MUSIC

Goode's Armadillo Palace is proud to welcome Jake Kellen.

Born in the hometown of Waylon Jennings (Littlefield, TX), Jake grew up in a small farming community, spending his summers at church camp and on the baseball diamond. Jake credits Camp Blue Haven for his early interest in performing music, because it was there he learned how to play the guitar and sing.

Though, Jake enjoyed performing in the annual talent show, his focus remained on becoming a pitcher for the Texas Rangers. The dream of playing professional baseball took Jake to the campus of Lubbock Christian University. When he wasn’t on the field, Jake was playing his guitar. He entertained every dorm hall and house party in town. The attention from his fans out lasted the attention from the big leagues, so in 2003 Jake hung up his glove for his guitar.

In 2005 Jake released his first studio album titled Take Me Home. The CD contains 10 original songs featuring the work of Lloyd Maines (Pedal Steel; Dixie Chicks) and some of Nashville’s hottest players such as Jimmy Mattingly (Fiddle; Garth Brooks) and Steve Hornbeak (Piano; Faith Hill). Take Me Home awarded Jake a top 30 hit single called “Bullet Proof” which remained on the charts for several weeks. This success caught the attention of the Texas Forest Service.

The TFS asked Jake to become the spokesperson for fire safety. Jake joined the campaign and traveled the state performing his original Public Service Announcement “Don’t Burn Texas Down”. This year, Jake delivers a NEW CD for his fans titled Grace. The disc includes 13 new songs produced by Kellen himself. The roster of musicians on Grace lists some of Texas’ best talents, Gene Elders (Fiddle; George Strait), John Hagen (Cello; Lyle Lovett), Joel Guzman (Accordion; Joe Ely) and Lloyd Maines (Pedal Steel; Dixie Chicks) just to name a few!

Jake describes Grace as “a country music rollercoaster…full of feel good driving songs (Sail Away), party songs (Tonight), funny songs (King of Texas Music) and love ballads (Stay). I’m very proud of this album!” Much has changed for the 6’2 right hander from west Texas.

Jake now resides with his wife Sarah in Warda, Texas.