Perhaps none of the performers at this year’s Florida Strawberry Festival has a story with as much variety as country star Colt Ford.
The big, Georgian singer-songwriter, born Jason Farris Brown, is notable for having blended country music with hip-hop to create a style not often heard in today’s country scene. Although the hip-hop influence doesn’t show up in all of his newest material, Ford’s stardom continues to grow each year. His newest album, 2012’s “Declaration of Independence,” peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 and No. 1 overall on Billboard’s Top Country Albums and Independent Albums charts.
Before he became a country star, Ford was trying to follow two passions at once: music and golf. He played competitively for 10 years under his real name, which included some time as an instructor and a brief stint on the Nationwide Tour. But eventually, he realized he would have to give up one profession to follow the other full-time.
His fusion of country music and hip-hop didn’t get him much time on the radio early in his career, but Ford eventually carved a niche for himself. In 2008, he co-founded his own record label, Average Joes Entertainment, with Shannon “Fat Shan” Houchins, and created an avenue for musicians in both of his favorite genres. Superstar duo Montgomery Gentry is one group currently signed to the main label. The label’s subsidiaries, Backroad and AVJ, sign artists in country rap and more urban music, respectively.
Ford has been touring extensively since the release of “Declaration of Independence” and currently is promoting a new single with Jake Owen, “Back.”
COLT FORD
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 28
TICKETS: $15 and $20
WEBSITE: coltford.com