08/19/2026
From learning steel guitar as a 10-year-old to stepping onto the Grand Ole Opry stage, recent College of the Ozarks graduate Jacob King has already checked a major goal off his list.
Jacob, who graduated in May 2026 with a degree in Speech Communications, first discovered his love for steel guitar through his dad and the classic country music they listened to together. Years later, that passion led him to Nashville and eventually to a spot playing steel guitar for country artist Randall King.
On Aug. 8, Jacob made his Grand Ole Opry debut alongside Randall King.
“Playing the Opry for the first time was a magical experience,” Jacob said. “I had the opportunity to play at a venue and on a stage that holds so much rich country music history. This was truly a dream come true.”
While the milestone is one of many goals Jacob hopes to accomplish in his music career, he says the lessons he learned at College of the Ozarks extend far beyond his profession.
“The implementation of Christ-like character that C of O has intentionally instilled into their culture has helped me succeed in every facet of life, not just my professional career.”
As Jacob continues pursuing a career in music, he hopes to be known not only for the music he makes, but for the way he treats the people around him.
“Honesty, humility, kindness, and love to everyone around me—that to me is worth more than any music I can make.”
