Nashville witnessed a performance that blurred the lines between past and present when YUNGBLUD teamed up with Jesse Jo Stark for a fiery rendition of Johnny Cash and June Carter’s timeless duet “Jackson.” The stage was set in the very heart of country music, and while both artists are known for their own distinct sounds—YUNGBLUD with his punk-fueled chaos and Jesse Jo Stark with her gothic Americana charm—the chemistry between them was undeniable.
As soon as the first chords rang out, the crowd instantly recognized the classic. Fans cheered wildly when YUNGBLUD, dressed in his signature punk-inspired look, leaned into the mic with that raspy, rebellious tone. Jesse Jo Stark matched him perfectly, delivering her lines with sultry poise and a playful edge reminiscent of June Carter herself. Together, their voices collided and danced around one another—equal parts gritty and graceful—capturing the original spirit of the song while adding a modern, electrifying twist.
The choice of “Jackson” was no accident. Nashville has long been the city of country legends, and by taking on this duet, YUNGBLUD and Stark paid tribute not only to Johnny and June but also to the storytelling tradition that built the foundation of American music. Fans in the audience described the performance as “raw,” “unpredictable,” and “full of fire,” praising the way the pair leaned into the playful banter of the song’s lyrics. “It felt like they weren’t just covering a classic,” one fan wrote online, “they were living it in the moment.”
Social media quickly lit up with clips from the night. YUNGBLUD’s devoted fanbase celebrated his boldness in stepping outside his usual catalog, while Jesse Jo Stark’s followers applauded her magnetic stage presence. The duet trended across platforms, with many calling it one of the highlights of YUNGBLUD’s U.S. run of shows that summer.
What made the night even more memorable was the spontaneity of the performance. Neither artist has been known to perform “Jackson” regularly, which made this collaboration feel like a rare gift to those lucky enough to be in the room. The laughter, the slight lyrical improvisations, and the raw energy between them proved that it wasn’t just a rehearsed cover—it was a living, breathing moment of music history.
By the end of the performance, the crowd was on its feet, roaring with applause. Some fans described the duet as a symbolic meeting point between genres: punk rock crashing into outlaw country, gothic Americana intertwining with youthful chaos. In a way, it captured what Nashville itself represents today—a city where traditions are honored, but where experimentation and reinvention are embraced.
@yungblud.us • jackson || nashville 2023 • when dom + jesse jo performed Johnny Cash’s song Jackson together @yungblud @jesse jo stark #yungblud #bhc #deadlydoll #jessejostark 📷: @•Christy•
YUNGBLUD and Jesse Jo Stark’s cover of “Jackson” wasn’t just a nostalgic nod to Johnny Cash and June Carter. It was a reminder that great songs live on through reinvention and passion, and that when artists with fearless hearts come together, they can breathe new fire into timeless music.
