One listen to “Feels Like Summer,” the infectious new single from Jessie Brown, and you will be entranced and enchanted all at once. It sounds as if she has been performing music all her life – and indeed she has. “I was raised around Southern Gospel music,” she recalls of her growing up in Northern Indiana. “My grandparents had a group that would travel around the country to different churches, revivals, and festivals. So, we would play on the weekends,” she says, adding that she would more often than not do her homework on the road. Her school years also opened her eyes to several other styles of music. While her parents – who were involved in the Ministry – closely guarded what she listened to, and was exposed to, her friendships at school led her to become enamored with such artists as Vince Gill, Stevie Nicks, Alison Krauss, Martina McBride, and Sheryl Crow. As she grew older, she knew that music was something that she simply had to try – on her own terms. That chance came in 2009 – and she latched on to it. As Jessie began to develop and perfect her craft at being a live entertainer, Nashville began to call her name more and more. She made several trips to Music City to learn the area, and moved there in 2014. Seeing the sheer amount of talent in town really seemed to inspire her. “I was stuck in a rut in Indiana, and had really exhausted the area. It was something that I had to do. It’s been great. Being here in Nashville is very energizing. That’s how I would describe it as an artist – to be around people who get it. It felt like a puzzle piece. I began to feel like I belonged here.” Word began to spread of her vocal ability and stage presence, and she soon found herself opening shows for artists such as Randy Travis, Jason Aldean, and Chris Young. “I met Jason at a small club in Illinois. I got to have a really good conversation with him after the show, and he said ‘You’ve got what it takes. Keep doing what you’re doing.’ I opened for Chris Young a few times, and I really look up to him, as well.” Jessie Brown also has gained exposure opening on side stages for some of the biggest arena tours in the business – including Luke Bryan and George Strait. Jessie has also worked with International artists such as Anna Rossinelli from Switzerland, and Hege Oversveen from Norway. Outside of the world of music, one of her biggest thrills was getting to work with legendary film star Burt Reynolds. “That came from a friend of mine from Indiana who is in the video world. He worked directly with Burt, and he was a big support and inspiration to me as an artist as far as understanding what it’s like to be as an artist. He invited Burt to come and be a guest at this play, which I was involved in. It was really a great experience.” Feels Like Summer, Jessie Brown’s debut EP, runs the emotional gamut in its’ four tracks. In addition to the spunky punch of the new single, there’s the wide open feel of “You Make My Heart Sing,” the laid-back traditional sound of “This Far Out,” and the old-school charm of “New Reflection.” With the release, Jessie Brown certainly positions herself as one to watch in the industry. She certainly can’t wait to take the music to the people via the place where she always feels at home – the stage. Chuck Dauphin-Billboard