Dollywood Entertainers Release New Album

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be an entertainer in one of Dollywood’s shows? Well, Dolly Parton’s niece, Jada Star, and her co-performer, Barry Jobe, can tell you. Both of these rising stars have appeared in the “My People, My Music” show at the theme park for the last six years. This is where their story began as individual artists. Jada and Barry, now best friends, have memories of singing together backstage before realizing they should team up professionally.

As a Dollywood Insider, I had the opportunity to attend a release party celebrating their first album: A Long Way Home. The duo told reporters their favorite part of the job is meeting and interacting with the guests after their performances. This connection and love for their fans has served as their motivation to advance their music careers.

With encouragement from friends and family, Jada and Barry pushed themselves to write more music and began performing together outside of Dollywood. This led to recording music at Sound Biscuit Productions where they started using original songs to produce their first album.

During the release party, Aunt Dolly had a video message for the duo:

“I am so excited, as I know all of you are to be celebrating today with Jada Star and Barry J. and their Long Way Home album release. I think it’s great. I wish I could be there. I tried my best to get to be there, but I couldn’t make it. I know you’re going to have fun and I know it’s going to be a great album. I’ve got to hear most of the things, I believe, and I think it’s absolutely wonderful. So, I just wanted to say, Jada Star and Barry J., congratulations.”

I asked the stars of the evening to describe their music to fans in a few words. They called it “Fleetwood Mac meets Sugarland in the forest.”

I’ve heard their music and I encourage you to add this eclectic pair to your playlist and continue following the rising stars.

Jada and Barry’s album “Long Way Home,” is available on CD Baby, iTunes, Amazon Music, Spotify, Soudbiscuit.com and their website jadastarandbarryj.com.

About the Author: Justin Marion

Justin Marion (Dollywood Insider 2018-2019) was born on a military base in Kansas, but his family quickly found their way back to the Appalachian Mountains. He has made Bristol, Tennessee, his home for the last 26 years. As a father and husband, Justin spends most of his time traveling on vacation with family or spending time outdoors. When his time is not with his two sons, Payton and Oakley, he is working as an Anesthesia Technician at Johnson City Medical Center. Having spent many years visiting Dollywood, Justin’s favorite area at the park is Jukebox Junction and Reds Drive-In. Justin has a 50’s heart and loves a good burger and milkshake. He loves that Dollywood brings that era back for all ages to enjoy. Now a Dollywood Insider, Justin hopes to bring lots of wonderful moments for all families by sharing his experiences and love for the park!