Raised on country music, Messina began her career by performing live with her brother and sister in their hometown of Holliston, Massachusetts. At the age of nineteen, Messina moved to Nashville, Tennessee and entered local talent competitions in hopes of increasing her exposure and pursuing a record deal. Following regular appearances on the radio show “Live at Libby’s” and a successful demo tape, the singer caught the attention of Curb records, which signed Messina to its roster.
With the assistance of producers Byron Gallimore and a young Tim McGraw, Messina released her self-titled, debut album in March 1996. Spawning the Top 10 Country hits “Heads Carolina, Tails California” and “You’re Not in Kansas Anymore,” the record peaked at No. 22 on the Top Country Albums, catapulting the singer to national notoriety.
In 1998, Messina issued her sophomore album “I’m Alright,” which, in effect, turned her into a Country music star. Peaking at No. 5 on the Top Country Albums Chart, the record produced three Country No. 1 singles, “I’m Alright,” “Bye, Bye,” and “Stand Beside Me." This trifecta of chart-topping hits led to Messina being honored by the Country Music Association with the coveted “Horizon Award” (now known as "New Artist of the Year").
In an attempt to cross over to pop music fans, the singer-songwriter’s third full-length album, “Burn,” was a Country music record with a pop inflection. Spawning the Country No. 1’s “That’s the Way” and “Bring on the Rain,” the album was supported by tours alongside Vince Gill, George Strait, and The Judds.
The Christmas album “A Joyful Noise” appeared in late 2002, followed by the compilation “Greatest Hits” in 2003. In 2005, Messina released her sixth album, “Delicious Surprise,” once again topping the Country Music Albums chart. Earning positive reviews, the record hosted the singles “My Give a Damn’s Busted,” “Delicious Surprise (I Believe It),” and “Not Going Down.” Five years later, Messina released the last of her Curb Records projects, a trilogy of “Unmistakable” EPs: “Unmistakable: Love,” “Unmistakable: Drive,” and “Unmistakable: Inspiration."
In 2013, Messina launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to create and release her next studio album “Me.” The 2014 release was her most personal to date, allowing her to share the music she chose without limitations. The independent release also gave her the opportunity to consider the fans' favorites and honor them with tracks of their choosing. Subsequently, Messina continued to pave her own path and began to write and record songs in the Christian Contemporary space and released three independent singles, "Noel," the original "Bigger Than This," and "Reckless Love."
As of this date, Messina continues to tour nationally and internationally, performing her hits, unreleased self-penned songs, and Christian/worship music that has touched her heart. Messina's tour schedule is fluid and is constantly being updated, as she travels year-round to bring her show to fans around the globe.
Straight No Chaser aren’t so titled for nothing; they’re an a cappella group, meaning that there’s no instrumentation to their music - just the sound of their voices. Originally, there were ten members in the group, students who met at Indiana University - Steve Morgan, Jerome Collins, Dave Roberts, Dan Ponce, Randy Stine, Walter Chase, Mike Itkoff, Patrick Hachey, Kevin Carroll and Charlie Mechling. They took their name from ‘Straight, No Chaser’, the Thelonious Monk record from 1967.
They made their debut at a 36 hour dance marathon - a baptism of fire, by anybody’s standards - and went on to attract national attention, performing at such venues as Wrigley Field in Chicago and Carnegie Hall in New York, the latter as part of a national tour of their own. In 1999, the original lineup graduated and were replaced, although they would go on to reform in 2006 - a little while afterwards, the collegiate group, still in existence, would change their name, although the alcohol theme was retained - they are now Another Round.
The original group continue to perform together today, and have recorded four records - the first two, 2008’s ‘Holiday Spirits’ and 2009’s ‘Christmas Cheers’ being festive efforts. Their frequent national tours in the U.S. serve as testament to their enduring popularity.
I really hope you come to Michigan sometime im a big fan but can't afford to travel to see you I'll prey one day you tour here have a blessed day.
Just saw them at ROMP FEST in Owensboro, KY. Incredible show!!! They might very well be the best contemporary bluegrass band in the country, and the best progressive bluegrass band in the country. We have been following them for years, and they just keep getting better and better. All five members are award-winning players who are total masters on their instruments.
I've always been a huge fan of Jo Dee Messina...I remember hearing her songs "Bye-Bye" and "That's the Way" being constantly played on the radio during the '90s and I got such an inspirational release from listening to them. I think the reason I fell so madly in love with her is her dedication to her music; she is so raw and real and vulnerable in her songs to the point where everyone who listens can relate to them at least for a little bit. When I heard she was going to be playing in Decatur, I just had to get tickets. That in itself was really exciting...buying tickets to see Jo Dee for the very first time! When we pulled in, I got this nervous feeling in my gut, the kind you get when you are going to give a speech or when you forget about something, and I just remember thinking: "I can't wait to actually see her perform live!!!" As me and my other friends were standing around waiting for her to walk out, we contemplated the set list that she was going to use and then without notice, out walks Jo Dee Messina! I screamed for joy at the top of my lungs. I was so excited, probably the most I've been in a while. The music started playing and the voice that came out of such a small person just blew me away. Jo Dee not only gave a 10/10 performance, she continually delivered the love to her fans that she started with. I am so proud to say that I've followed her from my childhood and am so impressed with the talent that this woman has. She is a TRUE platinum recording artist for all reasons: her voice, her lyrics and songs, her stage presence, and her ability to continually provide her fans, friends, family, etc. with wonderful music that will last a lifetime. I LOVE YOU, JO DEE MESSINA! Keep doing what you're doing and your soul will never be forgotten.
I saw the a capella band Straight No Chaser perform a medley of "Some Nights" and "We Are Young" from the band FUN. As that is one of my favorite songs from the band I had high hopes for the performance. It turns out, I was not disappointed whatsoever. They put on a great show and performed both songs admirably.
The a capella genre has a lot of great performances in it but this was one of the best of any I have ever seen. The added beat boxing really helped elevated the performance to another level of greatness for me.The audience was silent and let the music wash over them. They did not interrupt or create a ruckus for the band. They just let them perform their songs and listened to the excellent tones and tunes from their voices and beat boxing.
It was one of the best performances, a cappella or otherwise, that I have ever seen. It was especially the best a cappella performance I have ever seen.
I highly recommend every one that is interested see Straight No Chaser perform live at least once in their lives. They put on such a fantastic show that you should not miss it.