand and addressed to that son of purity in my voice. But honestly, everything depends on the song: my style changes to match the emotion and message that I am trying to transmit.
Kyle: When I knew about you, I listed all your work, and I think my favorite songs have to be “worked all week for this” and “March”. I love the agitated rhythm in “March on” juxtaposed with its timeless voices, it works very well. And “he worked all week for this” he is as related to me as a new father. I look forward to my Saturday to relax, let go a little and catch a game, any game. When it comes to drinks, I will take anything that is cold (usual a good bear), but when you see the game again, what is your drink of choice?
Amy: Usually, I’m too busy praying for my sooners to drink a lot! But if I have something, it is announced what is available. In a game, I tried a drink called ‘Big Game Bob’, called by coach Bob Stops, and that was fun. Usultular hits Coca -Cola for caffeine!
Kyle: Do you have any separation thinking that you would like to leave our readers?
Amy: To savor your music and your sports to the fullest. Let me inspire you, connect and bring you joy!
You can find Amy Jack in all music transmission services and follow her on Facebook and Instagram to get updates about her latest music.
