Jackson Dean: "I've Got Everything I Ever Dreamed Of, So I Guess I'm Just Gonna Keep On Rocking"
- Jul 8
- 4 min read
Written by Lauren Page | @LiveWithLP
There's something instantly likeable about Jackson Dean. Before we'd even properly introduced ourselves backstage at BST Hyde Park, we'd somehow found ourselves chatting about holidays and laughing as if we'd known each other for years. It's that easy-going nature that has helped the Maryland native win over country fans on both sides of the Atlantic, and with one of the biggest performances of his career just moments away, he still seemed completely grounded.
Standing backstage ahead of opening for the legendary Garth Brooks, Dean was taking in the atmosphere of one of London's most iconic venues. With around 70,000 fans expected through the gates, BST Hyde Park marked another major milestone in what has already been a phenomenal year for the country star.
"I've wanted to see you live for so long," I admitted as we sat down. "I've never managed to catch one of your shows."
"Well, this is a great show to see us at," he laughed.
You could hardly argue with that.
Sharing a stage with Garth Brooks isn't just another festival booking. For many country artists, it's the kind of opportunity they've dreamed about since picking up a guitar for the first time.
So, what was Dean's reaction when he got the call?
"I was like, 'I don't know… yes!'" he joked. "'I'm washing my clothes that day, I'll be busy.'"
After the laughter settled, the reality of the moment became clear.
"No, we were like, 'Holy God.' This is a legendary place. Even riding around today, I've been seeing little snippets where I'm like, 'Oh my God, I recognise that.' I've seen so much footage of this place, and now we're actually here."
For UK country fans, the day carried even more significance. Garth Brooks was returning to Britain for the first time in more than thirty years, making the occasion feel even more historic.
"I'm so excited to see him tonight," Dean smiled. "I've met him a couple of times, and he's awesome. I'm excited to watch him rip tonight."
It isn't difficult to see why Jackson Dean continues to resonate with audiences. Whether he's talking about playing Hyde Park or simply reflecting on life, there's a genuine sense of gratitude in everything he says.
That same honesty shines throughout his latest album, Magnolia Sage.
Released earlier this year, the record feels like Dean's most complete body of work to date. Blending rugged country storytelling with moments of vulnerability, it gives listeners a much deeper insight into the man behind the signature gravelly vocals.
I couldn't help but tell him how much one particular track had affected me.
"'Hey Mississippi' absolutely reduced me to tears," I confessed. "Every time it comes on, I know I'm going to cry."
Thankfully, I'm not the only one who has connected with the record.
"It's been really awesome," Dean said. "People have seemed to really enjoy it, and we've had some really great nights with people singing the songs back to us."
While fans continue to debate their favourite tracks, one song has surprised even him.
"'Tennessee Moon' has come up quite frequently," he explained. "It feels like a work song from the '30s or '40s - something really old. It's cool hearing people connect with that one."
When every fan has a different favourite song, Dean believes that's the sign of something special.
"If you ask anybody their favourite, they're all different," he said. "That's a good tell of a well-rounded record."
Listening to Magnolia Sage, it's impossible not to notice just how personal the songwriting feels. Every track reveals another piece of Dean's life, whether that's the highs of life on the road or the quieter moments that keep him grounded.
"I wanted to show little bits of the life I'm getting to live right now," he explained.
As I pointed out that he wasn't just living "a little bit of life" but genuinely living the dream, Dean laughed before reflecting on everything he's achieved.
"I've got everything I ever kind of dreamed of having. One of the coolest jobs on planet Earth, a woman, a cat and a dog. So what now? I guess I'm just gonna keep on rocking."
It's a wonderfully simple outlook, but one that perfectly sums him up.
The heart of Magnolia Sage isn't success or touring - it's love.
"She is the muse for this whole record," Dean revealed. "When I put this together, it was all about her. I want it to be about the next person's person too. The goal for this project is a record about love."
Naturally, I couldn't resist asking for a little relationship advice.
After all, if anyone had just written an album celebrating love, surely they'd have some wisdom to share.
His first response came with a grin.
"There's a record called Magnolia Sage that will help..Study the songs."
Then, after thinking for a moment, he added something far more thoughtful.
"I think knowing thyself will bring you to the truth."
Honestly, someone needs to turn Jackson Dean into a motivational podcast.
Of course, no conversation with Dean would be complete without mentioning his now-famous feathered hat. Having previously heard one of his treasured feathers had been confiscated while travelling, I'd attempted to find him a replacement in London.
As it turns out, turkey feathers aren't exactly easy to come by in the middle of Hyde Park.
Thankfully, his promoter had already saved the day.
"She brought me about seven feathers and I had to choose one," he laughed.
It was one of many moments that perfectly showcased Dean's infectious personality. Even a conversation about feathers somehow became entertaining.
Before wrapping up, I asked my favourite question - the one I put to every artist I interview.
Who should everyone be listening to?
Without hesitation, Dean answered: "Stephen Wilson Jr."
"He's a brilliant man and truly a really kind man," he said, explaining how he'd spent countless hours watching him write and play guitar.
Watching Jackson Dean perform one of my favourite songs later that evening, in front of tens of thousands of people at BST Hyde Park, felt like the perfect ending to an unforgettable conversation. Humble, hilarious and refreshingly genuine, Jackson Dean is proving that while his career continues to soar, he's staying true to exactly who he is - and that's precisely why audiences continue to fall in love with him.
Magnolia Sage by Jackson Dean is out now