When a music buddy of mine sent me a link to Joshua Hedley’s “Mr. Jukebox,” I was just blown away listening to its simple but brilliant traditional swinging country style. I thought somebody found an old dusty record at a garage sale by a lost artist of the 50s or 60s that should have been a big hit. But sounding fresh as can be under this banner we now call Americana, after its release as a single on Third Man Records and the follow-up of Joshua’s upcoming debut LP on its way on April 20, it just may make a splash on the charts.

Following in the footsteps of Lillie Mae and Margo Price, old Jack White has done it again and now has a trio of country stars on his record label. But, with all the talent that oozes from Joshua Hedley, it didn’t take much scouting skills for him to be discovered. Just one listen and I’d have signed him on the spot myself.

Listening to the words of “Mr. Jukebox” makes me sad that I never saw Joshua when he was playing “right here in the corner” at Robert’s Western World. If you were like me and made that mistake, don’t make it again by missing his upcoming record release gig at The Basement East on April 24. In the meantime, go play the hell out of the single and its B-side on Spotify and watch the great “Mr. Jukebox” video here.

Where are you from originally, when did you move to Nashville and why?

I was born and raised in Naples, FL and I stayed there until I was 19. Moving to Nashville seemed like the next logical step for me. I had been visiting in the summer for a number of years and I really liked it.  I wasn’t going to college so I thought I’d move up here and try to work. I already had a gig and a place to stay lined up so I saved up some money and just did it.

What are the first and the last records you bought, and where did you buy them? Were they CD, vinyl or digital?

I haven’t been record shopping in a while. I generally go to Fond Object Records in East Nashville. I think the last LP I bought was a reissue of Ben Webster’s Gone with the Wind. But right now, I’m obsessed with the “Finesse (Remix)” by Bruno Mars and Cardi B. It’s like classic 90s new jack swing. It rules.

First and last live concerts that you’ve seen?

My first concert was The Beach Boys at the Ft. Myers Miracles’ stadium. Last one I went to was a sort of memorial show for my friend Ben Eyestone. Little Bandit played as did Margo Price and Nikki Lane. Just a bunch of friends getting together to celebrate a departed friend on his birthday. It was nice.

Whose star should be added to the Music City Walk of Fame?

I didn’t know we had a Walk of Fame. Is Gary Stewart on there? (editor: He’s not.) He should be.

Where do you go in Nashville for coffee and pizza?

Generally, I just make shitty coffee at my house, but I like Sip Cafe in Inglewood. And Five Points Pizza is the only place to get good pizza in Nashville.

What’s your favorite record to ever come out of Nashville?

There’s no way I could answer this with any level of certainty. My favorite things change like week to week. LOL! Right now, I’m pretty pumped on the Ray Price Night Life record though.

Where’s the best place to eat late night after a show?

My house.

The Bluebird calls and asks you to host an “In the Round.” Pick three local songwriters to join you.

Erin Rae, Alex Caress, and Birdcloud.

What are your favorite music venues to play in town?

Robert’s Western World and the Ryman.

Name a musician who you’d like to see move here?

I want Merle Haggard to come back from the dead and be my roommate.

Finally, what’s in your musical future?

The only thing I know for certain is I’m gonna keep making records.