‘Catch of the Day’ – Jordan Rager ft Jason Aldean – “Southern Boy” [AUDIO]

Today we feature a pair of Georgia natives who have come together to record one of the best songs of 2016 so far. One is an established country music superstar, and the other is a 21-year old up-and-coming singer and songwriter who was discovered by that artist's father.

Jordan Rager grew up in Loganville, GA, where music and sports ran neck-and-neck in his life. From the time he could hold a ball, Jordan dreamed of major league baseball stardom with his beloved Chicago Cubs. Music was just as important, growing up the son of a pastor, he sang along while his father led the congregation in song. He picked up the guitar at age 15, mostly as a way out of getting out of doing chores around the house. His father promised him that if he saw Jordan playing the guitar every day when he came home from work, the teenager didn't have to do any chores. Jordan quickly agreed.

Knowing absolutely nothing about guitar, Jordan set out to team himself how to play. He started out by watching videos on YouTube, and there it was completely trial and error. From there he soon started writing songs that he himself has described as "God awful!" He soon got his first "professional" gig, playing in front of a crowd of about 50 at a county fair. He came off the stage after the performance and knew what he wanted to do for the rest of his life. He would play in local bars and club, even before turning 18. His mom would walk him in, take him to the stage, sit in the front row and then walk him out after he finished his set.

At was at this point he was discovered by Barry Williams, a man who knew a thing or two about country singers from Georgia. Barry is the father of Jason Williams, better known to country singers as Jason Aldean. Williams began booking appearances for Rager while he was still a senior in high school, also opening doors for the young singer that led to a call from producer Jeremy Stover in 2013. The producer that has worked with acts like Justin Moore and Craig Campbell was looking for an acoustic opener for Moore's upcoming Off The Beaten Path Tour. Jordan was perfect fit.

It was a big leap for the youngster, who suddenly found himself as the opening act on a major national tour. Rager held his own though, keeping pace with Moore and tour mate Randy Houser. He spent the remainder of 2013 and the first part of 2014 honing his stage presence and learning all he could from his more experienced tour partners. He then signed with Williams' management company which soon led to him signing with Broken Bow Records (the same label as Aldean) in Spetmeber of 2014. Shortly after signing with Broken Bow, Rager headed back out on tour with Moore, this time with a full band to compliment him.

Rager's stage presence completely belies his age and lack of experience. His competitive nature shines through and steps up to the plate to deliver in those moments that make the difference in a young career. Rager's promise cant' be denied, and his first single is definite proof that there are a lot of people in his corner. From his forthcoming debut album, the youngster teams with label mate and fellow Georgia native Jason Aldean for today's Catch of the Day. "Southern Boy" is new music you haven't heard, but you'll want to hear it again.