Daily Inspiration: Meet Brandon Jackson

Today we’d like to introduce you to BeJaxx.

Hi BeJaxx, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My story begins in the small, rural east Texas town of Ore City, where I was born and raised by my parents, Bruce (deceased) and Winifred Jackson, with my sister Passion. Music played a big part in my childhood, and some of the earliest memories include singing Pam Tillis’ Shake the Sugar Tree or Reba’s Fancy. We knew it was time to wake up and clean on Saturday mornings when Gospel music would blare throughout the house. My first cassette tape was The Bodyguard Soundtrack which I made my family listen to on repeat during family vacations. Eventually, I went on to give concerts to the cows and other farm animals before continuing to sing in the church choir and with a group of cousins. However, due to my voice changing, I stopped singing because I no longer sounded like my favorite records, and it took me a few years to find my voice and love of singing again.

I left East Texas to attend the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, where I earned a B.S. in Marketing and Entrepreneurial Management and an M.Ed in Sport Management. While at the U, I stumbled across and joined the Gospel Choir. Performing under Sanford Moore’s direction, I fell in love with my voice and the emotional place where my singing came from. That passion transformed into performing in musicals and pursuing a career in acting. I have had the pleasure of performing in many venues around the Twin Cities, including the famed Guthrie Theater, Park Square and Artistry. That first cassette tape helped introduce me to the music of Dolly Parton, whom I shared the stage with in 2018 at an Ordway staged reading of Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol.

Once Covid hit and theatres shut down, I took this time to assess what made me happy, and the answer was the music – not necessarily the acting. During the lockdown, I also had a few virtual happy hours with Coco Groves, where I discussed my plans of moving to LA or NYC, and every time she kept mentioning Nashville. Coco finally convinced me to move to Nashville in May of 2021. The same night I arrived in Nashville, Coco pulled me up on stage to sing with her band, Coco and the Nash. Since then, I have not looked back and enjoyed every moment of life that Nashville offers. I currently sing with Coco and the Nash every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at Lucky Bastard Saloon and Whiskey River Saloon from 6-10 PM.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have never expected any path I chose in life to be smooth and without struggle, but it’s also something my parents prepared me for growing up. My mother used to read Langston Hughes’ poem ‘Mother to Son’ to me, which is a message that resonated strongly in my life. When challenges arise, there is no reason to turn back, face them head-on and keep moving. Everyone has struggles, and life “ain’t been a crystal stair” for anyone.

Looking back, I did not understand how much we struggled to make ends meet, but I do remember the love and having everything I needed to succeed. I have always had the space to figure out who I am as a person and was encouraged to try new things without worrying about the love of my family.

The thing that has been a constant struggle throughout my life has been my weight. Though I have never used weight as a crutch or let it hinder me from doing anything I have set my mind to, I say this is a struggle because of how people perceive those of us that are overweight. For example, without even knowing me, I have had people come up to me after gigs and offer unsolicited weight loss advice. This is normally disguised as a “concern,” when in all reality, it’s demeaning and flat-out rude. This generally has more to do with their insecurities, and it baffles them how someone of my size could be so confident and carefree. I love who I am and who I am becoming as an artist, and am happy I can show up as my authentic self and push the envelope of what is possible.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Music has always played an integral role in my life by helping me celebrate life’s triumphs and tribulations. I am an emotional interpreter that uses singing as a medium to communicate with others. Whether singing a cover or an original song, I can take my experiences and emotions and convey them in a way that connects others to my inner being. Singing has never been about the “perfect” technique for me, but rather getting down to the truth and raw emotions and letting them run their course.

We love surprises, fun facts, and incredible stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people would be surprised to learn that I grew up on a small farm, played various sports throughout my youth, and continue to participate in tennis today. When people look at me and see my size, the glittery jumpsuits, and manicured nails – manual labor and athletics is far from their mind. To see me is to not know me, but to hear me is to feel my heart.

Also, I was one of the lucky fans that got to FaceTime with Adele when she postponed her Las Vegas shows in January.

Contact Info:

• Website: bejaxx.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bejaxx/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bejaxx/
• Twitter: twitter.com/bejaxx
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/BeJaxxMusic

Image Credits
Jenna Altepeter Eric N. Willcox III Steve Campbell