Jewel is a Musical Gem and True Role Model
I used to listen to Jewel's Pieces of You album over and over until I could perfectly mimic her little spat of nonsensical words at the end of "Who Will Save Your Soul." I know, it was a bit nerdy, but hey, I was a fifth grader and it sure beat practicing the piano. Anyway, when I was told to write about a fascinating person, I knew immediately who I would research. No, I didn't care much about the president, or sports players, but I was into music and specifically Jewel. I spent hours trying to figure out what her real name was. Surely it was something like Christina or Beth. Who names their kid Jewel, right? After much digging and to no avail, I realized that Jewel was her real name. Jewel Kilcher, in fact. Wow, I liked her even more. She was a Jewel - and so was her music.
She was everything I wasn't and it intrigued me. For starters, she could sing and boy, could she sing. Aside from her incredible voice and raw songwriting talent, she grew up in Alaska and hitchhiked across the country with money she made from singing on the street corner. No, it's not like I was going to pack up my Barbie book bag and skip town, but every quirky fact made me like her even more.
Though I have to say her recent country single, "Stronger Woman" is not one of my favorite songs, I still enjoy the message behind her music. I'm happy to see she's joining the country music genre, though I think her traditional folk-like ways have always been rooted in country music. And though I'm not sure what grade I received on my fifth grade report, I am sure that after all these years, Jewel continues to inspire me to be a "Stronger Woman."
©2008 Country Music Television, Inc., a Viacom company. A division of
terri says:
Stronger woman happens to be a great song.
OutlawSteph says:
This is a classic case of an artist being promoted as “country” who never had a real identity as such. I think she’s a talented folk singer, and confusing that tradition with a strictly country background does a dis-service to each. There’s always room for cross-over appeal, but at what expense?
-Stephanie
katie says:
Wow, talk about trying to cash in. Jewel is hardly country; she’s from Alaska. She was somewhat popular in her “folk days” (hardly) and just a year ago she was trying to be pop with her “intuition” single. True country fans should be offended.
RT says:
I disagree with the criticisms. Her music has always hinted at country, even in her “folk days” (which never really ended, if you’ve followed her concerts). Country just seems to be a natural direction for her to take.
The World Jewel Forum says:
Welcome back to Jewel’s world of music! Jewel fans have been here at The World Jewel Forum awaiting the arrival of new country music fans. Happy listening. Jewel’s album is due out soon in June. Jewel’s roots have always been in country. Her dad had a ranch in Alaska, she’s been am avid horse rider since childhood, and her long time boyfriend Ty is even runs the PBR. You can’t get much more country than bull riding.
The World Jewel Forum
http://www.JewelForum.com
Emma says:
Jewel is an inspiring woman. Whether country or not, she has an amazing voice and potential to make it.