Interview with Amy Jack: Sports Enthusiast and Country Music Singer

Amy Jack is a country music artist and sports enthusiast from Oklahoma. Amy is inspired by sports and it shines through in her music in terms of sound, mood, and overall theme. Starting out, she made a splash with her debut self-titled album, produced by Merle Haggard, the late great country music legend. Amy was featured on the 'Road to Rio' Tour for the 2016 U.S. Olympics with her song, "For The Love of the Game." It was also used for a mini feature for Kobe Bryant on FOX Sports and ESPN during March Madness. She was also featured in a FOX Sports segment for Baker Mayfield with her song, "Shake And Bake." Her song "Born to Lead" was the soundtrack to the NCAA's Lombardi Awards, too.

Amy has accomplished so much in her career, but it seems like she's just getting started. It was a pleasure to ask her some questions and connect the dots between sports and music together, and the results of that are below. Enjoy!

Kyle: There are many sports themes throughout your discography, so I'm curious what got you into sports? Did you play sports growing up, or are you still actively involved in sports?

Amy: Yes, I’ve always been very active and involved in sports. I have a twin brother, and we actually started wrestling when we were just two or three years old—I could pin him back then, and he still brings it up! I played basketball and even beat a varsity player in a game of HORSE. Later, while I was at OU, I played another game of HORSE with an all-conference athlete—he was either a top scorer or free-throw shooter—and held my own. I also ran track and was part of the relay team. I was known for being explosive out of the blocks, and by fifth grade, I could outrun most of the boys.

In tennis, even though we didn’t have a formal program in my small hometown, my coach once told my mom that if I had started around age seven, I could’ve gone pro. Similarly, when I started playing golf later on, my coach in Nashville said it was unfortunate we didn’t have a golf program where I grew up—I might have earned a scholarship. I did every sport that was available to me, and while I sometimes wish I had more opportunities to go further, I’m proud of how involved I was. To this day, I still work out daily—it’s a part of who I am and something I couldn’t live without.

Kyle: Your home state of Oklahoma is known for the Oklahoma Sooners, OSU Cowboys, and the OKC Thunder who are the #1 seed in the NBA's Western Conference right now. Do you have a favorite sport, team, player, and why are they your favorite?

Amy: My favorite player is Baker Mayfield—he actually inspired my song Shakin' Bake. I admire his passion, resilience, and the way he connects with fans and teammates. He’s become a beloved figure, especially with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and, of course, the Oklahoma Sooners. Even in Cleveland, many fans still support and miss him. I know he led in several quarterback stats last season—I don’t want to misquote—but he continues to impress me. I’ve even adjusted my travel plans just to catch his games live on TV. That’s how big a fan I am.

When it comes to teams, I have season tickets for the Oklahoma Sooners, Dallas Cowboys, and Dallas Mavericks. I was a Mavs fan even before the Oklahoma City Thunder existed, but now the Thunder are my team. I even had the honor of singing the national anthem at one of their games. Oklahoma City is overdue for a championship—they came so close so many times, especially during the era of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook. Westbrook, in particular, has always shown such loyalty and appreciation for Oklahoma, and many of us still hope he’ll return one day. I’m definitely cheering hard for the Thunder right now—they're an exciting, talented team!

Kyle: Music and sports cross paths quite a bit with the National Anthem, half time shows, and special event performances. Have you had the opportunity to perform in sports settings like this? What is your dream gig in the sports realm?

Amy: In addition to singing the National Anthem for the Oklahoma City Thunder, I have also performed for the San Diego Padres and Arizona Cardinals.

I would absolutely love to perform at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. The venue is stunning—there’s something magical about the way the lake glistens, especially at night. I also really love the energy of LA and the people there, so performing at SoFi would definitely be a dream come true.

Kyle: I love how the expressions and stories you're telling in your music can apply to people from all walks of life, not just in sports. In your song "Bounce Back" you talk about getting knocked down, but finding a way to get back up. In your career as a musician, how have you found ways to "bounce back" from a setback or something not going your way?

Amy: Willie Nelson once said, 'I quit every day'—and yet, at 91, he’s still performing, touring, and recording incredible music. I know a member of his family, and I’ve always admired his resilience, especially after losing his sister and longtime pianist, Bobbie. Musicians face all kinds of challenges—physical, emotional, and mental. Just yesterday, I was on a flight with Randy Travis, who's still traveling despite being in a wheelchair after a stroke. He’s been through so much, yet he's still showing up. This industry can be tough—there are financial setbacks, personal sacrifices, even family pressures to quit—but stories like theirs remind me why we keep going. It's about passion, purpose, and persistence, no matter what life throws your way.

Kyle: What was it like working on your self-titled debut album with Merle Haggard?!

Amy: Working on my debut album with Merle Haggard was an unforgettable experience. He was a true perfectionist—passionate, curious, and constantly learning. What struck me most was how much he loved life. His son Ben once said, right after Merle passed, 'He loved everything about life,' and that couldn’t be more true. You felt it in the way he made music, in the way he lived.

Merle had a difficult childhood—he lost his father at just nine years old, and that shaped much of his life. His sister Lillian, who lived to be over 100, did everything she could to guide him, especially after their father's sudden passing. I think Merle came to understand, later in life, just how much people like his sister were trying to help him. It’s something many of us realize too late—how much others were doing for us while we were too caught up to see it.

Merle was more than a legend—he was a teacher, a mentor, and, in my eyes, a genius. I like to imagine he’s still up there in heaven, playing with his heroes like Bob Wills and Hank Williams Sr., and still being that perfectionist he always was.

Kyle: I have a feeling it's hard to top working with Merle Haggard on your debut album, but what songs of yours are you most proud of?

Amy: I’ve worked non-stop, so it's hard to look back sometimes, especially with new projects on the horizon. But someone once told me that your most important song is the one you haven’t written yet. That said, one song I’m especially proud of is “For the Love of the Game.” It was featured on major networks like ESPN, NBC Sports, and Fox Sports—at one point, it even aired twice in one hour during the Kobe Bryant vs. Dirk Nowitzki game. It also served as a theme during the Olympics, aired in primetime on NBC in Dallas and California, and was played on iHeartRadio. That exposure meant a lot to me.

Another song I’m proud of is my recent release, “Love and Hate Can Never Be Friends.” It carries a powerful, timeless message that I think the world really needs to hear right now.

Kyle: Your music style is very unique. Your songs range from country and rock sounds like in "Lay Me Down in Oklahoma", all the way to club and pop sounds like in "March On". How would you describe your music style?

Amy: My musical style—it’s hard to pin down. I follow the inspiration wherever it leads. Some songs have country or rock roots, like “Lay Me Down in Oklahoma,'” while others lean into pop or club vibes, like “March On.” It just depends on what the song calls for. I’ve even been inspired by Cajun music—I love Louisiana and its culture. Like Merle, who charted across genres including pop and gospel, I believe in being dynamic, taking risks, and staying open to creativity. At the end of the day, I just try to make music that refreshes the soul—because that’s something we all need.

Kyle: Your recent single "The Dogs Are Barking (But the Bus Keeps Moving)" has high energy and themes that are fitting for the NBA Playoffs that just tipped off. What is the overarching meaning behind the song and what inspired you to put out that record?

Amy: The inspiration came from a conversation with my friend Stan in Oklahoma. One day I asked him how things were going, and he said, 'Well, the dogs are barking, but the bus keeps moving'—then he laughed. That phrase really stuck with me. What he meant was, no matter the noise—whether it’s negativity, criticism, or even bigger challenges like war or unrest—the bus keeps moving. Life moves forward, and you’ve got to stay focused on your purpose.

That message resonated even more when I learned his son had just won a major Supreme Court case about prayer in public. Like his dad, he didn’t quit—he kept pushing forward. So the song is really about perseverance and staying true to your path, no matter the distractions. It’s high energy because that’s what it takes to push through the noise—and that’s exactly why it feels so fitting for something as intense and focused as the NBA Playoffs.

Kyle: Speaking of inspirations, what musicians would you compare yourself to in terms of style and subject matter?

Amy: Someone at CMT once said I reminded them of Bonnie Raitt, which was a huge compliment—she's been a big influence on me. Willie Nelson also told a family member I reminded him of Doris Day, Debbie Boone, or Barbra Streisand. I’ve always admired Streisand and aimed for that kind of purity in my voice. But honestly, it all depends on the song—my style shifts to match the emotion and message I’m trying to convey.

Kyle: When I learned about you I listened to all of your work, and I think my favorite songs have to be "Worked All Week for This" and "March On". I just love the groovy beat in "March On" juxtaposed with your timeless vocals, it works really well. And "Worked All Week for This" is so relatable to me as a new father. I look forward to my Saturdays to relax, let loose a little bit and catch a game, ANY game. When it comes to drinks, I'll take anything that's cold (usually a good beer), but when you're kicking back watching the game what is your drink of choice?

Amy: I’m usually too busy praying for my Sooners to drink much! But if I do have something, it depends on what's available. At one game, I tried a drink called 'Big Game Bob'—named after Coach Bob Stoops—and that was fun. I usually stick to Coke for the caffeine!

Kyle: Do you have any parting thoughts you'd like to leave for our readers?

Amy: To savor your music and your sports to the fullest. Let them inspire you, connect you, and bring you joy!

You can find Amy Jack on all music streaming services and follow her on Facebook and Instagram to get updates on her latest music.