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The Outsiders headlining Young County First Responders Benefit Concert

Jake Hooker and the Outsiders are performing after the first responders’ barbecue lunch at the HDH Pavilion located at Hwy. 114 E. in Olney, Texas Sept. 28. The benefit concert will begin at 7 p.m. and last until midnight. Fans can look forward to hearing some of the group’s classics along with a mix of the latest songs.

The band recorded its first CD in 2000 and has since recorded seven CDs with the latest Gospel CD titled “I Am Yours” that was recorded in 2017.

When Hooker was asked how he shifted from singing about whiskey and heartbreak to spiritual songs such as “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace,” he said his encounter with Jesus is the reason why he decided to produce and release a Gospel CD.

“I was saved when I was a young boy. I believed in Jesus, but I just had a concept of God, but Jesus wasn’t Lord in my life. I was singing the blues, which was my life,” said Hooker. “I kept getting deeper into that lifestyle and almost living the songs I was singing about,” he added.

Hooker said his encounter with Jesus is attributed to his condition at the time. “My life was out of control. My marriage was on the rocks. As a person, I was totally lost. I cried out to God one day because I knew I wasn’t that guy I had become. I hit my knees,” Hooker said while citing Romans 10:13 “Whoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

While Hooker admitted that he did not know how to talk to God at that time, he said he allowed God to lead him daily. He became acquainted with The Gospels and made Jesus the Lord of his life. More of his story is written in the liner notes of his latest CD “I Am Yours.”

The latest CD is fused with songs written by Hooker. The first song titled “Taking My Place” was written by Hooker along with “Just Believe” and “Tell Me, Lord.” Although Hooker has written songs on the recent CD, he does not consider himself to be a songwriter.  

“Songwriting is not something I pursued because I’ve always been on the music end of things. The writing was never easy for me. But when writing these songs, something flowed through me, and I could not write down the words fast enough,” Hooker explained. “Being led by the Holy Spirit is just an amazing way to live. I had no idea this existed; It is so cool, and I am free now. The Gospel is transforming; if it’s not, then you’re not getting the Gospel.”

Visit www.jakehookermusic.com  for more information on the band, to listen to the tunes and to purchase merchandise and music. You may purchase concert tickets for $25 per person or $40 per couple and $10 per child 12-years old and under. Tickets may be purchased in advance at Olney Enterprise located at 213 E. Main Street, or purchase at the door on the day of the event, Sept. 28. You may also email: youngcountysos@gmail.com.

The Young County Serving Our Servants organization is sponsorinig this benefit concert to raise proceeds that will be used to replace the communication tower for Young County responders. Consider supporting this effort.