Big Loud Texas artist Jake Worthington continues to champion traditional country with the release of his latest single, “Not Like I Used To.” Out now, the slow-burning ballad is backed by steel guitar and fiddle, staying true to Worthington’s classic country roots. The cover art for the single features a portrait shot by Country Music Hall of Famer Marty Stuart, who also recently collaborated with Worthington.
“It’s a song about the way it was,” shares Worthington. “It’s the fourth song we’re putting out from the upcoming project. Brand new country song from the same ole country boy.”
Co-written by Worthington alongside Monty Criswell and Derek George, the track paints a vivid picture of lost love with lyrics full of regret and longing:
“I knew every move
What made her laugh
What made her cry
And even though
She let me go
I’m still holding her tight…
But not like I used to
Not like I did once upon a time
Not like I used to
When she was mine”
Described by The Tennessean as possessing a “confident, assured style — seemingly frozen in amber, floating in dive-bar dust,” Worthington once again showcases his deep devotion to authentic Texas country. The new single reinforces what Holler has praised as his “commitment to the genre’s heritage.”
Listen Now
Recent Success and Collaborations
“Not Like I Used To” follows the success of his clever, toe-tapping single “It Ain’t The Whiskey,” which has earned over 40 million streams to date. Earlier this year, he released “I’m The One” featuring Marty Stuart, and in late 2023 teamed up with Miranda Lambert on the crowd-favorite “Hello Shitty Day.”
On Tour with Zach Top and More
In a major tour announcement, Jake Worthington will join Zach Top as direct support on the upcoming Cold Beer & Country Music Tour. The tour includes high-profile stops such as Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado on September 28 and 29. Tickets go on sale June 27.
Earlier this month, Worthington brought his signature honky-tonk sound to CMA Fest, where Billboard said he “conjured up the ghosts of country legends like George Jones and Waylon Jennings with his twangy, authentic traditionalism and big voice.” He’ll continue bringing traditional country across the U.S., including a run of home-state shows titled Jake Worthington’s Texas Two Step, and supporting Jon Pardi on the Honkytonk Hollywood Tour.
About Jake Worthington
Raised in La Porte, Texas, Jake Worthington grew up surrounded by the sounds of Ray Price, Merle Haggard, and George Jones, thanks to his grandfather’s porch performances. That early influence helped shape the rich, throwback sound that defines his music today.
His 13-track self-titled debut album showcased both his powerful vocals and songwriting skills. In addition to his solo material, Worthington is a highly regarded duet partner, appearing on Brooks & Dunn’s Reboot II with “I’ll Never Forgive My Heart,” and teaming with Reba McEntire on “Is It Cold In Here” for HIXTAPE: Vol. 3: DIFFTAPE. He also featured on ERNEST’s FLOWER SHOPS (THE ALBUM): Two Dozen Roses with the song “Heartache In My 100 Proof.”
Worthington has toured with a range of top country artists including Miranda Lambert, Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson, Riley Green, Pat Green, Hank Williams Jr., and ERNEST. His dedication to traditional country runs deep.
“I believe in country music as much as I believe in my next breath,” says Worthington. “Blame it on my raising, but I think there ought to be room for country in country music.”
Listen to “Not Like I Used To” and follow Jake Worthington as he brings traditional country to a new generation.
