Jake Worthington, the rising country artist on Big Loud Records, released his self-titled full-length debut on April 7, 2023. The album positions Worthington as a modern keeper of classic honky-tonk traditions, marrying the twang of the past with contemporary production and a driving, electric energy.
Born and raised in La Porte, Texas, Worthington grew up steeped in classic country — from Ray Price and Merle Haggard to the timeless sounds of George Jones and George Strait. He credits his grandfather for seeding his deep appreciation for honky-tonk and dancehall songs, traditions that continue to shape his writing and performance. That multi-generational connection to country music is a throughline across the record, giving the album an authentic, lived-in feel.
Worthington first gained national attention as a teenager when he competed on The Voice in 2014 at age 17. As a member of Team Blake Shelton, he finished the season as runner-up to Josh Kaufman and joined the official tour that summer, gaining early experience performing on larger stages.
In 2021 he signed with Big Loud Records, joining a roster that includes fellow The Voice alumni like Morgan Wallen and artists such as Ashland Craft. Since then, Worthington has focused on honing his songwriting and his live show, working in writing rooms with veteran writers and producers to refine his voice and songs.
As a writer and performer, Worthington began developing his craft in his mid-teens. His co-writing and collaborators include established names like Roger Springer, Monty Holmes, Nick Walsh, David Lee Murphy, Jessi Alexander, and a number of Nashville songwriters who helped shape the album’s honky-tonk spirit. Those sessions helped translate his Texas roots into songs that feel both classic and immediate.
Produced by diamond-certified producer Joey Moi, the album blends traditional country instrumentation and songwriting with a punchy, modern sonic palette. The record also features a collaboration with labelmate ERNEST, and the pair bring a rowdy, singalong energy to their duet. Critics and fans alike have noted how the collection balances old-school country storytelling with a contemporary rock-tinged production aesthetic.
Worthington embraces his role as a torchbearer for honky-tonk. “I don’t mind being a dark horse,” he says, acknowledging his preference for songs that fill dance floors and honor country’s roots. “Blame it on my raising, but I think there ought to be room for country in country music.” That philosophy grounds the album and underscores his commitment to songs that connect with listeners on the dance floor and at the barroom table alike.
Jake Worthington Tracklist:
- State You Left Me In (Jake Worthington, Timothy Baker, Roger Springer)
- Single At The Same Time (Jake Worthington, Robert Arthur, Kim Penz, Jacob Boyd Weinschenk)
- Without You (Jake Worthington, Jody Booth, Roger Springer)
- Pop Goes The Whiskey (feat. ERNEST) (Rocky Block, Seth Ennis, Kyle Fishman, Ernest Keith Smith)
- Ain’t Got You To Hold (Jake Worthington, Joe Denim, Roger Springer)
- She Ain’t You (Jake Worthington, Jake Doucet, Roger Springer)
- Next New Thing (Jake Worthington, Steve Leslie, Roger Springer)
- Honky Tonk Crowd (Jake Worthington, Clint Daniels, Jeff Hyde, Roger Springer)
- I Ain’t Goin Anywhere (Jake Worthington, Wyatt McCubbin, Roger Springer)
- Night Time Is My Time (Jake Worthington, Monty Holmes, Roger Springer)
- Only One Way To Find Out (Jake Worthington, Jessi Alexander, Dave Cohen, David Lee Murphy)
- Heaven Can’t Be Found (Jake Worthington, Will Jones, Kim Penz, Roger Springer)
- Closing Time (Jake Worthington, Nick Walsh)
All songs produced by Joey Moi
Mixed by Joey Moi and Josh Ditty
Ahead of the full album release, Worthington issued two singles on March 17: the emotional ballad “State You Left Me In,” which highlights his vocal warmth and storytelling, and the up-tempo anthem “Next New Thing,” a song built to get crowds moving. Both tracks showcase the duality of the record — heart-on-sleeve balladry alongside rowdy, danceable country.
Known for relentless gigging, Worthington has played VFW halls and Moose lodges across the country, building his following one show at a time. He has opened for artists such as Cody Johnson, Riley Green, Pat Green, Hank Williams Jr., and ERNEST. For 2023 he planned a mix of headlining dates and opening slots for acts including Randy Rogers Band, Jon Pardi, and Gary Allan, continuing to bring his brand of honky-tonk to country audiences nationwide.
“Like my grandpa always says, you’ll know you have a hit song if the dance floor’s full,” Worthington reflects. Despite industry chatter about trends and marketability, he remains focused on songs that make people get up and dance. With his self-titled debut, Jake Worthington stakes his claim as an artist committed to keeping country music’s dancehall heart alive while reaching new listeners with a modern edge.