At 22, Jacob Lyda has a voice and experience that transcend his age. With his own unique, solid country vocal style, his ability to communicate through music has made him a darling of the county music press throughout Europe. With two indie album releases under his belt there, he was able to do his first tour of Sweden in late '96. Jacob's abilities have also won him co-writing spots with several great writers in town like Whitey Shafer, Doodle Owens, Dennis Knutson and Rick Lano (former Poco drummer). Jacob Lyda was born in Stevenson, Alabama on the eighteenth of May, 1975. He has blue eyes, brown hair, is six foot one inches tall and weighs one hundred ninety pounds. His days growing up on the family farm were spent helping his dad and grandfather take care of their small herd of cattle, attending church and school. Jacob has put bands together and played in Alabama, Tennessee and Georgia since he was sixteen. "My family has been my strongest influence," says Jacob. "Three generations of Lydas live on the home place." Newly married, he and his wife, Shanna, plan to build a house there as well. The radio was a constant companion during the formative years. Musically speaking, Merle and Lefty are his biggest legendary influences, along with current chart toppers like Alan Jackson and George Strait. Working full time, going to school and singing on the weekends involved driving about 120 miles per day round trip. More than just youthful enthusiasm, Jacob has proven he has what it takes to accomplish the task at hand. His talent and personality caught the attention of manager Harold Pierce in '96. With his energy totally focused on country music, Jacob Lyda looks forward to the challenge.