Hailing from the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Will Jones has a sound deeply rooted in the country and bluegrass music he grew up picking. Will also has deep roots in the Second Amendment and the American outdoor life. NRA’s Bobby Jenkins got the opportunity to ask him a few questions. Follow Will on Facebook and X @willjonesband or on Instagram @willjonesofficial.
BJ: To give our NRA members a little insight, please tell us about your musical background and what inspires you.
WJ: I grew up in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Southwest Virginia. I grew up on bluegrass and American mountain music like the Carter family’s musical roots. As I got more into country music, it was Merle Haggard, George Jones and Keith Whitley. I also have a deep passion and love for bluegrass artists like Keith Whitley, Vince Gill, Marty Stuart and Ricky Skaggs. And I’m a guitar nerd; I love that hard-driving bluegrass guitar sound, like Tony Rice’s.
BJ: You’ve had an exciting year, playing with a lot of other great talents. Can you share with us what has been most memorable?
WJ: The best part has been making friendships with great people that I look up to. Being a part of Jon Pardi’s World Tour and playing my first arena has been a dream come true. Then, having the opportunity to tour with Ashley McBryde—she is the salt of the Earth, as good of a human as there is on Earth.
BJ: What can we look forward to from you in December?
WJ: “Hickory Heart” is releasing. It’s a song about tough love, about knowing someone with a calloused heart, someone who doesn’t let anyone in. It’s one of my favorites.
BJ: Christmas time is here. For me, that means passing on family traditions to my daughter, like baking. What is special about the Christmas season for you?
WJ: For me, Christmas is family. I am one of five children; I have four sisters. We’re all married with kids who are super close in age. I just love watching the babies enjoy the season, and I love Jesus Christ.
BJ: For decorating sugar cookies, which team are you, colored sugar or icing?
WJ: It has to be the colored sugar.
BJ: Favorite Christmas song?
WJ: My favorite Christmas song is Merle Haggard’s “If We Make It
Through December.”
BJ: Will, I love that keeping Christ in Christmas was top of your mind. As a fellow man of faith, what would you offer to someone struggling with their faith or someone hoping for answers?
WJ: Everything happens for a reason; trust God; go with it. Trust in what He has for you. It is amazing what happens when you put your heart in the right place.
BJ: You jumped at the opportunity to be associated with the NRA. Can you tell us why?
WJ: The NRA, the Second Amendment, firearms, they’re part of my life. I’m an avid outdoorsman and a hunter. I’ve hunted my entire life. I’m committed to self-protection, and I believe the Second Amendment was given to the American people and we need to defend it.
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