Jake Owen Reflects on Career, Reveals the One Thing He’d Do Differently

Jake Owen is looking back on his journey through country music and opening up about the one thing he’d change if he could do it all over again.

After a golf injury sidelined his original career path, Owen left Florida State University just nine credits shy of graduating and moved to Nashville in 2005. He quickly began writing songs, landed a publishing deal, and soon after, signed with RCA. By 2006, his debut single “Yee Haw” was making waves on country radio.

Since then, Owen has scored 10 No.1 singles, earned gold and platinum certifications, toured with legends like Alan Jackson, Keith Urban, and Kenny Chesney, and amassed over 2.5 billion streams in the U.S. alone.

Now, as he prepares to release a new album this fall, with the lead single, “Dreams to Dream,” out this Friday, Owen took part in an Instagram Q&A where he shared a personal revelation.

“Probably not be as hot headed as I once was,” he admitted. “I came to town (Nashville) excited, alone, scared, and full of dreams. It’s a town of people wayyyyy more talented than you/ I will ever be. I wanted to prove that I was worthy of being here. I think my insecurities came across as arrogance and I hate that.”

He continued with a candid message of growth: “I know my worth. I know my value. There’s just a way of doing it with grace, and I can’t say I always did that” 

In a recent interview with Country Now ahead of his Country Thunder Florida set, Owen reflected on his early days in Nashville and the lesson that stuck with him most: “No one will ever believe in you as much as you believe in yourself.” 

“So when I think back about the last 22 years, if there’s anything I’m proud of, I’m proud that I made that move,” he continued. “I’m proud that I got out of Florida and took the risk to make it because if I hadn’t have done that, I don’t know that this would’ve ever happened. So take a chance.”

In recent years, Owen has done a lot of self-reflection. In September 2021, a moment he describes as “embarrassing” led him to quit drinking. Now nearly four years sober, he says it’s “the best decision” he’s ever made.

“I feel better than I have ever felt in my life,” he wrote. “I’m finally REALLY living.” 

Jake Owen launched the Driftwood Rambler Tour earlier this summer. The trek is set to continue through August 29 in Du Quoin, IL.