JACOB WHITESIDES
Jacob Whitesides has been named Radio Disney’s “NBT” (Next Big Thing) featured artist. The 17-year-old singer-songwriter is the latest artist to be highlighted in the multi-platform feature program that has championed young developing recording artists, showcasing their journeys as they turn their unique talents and dreams into careers.
Whitesides, who has been performing alongside Hollywood Records’ R5, began playing shows in his hometown Knoxville, Tennessee in 2012 and rose to digital fame when he began posting his acoustic covers of hit artists including John Legend, Plain White T’s and John Mayer on his YouTube channel. He has since amassed an online audience of over 4 million followers on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, and has caught the ears of millions of music fans with his original music and debut EP A Piece Of Me which reached #1 on the iTunes U.S. Singer/Songwriter chart, #3 on the Pop Album chart, and #5 on the iTunes Top Album charts.
Whitesides also serves as CEO of his own touring, merchandising and record label, Double U Records.
The “NBT” series will follow Whitesides on his journey on tour and his upcoming EP release as he reflects on his inspirations, defines his musical style, and continues to develop his music and record label. A featured presenter at the 2015 RDMA and performer at the show’s official after party, Whitesides drove social buzz to all-time highs with the most popular hashtag of the night (#RDMAswithJacob).