A Carroll College student uses faith to inspire rock music

HELENA — Jackson Cossairt is a very involved student on Carroll’s campus and uses his faith to inspire the rock music that plays at his concerts each semester.

As he says during his concerts, “I am still learning how to be a better musician every time I pick up an instrument, and performing allows me to set goals.”

Cossairt’s love of music was sparked by his dad’s interest, and he began learning guitar in second grade.

“Growing up, he always practiced guitar in our house and had all his favorite bands on CD,” Cossairt says. “Every time we drove in the car we listened to Motley Crue’s greatest hits and it just blew me away.” . This is the music I grew up on.”

He started performing in the fourth grade and performed five concerts in Carroll.

When he’s not playing the guitar his dad painted for him, he plays saxophone in Carroll’s pep band.

The greatest motivation for him are previous concerts and fan meetings.

A group of his fans wearing the band’s T-shirts shared why they love going to his concerts.

“Jack is a really important figure on this campus. He is involved in so many activities and clubs and gives so much back to so many people, so we are here to support him and give back to him,” said Brooke Vandehey.

Cossairt is from Chicago and came to Helena to attend Carroll College.

The two most influential things in Cossairt’s life are his relationship with God and music.

He combined these two elements in his debut song.

Cossairt says, “the song is called ‘Guilty,’ and the main line is, ‘I don’t want to be guilty of one more sin,’ and that’s where its power lies.”

“I love God and I love Christ. I’m tired of making mistakes and turning away from Him,” says Cossairt. “It’s not even just an ordinary thing, it’s my words and thoughts in these texts.”

Cossairt plans to hold one more concert next semester before graduation, where he will pursue his dreams of becoming a high school math teacher and continuing his love of music as long as he can.