Family is the cornerstone of a true artist’s success. While the concept of struggling, independent musicians has been romanticized and glorified by many, the true longevity of an artist relies on the support, encouragement and loyalty of kin. It breeds conviction, motivation and confidence in one’s own ambition and ability.

It also breeds success as country music’s greatest prospect Jaydee Bixby proves with his debut album Cowboys and Cadillacs, in stores nationally on July 8 via HRM Records/Fontana North.

Bixby lives by this methodology, ingrained in the Drumheller-cum-Red Deer, Alberta crooner since childhood. Raised in a home of dedicated musicians, it’s Bixby’s family that initially encouraged him to participate in local competitions as a young boy and to follow his dream of becoming a recording artist.

The dream led 17 year-old Bixby to grab life by the horns and try his hand at the discerning Canadian Idol where he would eventually become the fifth season’s runner-up, gaining millions of adoring fans in the process thanks to both his impeccable voice and hip-swaggering Presley-esque stage manner that left more than a few ladies swooning. Even Idol guest star Paul Anka was compelled to endorse Bixby, noting that he “has the type of talent that will keep him around for decades to come.”

Recorded at Vancouver’s Mushroom Studios, Cowboys and Cadillacs finds the sure-footed teen intensifying and broadening the same velvety voice that prompted throngs of Canadians to instantly adore him. Working with renowned producers Bill Buckingham (Rita McNeil, Amber Nicholson and The Cuzeros) and John Webster (Bon Jovi, Aerosmith), Cowboys and Cadillacs intertwines Bixby’s inherent down home, twangy roots with a rock edge to create enduring country anthems including the infectious lead single “Old Fashioned Girl,” in which Bixby relates his dream partner to be a little bit like mom and a little bit like Minnie Pearl: a good, clean, wholesome girl.