meet josh miller

You might not know it when you first meet him…but Josh is a rock star. Blending traditional country with the seemingly unlikely partners of R&B, rap, and soul, stars ranging from Taylor Swift and Jason Aldean to relative newcomers such as Sam Hunt and Thomas Rhett have set a foundation for crossover music with narratives crafted in rural, middle America but delivered with a style shaped on the cities and streets of urban hubs. It is a fascinating blend that has captured record numbers of subscribers, followers, and viewers around the world.  

Having moved to Nashville shortly after college and signed as a songwriter with Cornman/Warner Chappell Music, a few years ago, Josh has made a name for himself working with the most renowned artists in the industry. He has written in the backs of buses late at night on empty Interstates with Florida Georgia Line. He has teamed with Kip Moore, Thomas Rhett, and Chase Rice to write in the Music Row Studios in downtown Nashville. On the tray tables of airplanes, he has scribbled ideas for West Coast writing sessions with John Legend, Jason Derulo, and David Guetta. Interested to read more about Josh and his story in Jackson? Click here.

What’s your favorite book?

“Nonfiction: The Cross and the Switchblade, Fiction: Where The Crawdads Sing”

What’s your favorite song or type of music?

“Everything, but Pop/Country is mostly what I listen to since its the genre I’m involved in most.”

There’s a lot of movies out there, but if you had to pick one…what would it be?

“Nonfiction: Rudy, Fiction: Sandlot”

You’ve spent pretty much your whole life in Jackson. What is one of your favorite memories growing up?

“The Sports scene. I personally played baseball from 7 years old into my first year of college and had so much fun + won some/lost some + grew up on every diamond field Jackson has to offer. But also, I got to be just a fan of many great contests from Tigrett vs Jackson Middle basketball games to JCM vs. North Side football games at THE ROCK to Liberty vs. South Side basketball games in high school. There have always been so many great athletes in and around Jackson and all the games mattered. That J-Town pride was always on display. And even when one crosstown rival advanced further than the other in a tournament or playoff, the whole town always seemed to rally behind the team carrying the town’s name. Them Jackson kids just got a little something extra to ‘em. We may not win it all every time, but they’re gonna know we were there!”

Life is an adventure. What has been the greatest adventure you have had?

“The Trip I took to the French Riviera/Italy/Monaco to visit Jon Mark with a few college buddies. I had never been out of the country, much less could I speak any foreign languages. So that was a big deal for this Jackson boy.”

What is a social cause or an issue in society that you are particularly passionate about?

“Homelessness - I have an Uncle that spent many years of his life on the streets homeless and addicted to drugs and alcohol. By the Grace of God, he has been sober and off the streets for several years now. Because of my uncle, I know you can’t completely give up on anybody. God can take a bad situation and use it for His glory.”

Though it might not look like it at fist glance, Jackson has some incredible stories to share. What has the community meant to you?

“I am so thankful I grew up in the Jackson, TN community and am a product of the Jackson Madison County Public School System. From Parkview Montessori Elementary on East Chester to Jackson Middle on Lexington Ave to JCM and Liberty Tech, I had the best experience up and down those hallways, in those classrooms, gyms, and on those fields. Because of the diversity and the school of life lessons I experienced in that spot between Memphis and Nashville, I feel equipped to go anywhere, anytime and relate on some level to anything and anybody. Not many people can say that about their hometown, so thank you J-town!”