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Johnny Cash Boyhood Home to Host Summer Concert Series

05/04/2023

JONESBORO – Known for its rich music history, the Historic Dyess Colony: Johnny Cash Boyhood Home is supporting other artists with a summer concert series. The series will begin Saturday, May 13, at 7 p.m. with Jonesboro native Cory Jackson at Native Brew Works, 515 South Gee Street.

Born in Jonesboro, Jackson made his national debut on Season 17 of NBC’s “The Voice,” where his three-chair turn performance allowed him to work and learn under Blake Shelton.Gifted a guitar from his grandpa, Jackson began to explore music at 16, which fostered his dream of a career performing on a big stage. He began performing small concerts in high school. His grandpa encouraged him to write his own songs and pursue music more seriously due to positive feedback from his performances.

His songwriting continued to grow, leading to numerous songs that include Jackson’s name as writer or co-writer, many of which have been recorded in his own album collections available on several music platforms.

“We are excited to have Cory starting off our summer series,” commented Penny Toombs, director of Dyess Colony: Johnny Cash Boyhood Home, an Arkansas State University Heritage Site. “We encourage folks to come out with friends and family to enjoy this community event.” 

Jackson recognizes that being an entertainer is more than performing music on stage. Whether it be a laid-back acoustic show or a high-energy, large-stage production, he never ceases to find a special connection with others through the music that first inspired him to sing and write his own songs.

Admission is free thanks to sponsors Electric Cooperatives of Arkansas, Judd Hill Foundation and A-State’s Delta Symposium within the Department of English, Philosophy, and World Languages.Two other concerts are planned for the summer, including TRIPP on Saturday, June 10. The performer for the July 8 concert has not yet been announced. Additional details can be found at DyessCash.AState.edu or by calling 870-764-2274.

Cory Jackson smiling at the camera