No. 1 Talent Debuts Aching Ballad at Ryman Ahead of Today’s Release

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Chart-topping singer-songwriter Jacob Hackworth today releases his new single “What Took You So Long” along with announcing the signing of his first major label deal with MCA, in collaboration with Goat Island Sound. Slated to go to radio this spring, the aching ballad was written by Hackworth, Jaxson Free, Steph Jones and Daniel Ross and was inspired by the breakup that was the catalyst for his move to Nashville to pursue music.

Listen to “What Took You So Long” HERE

Watch the lyric video for “What Took You So Long” HERE

“What Took You So Long” dissects the unraveling of a fast-moving love where sparks flew instantly, promises escalated quickly and longevity was in play, until it wasn’t. Wrestling with the suspicion that his former love knew all along she wasn’t in it for forever, the reflective track asks the questions that lingers in the aftermath. Carried by angelically smooth vocals and a restrained, mournful tone, the Daniel Ross-produced track is a masterclass in emotional nuance from an artist who knows exactly how to make sorrow both intimate and unforgettable.
 
Hackworth, already established as a hit-making songwriter with several No. 1s to his name, impressed MCA while on his first leg of the Tucker Wetmore tour in 2025, receiving a rare standing ovation at the world renown Ryman Auditorium after his acoustic set. Serendipitously, Hackworth made his label debut at the annual “Team MCA at the Ryman” CRS (Country Radio Seminar) event yesterday (March 19) to perform the new track. The gregarious and fun-loving talent celebrated with the team by gathering folks to attempt the pub challenge of “splitting the G.”

“Getting to know the MCA team while on the Tucker (Wetmore) tour, it quickly became clear they were the right fit—not just as a label, but as people I genuinely connect with. I’m incredibly excited for what lies ahead and grateful to have them on my team as we build this next chapter together,” shared Hackworth. “When I moved to Nashville, my goal was to earn a record deal—without fully understanding how difficult that would be. I dove deep into songwriting along the way but this moment was always what I was working toward, now that it’s happening I’m honestly a little speechless. I don’t know how to explain the excitement, gratitude, motivation and all of the other feelings I have right now. It also isn’t lost on me that, of the hundreds of songs I’ve written, my first radio single was inspired by the breakup that drove me to Nashville. Life has a funny way of working out.”
 
“Jacob is the kind of artist that reminds you why Nashville works the way it does,” said Mike Harris, President & CEO of MCA. “He came here chasing a dream, put in the work as a songwriter, and built a reputation the old-fashioned way—one great song at a time. When you combine that level of craft with a voice and presence like his, you know there’s something special happening. We’re thrilled to welcome Jacob to the MCA family as we help bring his next chapter to life.”
 
“Jacob is a power house creative force. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with the passionate and formidable people that are MCA,” said Kos Weaver, Founder, Goat Island Sound.

The West Plains, MO native, who’s songs garnered more than one billion streams in 2025 alone, signed a publishing deal in 2022 and has since attained roughly 60 major label cuts (two of which were No. 1s). He has built an incredible reputation in the industry as a sought-after collaborator, known for melody making, roughhewn honesty, character and powerhouse vocals. Launching his artist career in 2025 with three songs (“When I Don’t,” “You Ain’t” and “Bad As I Do”), Hackworth has already earned the attention of critics, landing on several 2026 “artist to watch” lists.
 
Hackworth, a road dog seasoned by his days working the railroad away from home 21 days at a time, is currently on his first-ever radio tour and will pick up his third leg on tour with Tucker Wetmore this summer. He is signed to Goat Island for management and The Neal Agency for booking. For more information follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Facebookand YouTube.

ABOUT JACOB HACKWORTH:
Jacob Hackworth is a rising force in Country music. Already established as a chart-topping songwriter, the powerhouse vocalist and live performer is now stepping out as an artist in his own right. Hackworth caught the attention of the industry with his three releases, “When I Don’t,” “You Ain’t” and “Bad As I Do,” which landed him on a slew of “Artist To Watch” lists including Country Now, Country Minute, Fort Nash, and more as well as a label deal with MCA Records in collaboration with Goat Island Sound. His first signed single “What Took You So Long” is available now and will go to radio in April. Earning a reputation for rough-hewn honesty and raw storytelling, Hackworth mixes real life experience with Country, Pop and R&B elements to create a refreshing new voice in the genre. Growing up on the gravel roads of West Plains, MO, Hackworth has been singing since before he could reach his grandma’s piano bench. He participated in choir as a kid and began writing songs in high school, eventually forming a local band that would perform on his days off from working on the railroad. Encouraged by the reaction, in 2019 he left his small town life to pursue music in Nashville. To make ends meet, he worked at some of Nashville’s most renowned bars, Amazon and even on a party boat DJing while he found his musical footing. In 2022, Hackworth signed a publishing deal and has been on a creative tear ever since, attaining roughly 60 major label cuts and releases as a songwriter (with more on the way), including Bailey Zimmerman’s six-week No.1 hit, “Rock and a Hard Place,” Corey Kent’s No. 1 hit “This Heart,” three songs from Jelly Roll’s GRAMMY-winning No. 1 album Beautifully Broken,Morgan Wallen’s “Jack and Jill,” six songs from Tucker Wetmore’s debut album including the career-launching smash “Wine Into Whiskey” and many more. As a songwriter he amassed more than a billion streams in 2025 alone. He is currently on tour with Wetmore and is currently working on new music. For more information follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube.

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Media Contact for Jacob Hackworth:
Quinn Kaemmer
The Quinntessential
Quinn@TheQuinntessential.net
 
Media Contact for MCA:
Ailie Birchfield
MCA
ailie.birchfield@umusic.com