Jade Eagleson's Triumphant Return to Calgary Marks Career Milestone
Country music sensation Jade Eagleson is experiencing a career surge as he prepares to return to Calgary on his very first headlining tour. The former city resident, who once worked as a plumbing apprentice, has transformed into one of Canada's most promising country artists, with his journey taking him from Alberta to the heart of Music City.
From Calgary to Nashville: A Determined Journey
Nearly five years ago, Eagleson made the pivotal decision to pack his car in Calgary and embark on a marathon drive to Nashville. Accompanied by his father, the artist completed the approximately 36-hour journey in one continuous stretch, fueled by excitement and determination to pursue his musical dreams.
"It was about a 36-hour drive," Eagleson recalls. "We did it in one shot, which was not very wise. But I was so excited to get there I just couldn't stop driving."
Humble Beginnings and Family Sacrifices
Originally raised on a farm outside Milford, Ontario, Eagleson first came to Calgary at age 19 to apprentice with his uncle in the plumbing and sheet-metal business. After several years, he returned to the family farm, where he faced significant financial challenges while trying to establish his music career.
"There was no money coming in," Eagleson explains. "We were living in a single-light trailer on the farm and I called my manager at the time and said 'Hey, if I'm going to do this I need to make money or I'm going to have to commit to farming and get another job.'"
Breakthrough Success and Nashville Transition
Eagleson's self-titled debut album, released in 2020, marked a turning point in his career. The recording earned a Juno Award nomination for Best Country Album and became the most globally streamed debut by a Canadian-signed artist of all time. This success prompted Eagleson and his young family to make a temporary move to Nashville just before the COVID-19 pandemic.
"There was a lot of traction going on in the U.S. since my first release and it was always calling to me," Eagleson says. "So right before COVID hit, we lived down there for a month just to try it out. I was already sold on it and Marina, my wife, fell in love with it, too."
The Calgary Connection and Tour Significance
Eagleson's return to Calgary represents a full-circle moment for the artist, who spent formative years in the city developing both his trade skills and musical aspirations. His headlining tour stop in Calgary carries special significance, connecting him with the community that witnessed his early struggles and determination.
The artist reflects on his decision-making process: "My theory on it is if you get a call and have a gut feeling to do something, you should just do it. That was the gut feeling I got and I've been very lucky and blessed."
Canadian Presence in Nashville's Music Scene
Eagleson joins a substantial community of Canadian artists who have made the move to Nashville, noting with humor: "There a lot of Canadians down there. More than you can imagine. We're taking over." His success story adds to the growing legacy of Canadian country musicians finding recognition in the genre's traditional heartland.
As Eagleson prepares for his Calgary performance, his journey serves as an inspiring example of perseverance, family support, and following one's artistic calling against practical odds. The headlining tour represents not just a career milestone, but a homecoming celebration for an artist whose roots remain firmly connected to his Canadian beginnings.
