[1] Though born in Houston, Texas he was brought up in Charleston, Illinois by his uncle Wesley Jones, who worked in a local factory and was a preacher on the weekends, and his adoptive mother Christie.

About a year later, Jones gave his first performance of an original song about racism, while attending the Second Baptist Church in Mattoon, IL.

He ended up in Los Angeles for a brief period, sleeping on the floor in a studio apartment on Hollywood Blvd[4] while booking small, uncrowded shows at places like the Knitting Factory and the Viper Room.

Judges Scott Borchetta, Big Kenny Alphin, and Naomi Judd selected the pair as season two winners.

[11] While in rehab, Jones compiled a twelve-song debut record entitled The Healing, which received critical acclaim[12][13] and nationwide news coverage.

[16][17] The lead single, "Honk (If You’re Tonky)", was written mainly by Jones's long time and late friend Joshua Alford.