In the world of songwriting, few stories start with a platinum record. Jennifer Adan’s did. Within a year of moving to Nashville, she co-wrote “She Wouldn’t Be Gone,” a track that became a number-one hit for Blake Shelton. But as Jennifer shared on The Mark Howley Show, that moment was just the beginning, not the culmination, of her creative journey.
Jennifer grew up in the Bay Area surrounded by music but without industry connections. What she had instead was relentless drive, a love for storytelling, and a knack for walking up to strangers and saying, “Let’s write together.” That’s exactly how she met co-writer Corey Batton, who would later call her to break the unexpected news: Blake Shelton wanted to record their song.
From the outside, it looked like an overnight success. But Jennifer knew better. She’d already faced one of the biggest decisions of her life, leaving college and her family in California to pursue music in Nashville. The shift was more than geographic. She had to prove herself in a city dominated by tight-knit circles and traditional industry norms, especially as a woman and a multicultural creative.
She refused to be boxed in. Instead of signing with a Nashville publisher that would limit her to country music, Jennifer launched her own publishing company to preserve her creative freedom across genres. Over the years, she’s written for rock bands like New Medicine, a cappella giants Pentatonix, and countless independent artists. Her flexibility in writing, from pop to country to rock, has made her a sought-after collaborator, particularly for artists looking for someone who listens first and molds songs to their vision.
Yet Jennifer’s impact extends beyond the writing room. Today, she leads West Coast Songwriters, one of the longest-running music nonprofits in the U.S. Through mentoring, monthly evaluations, and workshops, Jennifer now helps new writers navigate the very industry she once had to break into alone. “It’s not just about songs,” she says. “It’s about community and showing people they’re not doing this by themselves.”
Her story also sheds light on the darker side of sudden success. After her hit with Blake, Jennifer was flooded with requests, from writers, producers, and would-be managers who wanted a piece of her momentum. When she tried to set boundaries, she was met with smear campaigns and manipulative tactics. That experience taught her to value authenticity over popularity and to build a smaller circle of collaborators who truly understand her vision and work ethic.
Despite not playing an instrument, Jennifer is a powerhouse of melody, storytelling, and emotional depth. She proves that talent isn’t defined by tools, it’s defined by heart. “A great song is a great song,” she says, and her career is a testament to that.
Through the highs, lows, and every chord in between, Jennifer Adan is building more than a discography, she’s building a movement for bold, genre-defying creators who aren’t afraid to bet on themselves.
Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=450DQExu8aE&t=108s
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