Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Jackson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I am a musician. I have been playing in Texas for over 30 years. I currently work with and play for Kevin Jackson a young country music artist. We have focused our strategy on the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Kevin is an original artist, and in this area, bands like his are rare. I grew up playing music for most of my life. I started playing publicly around age 10 or 11. Music has always been my driving passion, and I have been involved in songwriting and performing my entire life. During all these years, I have owned several businesses that allowed me the freedom to continue to pursue my music career. There are so many stories to tell. However, the most intriguing might be the fact that Kevin is my son. What makes this story even unique is that I am transgender. In the country music world, we cannot find any other father-son teams, and I am making the story wholly unique. We get along so well, and he is my biggest supporter, and I am his as well.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Trying to make your way through the world of the music business is a challenge on a good day. It is a tough business. If you are an outsider to the world of Texas country, or you choose to have a sound that does not fit their mold, being successful is going to be tough. We have had to fight our way into venues and be a part of larger shows, and even work with national acts. Again, being me complicates things. I strive for authenticity, and sometimes that comes with a price. Several of the “Larger” artists I have worked with have distanced themselves. There is also a lack of respect for female musicians/songwriters/managers in the country music world.
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?
I am known as “The Bass Player.” On the surface, that seems haughty, but it is actually humble. For most of my career, when I met with people after shows, they would say, “Hey, aren’t you The Bass Player?” They often knew the names of the other band members, but they most often did not know mine. I go by TJ these days. That seems to make it easier. I am most proud of writing songs that have streamed well over 3 million times. It is such a cool feeling to know people enjoy the art you create.
What matters most to you? Why?
Helping others. I have a BA and MA and post-grad work in psychology. I have worked as an adjunct professor, counselor, and pastor. Caring for others is just a part of my DNA, so to speak. As with those things, I have enjoyed working with Kevin and watching him grow as a musician and artist. He asked me to join him after he had already begun his musical career. I believe he did that for many reasons, but I think a lot of it had to do with him knowing my guiding principles and my heart when it comes to helping others.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kevinjackson.co
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tj_thebassplayer/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travisjacksonBigTMusic/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_bassplayer
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCT80QmoNcQ9D36NgUuMbq3w
