Buddy Jewell: Reloaded

Buddy Jewell: Reloaded

- Rosanne Gallagher

Most know him as the family man who bested Miranda Lambert and eleven other hopefuls to win season one of Nashville Star. His voice, a throwback to the classic Country cadence of Waylon Jennings and Kenny Rogers, captivated the masses with its straightforward, well-worn, southern charm, but behind this small town success lies a powerful story of deliverance and grace. Born into a church going family from the Arkansas Delta, Buddy Jewell began his journey with both the Lord and music from a very young age. Born to musical parents, he grew up with stacks of classic Country records around the house, which prompted the talented youngster to pick up the guitar.

“When I was 7 years old, I made a public profession of faith but didn’t really understand what it meant to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I was a believer. I believed all the Bible stories about Him. I believed He was God’s only Son. I believed He was crucified and was resurrected and that He could and did forgive me of my sins, but I never gave my life fully to Him. He was my Savior but never my Lord. And as a result, my life reflected that.”

Although he had begun performing mostly in church, by the age of 15, Buddy’s life would take a dramatic turn when at 16, his girlfriend became pregnant, and he insisted on and paid for her to have an abortion.