In the last decade, a new wave of female country musicians fearlessly entered the genre with undeniable talents that can't be overlooked. Zac Brown Band immediately recognized the fire burning within independent singer-songwriter Caroline Jones and took her under their wing. 

While touring the world with the Atlanta country rockers since 2017, Jones has been effortlessly displaying her superstar potential and studying their musical excellence. On Thursday, Nov. 3, the ambitious vocalist with skilled musicianship officially joined the GRAMMY Award-winning band as a full-time member. 

Jones has become the first and only female in the 8-piece ensemble comprised of –  Zac Brown, Coy Bowles, Clay Cook, Daniel De Los Reyes, Jimmy De Martini, Chris Fryar, John Hopkins, and Matt Mangano. 

"I feel very honored. It's very exciting news to share with the world," Jones exclusively told CMT. "It's also kind of an organic evolution. I've been touring with them now for five years. Zach was really the first hitmaker to offer me a slot on a big tour, a big stage. Those were by far the largest crowds I've ever played. That opened the door for me to tour with Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, and even The Eagles." 

The promising artist first opened for the platinum-selling group in 2017 and was asked back for their next two consecutive tours. When the pandemic hit and brought live music to a sudden halt, Jones honed in on her solo country career and began working on her second studio album, "Antipodes." 

Before the group embarked on The Comeback Tour in 2021, Jones received a last-minute phone call from Brown with a simple request  – to be a special guest band member. Following a successful run, the group extended the invitation again for their Out In The Middle Tour. 

When Jones was asked to be a part of the Zamily officially, she said it felt like a full-circle moment. Not only will the powerhouse vocalist with angel-like pipes perform with the band, but now she will be involved in their writing and recording process. 

"I've looked up to Zac Brown Band and been listening to them since I started listening to country music. I came to country music relatively late in life – in my twenties. I dreamed of being an opening act on tours with artists like Zac Brown Band," recalled Jones. "So, to be deemed 'worthy' of being on stage with them,  part of their creative process, and their family is something I just never would've expected. It's extremely validating." 

Although the fast-rising artist is eager to place her creative wheels in motion, Jones revealed that she's anticipating a learning curve. She pointed out that ZBB has been challenging her since the beginning when they threw her out in front of "thousands of people every single night." 

"It's been a learning curve since I met them," she laughed. "Being part of a group and contributing musically to a mix that has been set in stone for decades is a whole other test. Learning songs, parts, and riffs at the speed that they expect – all of that stuff will be a learning curve. But that's what I live for. That's what I love. I'm a real music nerd, and I'm confident in myself that I will work my butt off and do my absolute best." 

This won't be Jones' first rodeo working in the studio with Zac Brown. They co-wrote the flirty '90s-infused single "All of The Boys" together. However, with her fresh perspective and a go-getter mentality, Jones looks forward to contributing to their sound and adding her signature flair. 

"My whole goal and intention is to find ways to contribute to their sound, music, and stage shows," she stressed. "I have my own style. I think that's one of the reasons they asked me to be part of the band. But, I'm more focused on learning from the team, soaking up everything, and finding organic ways to contribute," she added. 

While having a seat at the writer's table marks a massive win for Jones, it also reflects on the genre and how women in country are receiving the long-overdue recognition they deserve. 

"It's a huge honor. It's really cool," she uttered. "It's wonderful that they accepted me into their family. I think being a woman is a big part of why too. It's certainly a unique viewpoint for them. I'm really proud, and I'm also really proud to be a woman up on a stage with all men.  I see little girls in the audience, and it literally makes me cry when I think about it. I didn't see a lot of that when I was a little girl. When I did see a women on stage playing different instruments and holding their own, it inspired me to do this." 

While paving a path for females in the highly competitive landscape, she confirmed that new ZBB music is in the pipeline and that she's feeling more creative than ever before. 

"We've been working on some new songs," she confirmed. "I don't know how much is a secret and how much they want to keep private, but they are definitely in the process of writing a new record." 

Before the Florida native begins her next chapter, Jones wants her devoted fan base to know that she will continue to release music independently and continue to build her solo career as well. 

"I want to clarify that I will be continuing to build my own career. I don't view these two projects as mutually exclusive, I view them as mutually beneficial. Being in the band makes me a better musician, a better performer, a better singer and songwriter," said Jones. "The two projects hold hands, and I'm going to give it all the proper respect and weight that a role like this deserves."