(Nashville, TN. – June 7, 2024) – Powerhouse country singer/songwriter Jess Kellie Adams is excited to release her brand new single and corresponding music video, “I Was” featuring TikTok/Instagram Influencer, Cam Payne. The single is already creating a buzz among industry professionals and music fans alike. It will be featured twice on Radio SoBro’s NuMu Friday at 2 PM & 6:30 PM CST. Listen HERE.

“I Was” is a beautiful collaboration between Adams and Payne. Written and produced by multi-award-winning, Grammy-nominated artist Dean Sams of country supergroup Lonestar, the lyrics are highly relatable and will speak to your emotions.

“‘I Was’ is about reflecting on all those things I was raised on – the importance and significance that it plays in my life today,” reflects Adams. “I stand tall and proud on the foundation of my upbringing, rooted in American values, nurtured by the love of family and friends, and shaped by the beauty of corn fields, two-lane roads, and tall oak and hickory nut trees. Guided by the Golden Rule – to treat others as I wish to be treated – I’ve learned to embrace kindness, empathy, and compassion. These influences have sculpted me into the person I am today, and for that, I am forever grateful. As I look back, I am reminded of the power of family traditions and the beauty of simplicity. My heart remains humbled on all I was raised on.”

“Being raised on a small piece of land in South Carolina gave me so many memories. From catching crawfish in the stream out back with my siblings, to riding horses and dirt bikes through home-made trails, to going to church every Sunday and Wednesday with my family and grandparents, I was truly raised on a simple way of life. Raised to say yes ma’am/no ma’am, raised to stand for the pledge of allegiance, and raised to love hard, just as Jesus does to us. ‘I Was’ truly encapsulates exactly how I was raised and how I live now, and I believe so many more generations from the past and in the future will resonate the same way. I hope this song sparks listeners to remember their childhoods, their memories, and how they were raised as well,” reflects Payne. “I pray the world loves this song even a sliver of how much I do, and that all the listeners never forget how they were raised. I’m so proud of the things I was raised on, and I hope everyone else is too.”

The official “I Was” music video, which just had its worldwide premiere on Adams’ YouTube channel, was filmed on the outskirts of Nashville in the picturesque village of  Leipers Fork, Tennessee. It was produced by Bryson Sams and Dean Sams, and directed by Bryson Sams, TapeSlate Productions. The video takes viewers on a beautiful journey where a man and woman, portrayed by Adams and Payne, both leave their respective homes to pursue their dreams and cross paths along the way when Payne’s car breaks down. They both realize they are headed to the same place and share similar dreams. Adams offers to drive Payne the rest of the way to Nashville where they continue their newfound friendship and support each other’s dreams.” 

Adams is already back in the studio working on new music to be released later this year. She will also be releasing another music video and a Christmas single. Her latest video, “Hold On To Me,” was in rotation on CMT and was #2 on Taste of Country.com.