Carly Jo Jackson

Carly Jo Jackson is an Austin, Texas-based guitarist and singer-songwriter who has a string of hit Youtube songs and heavily watched videos, including Sleep in My Car, You Can’t Love Me and Wildflower. Her singing voice is powerful and rich, her lyrics have depth, and she is brave enough to take considered risks in her career.

Jackson is a 2015 Belk Southern Musician Showcase winner, and has appeared on America's Got Talent and regularly plays at respected festivals. Her most recent releases are the EP Au Naturel (produced by Lost Coast Records and distributed by Cherry Bomb Records), which includes the singles Sleep in My Car and Clipped Wings.

Guitars Exchange catches up with Jackson while she is staying with her family in Florida to ride out the Covid-19 quarantine. She woke early this morning to play guitar, and is now happy to talk about her love of guitars, her much-beloved dog Heidi, and her hidden tattoos… - Guitars Exchange

Former America’s Got Talent contestant Carly Jo Jackson held her latest release party in Santa Barbara.
Jackson celebrated her new music at the home of photographer and filmmaker Alan Kozlowski.
​​​​​Her​ new music EP entitled Au Natural and single Clipped Wings are now available on iTunes, Spotify and CD Baby.
The recording features Michael McDonald, Chris and Christian Pelonis and other artists.

” I just put out a brand-new EP called Au Natural, featuring some really natural songs with a raw sounds you can almost smell the wood instruments,” said Jackson after performing for the party.
Jackson was a favorite of the judges including Howard Stern on America’s Got Talent in 2015.
She often performs at Lost Chord Guitars in Solvang when she isn’t on the road. - News Channel KEYT

Music is a magical art form, capturing and reflecting every emotion. It is that collection of feelings Carly Jo Jackson taps into when she sings. Her smokey, fluid voice takes you on a poignant journey through life’s moments — from the simple yet empowering choice of sleeping in a car instead of letting someone else own her to the deep melancholy of realizing a love affair is not meant to be. There’s heft to the notes coming out of her mouth, a weighty-ness in her sound that delights and surprises. - Jeff Bridge's Sleep Club Blog

Orlando native Carly Jo Jackson recorded her first EP as a teenager. In a career spanning nearly 10 years she’s appeared on America’s Got Talent, and performed at music festivals throughout the south.
Now she’s working on a new album.
“In the past I’ve been very exposed, just showing everybody, this is exactly what I’m doing, completely transparent,” says Jackson.
“And I’ve found there’s some virtue in having a little mystery, so I’ve kind of held back on announcing too much about this one.”
She says one of the highlights of the music festival circuit has been 30A.
“That festival I really work hard for as a songwriter,” says Jackson.
“Everybody that sings their own music [at the festival], they are phenomenal.”
“Last year was my second year going ever, and they totally caught me off guard, and I had so many old songs, I was, like, ‘I’m going to come back here with a whole slew of awesome new things’, so I’ve been trying to dare myself to do a little more and write about cooler things.”
In February she played at South Beach Wine and Food Festival, including a cameo performance with chef Andrew Zimmern.
“He’s in love and enthralled with music,” says Jackson.
“He’s charming on stage, he’s a very good musician, and he loves to jam out.”
Carly Jo Jackson performs Clipped Wings and Movin’ On on Intersection. - WMFE

Carly Jo Jackson is a vibrant young performer who stole the show at Florida Music Festival with an invigorating showcase that left the Orlando crowd thirsting for more. Jackson is a “local kid” who is on the cusp of great things. She’s a free spirit just gushing with talent. - Rara's Farm Music Blog

Florida is home to many superstars, but one that shines the brightest is Orlando native (and Florida Atlantic University student) Carly Jo Jackson. Jackson’s passion for music and enthusiasm for life really shows through as she creates musical brilliancy with her acoustic guitar — which will win your heart in a second. - Wordpress

Carly Jo Jackson is living proof that no matter your age, you can achieve all your dreams and more if you just believe in yourself and what you do.

Now 22, having been performing across the US for more than six years, and following her hugely successful appearance on the 2014 season of America's Got Talent, indie/acoustic-pop artist Jackson is heading into 2016 with big plans and a big smile on her face.

Having won over Nick Cannon, Howard Stern and several other celebrity judges on AGT, she's since gone on to delight her growing army of fans with songs that are as memorable and entertaining as her performances such as the one she gave at the 30A Songwriters Festival in 2014 alongside renowned song-writers including Bob Schneider.

She's also earned herself strong support from music outlets across the country with writers citing messages like this one from Scott Bryant:

Jackson’s passion for music and enthusiasm for life really shows through as she creates musical brilliancy with her acoustic guitar — which will win your heart in a second.

Now, with a new EP due out in the Spring, PopWrapped are thrilled to premiere Jackson's video for her latest track "Out Of The Blue."

The track is a great introduction for those who have yet to discover Jackson's undeniable talent, as it shows off her impressive vocal and guitar skills while the video is beautiful; the majority of it shot in spacious, rather picturesque locations - try not to lose yourself as you daydream of swimming in the water! - Pop Wrapped

Folks may know Carly Jo Jackson from her run in last year's America's Got Talent competition and from having judge Howard Stern refer to her as "charismatic." The Orlando native, barely in her twenties, has been performing around South Florida and is well-known to the coffeehouse and collegiate crowd.

Now enjoying the exposure of having made a deep run in the competition where she ended as a finalist, Carly Jo's musical future is bright, matched by her enthusiasm and genuine good nature. We had a chance to catch up with the young chanteuse before she kicks off the inaugural For the Love Fest hosted by C&I Studios an Exposed PR this weekend. - New Times Magazine

You don’t have to go far to check out the talented Orlando native Carly Jo Jackson. Actually, if you took a minute, you might could even find her America’s Got Talent performance on youtube. But don’t measure her talent based upon all that. Listen for yourself…

Carly’s communicates through a rare released, raspy texture with just the right amount of soul. You can definitely hear a Colbie Caillat and Jewel influence, so if you like those artists, I guarantee you’re gonna dig her style.

Carly plays regularly throughout Florida, and will be returning to Yellow Dog Eats this on Friday, July 3rd, 2015. If you get the chance, you should definitely come out. Just be sure to come early because the show starts at 6pm.

You can check out more music and upcoming show dates at Carly Jo’s Reverb Nation page. - Orlando Guitar Town

Carly Jo Jackson is an indie/acoustic/pop artist with a vocal tone that is infectious as her charismatic stage presence. She delivers a winning combination of energy, passion and pop magnetism as showcased in her performances including her 2014 appearance on America’s Got Talent. In 2016 she released her second EP “Color Show”. Her music video for the single “Oh Yeah” from the EP let’s you join in the fun that is Carly Jo Jackson! - Making Music Magazine

She’s just another example of the local talent waiting to be discovered at Miami's one-and-only blues bar, Railroad Blues. She’s Orlando’s own Carly Jo Jackson and she made her second appearance on Wed., Sept. 3, continuing to extend the spellbinding experience from her show the week prior. Railroad Blues was obviously delighted to have her back.

Performing a variety of original music and cover songs, Jackson graciously dedicated last night’s performance to “all of the people going out on a Wednesday night,” while noting her drink of choice and the recent celebration of her 21st birthday. Her decision to use a set list for last night’s performance was an anomaly when compared to how she has approached her past shows. Jackson’s planning was spot on, and her rhythm was accompanied by the percussions of her friend, Chris Rod.

Despite the small crowd, the audience immediately recognized Jackson’s talent, with multiple members of the audience personally approaching Jackson during her set break. It is evident that Jackson is well on her way to becoming a celebrated American songstress.

At the mere age of 21, her accolades already include her participation in Season 9 of America’s Got Talent, the first runner up of the spring 2014 Florida Grammy Showcase, recognition from the 30A Songwriters Festival and Florida Music Festival, and has won the Pop category in the Show Me the Music songwriting competition for her song Wildflower. Jackson has also enjoyed collaborating with mainstream talent residing in Florida, such as Dashboard Confessional’s Chris Carrabba.

From the minute Jackson had a guitar in her hands on her 16th birthday, she knew she was going to take full advantage of it. The rate of Jackson’s burgeoning talent is exemplified by her humble beginnings at shows in local coffee shops in Orlando, to her recent move to Miami to wholeheartedly pursue her music career. Jackson was formerly a student at Florida Atlantic University, where she was working towards a degree in Creative Writing, but is now taking time off to jumpstart her name in the music biz.

Nowadays, Jackson is booking shows left and right as she discovers her new stomping grounds. With a handful of shows in the area over the next few weeks, Jackson’s bluesy, heartfelt voice will start to reverberate at venues across town. Jackson either performs solo, with Rod, or with a full band, depending on the venue and choice of music. Though Jackson’s music is often compared to her influencer, Colbie Caillat and Taylor Swift, her predecessors cannot beat her sound, attitude towards life and passion to pursue her goals. Overall, Jackson’s fervor is unmatched. Catch her next performance on Fri., Sept. 5 at Monty’s Sunset in Miami Beach from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. - AXS