There are many country artists that get a lot of fame and public attention and surely we know the top names- Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Luke Bryan to name a few. One that doesn't get too much attention, in my opinion, is Jake Owen. From his sound to his looks to the fact he LOVES my little hometown of Daytona Beach so much, we're in a couple of his music videos. You can call me borderline obsessed with Mr. Owen, Here's a few facts about the great J.O

1. He was raised in Vero Beach, Florida!

Well to be fair, most people who know Jake probably know this tidbit, but for those who don't. He was born in Winter Haven and moved to Vero before he went to college and then became super famous.

2. He has a twin!

(Left: Jerrod, Right: Jake)

Fraternal, named Jarrod! Both are equally handsome.

3. He originally went to FSU on a GOLF scholarship!

I know right? I was just as shocked to learn that too. It's pretty cool. Unfortunately Jake had a wakeboarding accident that caused him to be unable to play the great game. But this wasn't the total end for Jake because he discovered his love for the guitar and singing.

4. He changed his name to avoid being confused with another country artist-Josh Turner

Yes, his real name is Josh but he changed his name to not confuse the country fans with Josh Turner. But how could you?? They are COMPLETELY different voices.

5. He has 5 albums

Starting with Me, Easy Does It, Barefoot Blue Jean Night, Days of Gold, and American Love. And yes I did buy the last one the DAY it came out...and subsequently learned most of the words to the songs within 4 days. To be fair, his older stuff sounds pretty great too.

6. He's very social.

Between his Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram feed; Jake tends to keep his fans vastly in the loop with whatever he's working on. From snippets of new material, to tributes to artists who have recently passed away, Jake loves to be present with his fans. I love it!

7. He supports Daytona (and Florida) hardcore.

This was taken at the Ocean Deck Restaurant, Daytona Beach FL, for Beachin'

Taken in Saint Augustine Florida for AMCLS; I can't find the Daytona gif :(

From being born in Florida, and raised in Vero. This man loves his Florida home. Jake has a couple music videos (and music) which showcase how beautiful Florida really is. Beachin' (2014) was one of my personal favorites since it featured Daytona Beach Florida. Both in the song and in the music video. You can see the pier and boardwalk of our town plus the legendary Ocean Deck.

American Country Love Song (2016) is another one of my favorites "It's a Daytona airbrushed T-shirt" lyrics plus in the music video he travels from his home in Tennessee all the way to the Florida Keys in a mint green VW Van (which is also a song in his American Love album). The video features Saint Augustine, where he runs out of gas on I-95, the Fort, and Holly Hill Florida, which is next to Daytona to wash his van at a self serve car wash which is right next to the Copper Bottom Distillery on Beach St.

The view of the Keys is absolutely stellar and I am so sad I wasn't able to be home to catch him drive by, or wash his van, that's right by my moms office! He even puts on concerts in Vero every year to support his hometown and the kids growing up there, what an awesome guy!

8. His daughter Pearl is a sweetie.

She's four, and does everything with Daddy when she isn't with her Momma Lacey. Jake and Pearl are one cute pair. "My dad plays music for people". I love seeing their faces pop up through his Facebook/Instagram/Twitter handles, and of course through the country radio station pages I happen to also follow.

9. His hair transformation is on point.

He's gone from long beachy hair to a handsome short hair style that he totally pulls off.

10. He's opened for several big name artists.

Kenny Chesney, Little Big Town, Sugarland, Brad Paisley, and Keith Urban to name a few.

11. He's pretty chill about everything.

From boating to hanging out with friends to even his music being a success. Jake is an all around calm and collected guy.

He's about to play in Orlando on August 28th (which is his birthday) for K92.3's All Star Jam. I wish I could be there to see him play in person.

Happy early Birthday Jake!