Born May 23, 1974 in Payson, Utah

At age 7, Jewel and her parents were guests on Good Morning Alaska.

As part of Jewel's scholarship application to Interlochen Arts Academy, she was required to submit a vocal audition tape.  A requirement was that it had to be a song with lyrics that were not in her native language English.  She submitted this recording of "Obstination," a french cabaret song with music by Hercule Gilles de Fontenailles, and lyrics by Francoise Coppee.  

Interlochen Audition tape

My uncle Otto’s wife, Charlotte, was a graphic designer and helped me design a flyer. Otto’s ex-wife, Sharon, was an accountant and offered to help with the books. My dad’s ex-girlfriend Linda suggested I get local businesses to donate items we could auction off during intermission at the show. I got the local high school to donate the theater for the evening of the show and set a date. I taped flyers everywhere and advertised the fact that I was going to be doing a concert to raise money for school on the local radio station. We were all set except for one problem. I couldn’t play a solo show. I didn’t play an instrument. I would need to hire a piano player or a guitar player. Old family friend Jimmy Anderson played piano, and so I asked them to help out. I went about learning enough material for a whole solo show, mostly Cole Porter songs. The entire town turned out to hear me. The auction went off well. I had no stage banter, and had never carried a show before, so it was a bit jilted and awkward, but I got through it somehow. And the hometown crowd was more than kind.

Sharon tallied up the total, and I was still five thousand dollars short. That’s when local celebrity Tom Bodett (its his voice in the Motel 6 commercials saying, “We’ll leave the light on for you”) wrote a check for that exact amount. My aunts showed me how to write thank-you notes, and I wrote hundreds of them. Practically my entire hometown of 3,500 people helped me get to that boarding school.

Four days before her 19th birthday, Jewel performs at The InnerChange Coffeehouse for the first time on Wednesday, May 19, 1993. She returns on Tuesday, May 25, 1993 and beginning the following week on June 3, begins her weekly Thursday night residency which will continue for the next year.

Jewel's first ever magazine cover and feature article - SLAMM April 1994

On July 28th and 29th, 1994, Atlantic Records sent a recording crew to The InnerChange Coffeehouse to capture Jewel live in her natural habitat. Several of these recordings would be featured on her debut album "Pieces Of You" and the rare promotional CD "Save The Linoleum."

In 1994, a couple of San Diego based members of an Internet discussion group that focused on women in music began a side discussion about the virtually unknown San Diego coffeehouse singer-songwriter, Jewel Kilcher. Upon hearing Jewel several months later at The Kendall Cafe in Cambridge, Jeff, tech-savvy listserv owner, was intrigued enough to create the first internet discussion group dedicated to the discussion of Jewel's music and performances. The jewel@smoe.org mailing list/discussion group was officially launched the following day on Sunday, February 19th, 1995. 1fmnwvfrms62t6p6hxt3wj Like countless other Internet discussion groups at the time, the initial subscribers enjoyed discussing their common interest and keeping each other informed. They also circulated live recordings and TV appearances (on analog tape, via snail mail, primarily) which gave them a wider perspective on Jewel's increasingly prolific output. Through these initial efforts and upon the release of Jewel's first album, more people became interested and within the first year, the list had grown substantially.

During that time, an organized effort to promote Jewel’s live appearances began and listmembers began relentlessly calling radio stations in support of Jewel's first album, which at the time, was going nowhere fast. Interest continued to grow and a handful of fansites were created over the course of the next year or so, increasing her online presence. Jewel appreciated the support very much and referred to them as her "Every Day Angels,” a phrase taken from her song, “I’m Sensitive.” The name stuck and became commonly notated as EDAs.

Soon enough, EDAs began meeting each other at Jewel's performances and friendships beyond the daily email discussion began. The EDA numbers continued to grow through 1995 and early 1996, but unlike other rapidly growing Internet groups, the EDAs continue to be one of the most intelligent, inspired and friendly groups anywhere on the Internet.

The first year of the jewel@smoe.org listserv discussion was unfortunately not preserved, but one can otherwise access the entire online archives at:

smoe.org/lists/jewel/archives

Jewel's debut album "Pieces Of You" is released on Atlantic Records

Jewel's first major network nationally broadcast television appearance on Late Night with Conan O'brien.

1996 was a wild ride for Jewel, with many memorable moments. One of the most exciting events occurred that April, when Bob Dylan invited her to open five concerts on the East Coast.

Needless to say, being asked to open for Bob Dylan is an incredibly thrilling situation for any songwriter. However, think about it. In reality, could ANYTHING be more intimidating?! Jewel rose to the occasion and delivered strong solo acoustic sets every night, eventually winning over each audience with a mix of first album material and unreleased songs in equal measure. No planned setlists. Just winging it each night as her mood dictated.

The biggest thrill occurred on the 4th night of the tour in Burlington, Vermont when Dylan invited Jewel to join him onstage during his encore to perform “I Shall Be Released.” This went so well that he invited her to do it again on the final night in Providence, Rhode Island. Several snapshots from that final night are featured here.

Jewelstock & The EDAs

In 1994, a couple of San Diego based members of an Internet discussion group that focused on women in music began a side discussion about the virtually unknown San Diego coffeehouse singer-songwriter, Jewel Kilcher. Upon hearing Jewel several months later at The Kendall Cafe in Cambridge, Jeff, tech-savvy listserv owner, was intrigued enough to create the first internet discussion group dedicated to the discussion of Jewel's music and performances. The jewel@smoe.org mailing list/discussion group, was officially launched the following day on Sunday, February 19th, 1995.

Like countless other Internet discussion groups at the time, the handful of initial subscribers enjoyed discussing their common interest and keeping each other informed. They also circulated taped live recordings and TV appearances (via snail mail, primarily) which gave them a wider perspective on Jewel's increasingly prolific output. Through these initial efforts and upon the release of Jewel's first album, more people became interested and within the first year, the list had grown substantially.

During that time, an organized effort to promote Jewel’s live appearances began and listmembers began relentlessly calling radio stations in support of Jewel's first album, which at the time, was going nowhere fast. Interest continued to grow and a handful of listmember fansites were created over the course of the next year or so, increasing her online presence. Jewel appreciated the support very much and referred to them as her "Every Day Angels,” a phrase taken from her song, “I’m Sensitive.” The name stuck and became commonly notated as EDAs.

Soon enough, EDAs began meeting each other at Jewel's performances and friendships beyond the daily email discussion began. The EDA numbers continued to grow through 1995 and early 1996, but unlike other rapidly growing Internet groups, the EDAs continue to be one of the most intelligent, inspired and friendly places anywhere on the Internet. vt5ionarltj3zb7p7pcrnk

In mid-1996, a woman on the list suggested how enjoyable it would be if Jewel were to perform a concert exclusively for this discussion group. Timing was right. Jewel and her management agreed that this would be a fun idea. The subscribers were informed that Jewel would enjoy doing this provided the EDAs join her in Bearsville, NY (where she'd soon be recording) and organize all details themselves. After much organizational effort, a free private show was planned for July 18th, 1996 at The Bearsville Theater in Woodstock, NY. A second benefit show was also planned for the following night with all proceeds going to help the struggling Bearsville Theater. vt5ionarltj3zb7p7pcrnk Hundreds of EDAs from all over North America converged in Bearsville and spent several days camping together and experiencing two of the most diverse and engaging performances of Jewel's career. The EDAs named the event "Jewelstock" and they created t-shirts, buttons and came bearing gifts for each other in the form of music, food and drink. After spending three days and nights together, many attendees struck up permanent friendships and everyone who attended left Bearsville significantly moved by the experience and Jewel’s kindness. That such a diverse group of people could come together and create something so great, all of them motivated by love of music and a desire to share, without any monetary pressures or incentives, speaks volumes about what the EDAs are all about.

The dynamics of the discussion group were forever changed by the experience. Many EDAs began taking Jewel's lyrics to heart and manifested them in projects that helped to support each other as well as to promote volunteer work improving their own communities. The EDAs have accomplished impressive things over the past two years, many of which have been selfless acts of kindness that have had profound impacts on the recipients and the EDAs as a whole. A wonderful example occurred in conjunction with Jewel's 23rd birthday. Rather than send gifts to Jewel, the EDAs were encouraged to effect positive change in the world as their gift to Jewel. Sure enough, a perfect opportunity presented itself. The entire EDA list organized to help a severely injured hit and run victim from San Diego, who had no medical insurance. He was in need of a van outfitted with special lift equipment so that he could be mobile, return to work and resume a more enjoyable life. The EDAs raised several thousand dollars, which was donated to the fund and helped him accomplish these goals. San Diego area EDAs also took it a step further, by spending time with him, sharing favorite concert tapes, and bringing him to local concerts. vt5ionarltj3zb7p7pcrnk With the EDA numbers rapidly growing as Jewel's first album was taking off, several members began organizing a nonprofit foundation (Every Day Angels Foundation aka EDAF) which promoted and helped organize community volunteer work. These EDAs inspired many projects including blood drives, clothing drives, volunteer work at food banks, children's hospitals and shelters, among many other worthy endeavors.

EDA get-togethers have also taken on a life of their own. One notable form of these events is "The Living Room Tours" (aka LRTs). An ongoing project, where live performances are hosted at EDA homes, this has been remarkably successful. The basic concept is to book touring singer-songwriters directly into fans’ homes and promote the performances cost free via email directly to those interested. Nearly 50 artists have participated in the Living Room Tours over the past two summers and I’ve yet to hear any of them refer to it as anything but a positive experience. Having attended many LRT gigs and having hosted two of the largest ones on Cape Cod, I wish I could do nothing but LRT gigs! The concept dramatically changes the dynamics between performers and audience in a most positive way. The musicians seem to revel in the fact that everyone wants to listen and audiences experience an immediacy and connection not experienced in any traditional performance setting.

An annual EDA reunion in Bearsville has also been well attended and smaller EDA parties and get-togethers are increasingly common. EDAs often travel far and wide to attend these events. Thousands of lives have been enriched through the efforts of The EDAs. Many feel honored to be included and the recipients of The EDAs common good will.

MrBB (AKA Alan Bershaw - originally written and posted in 1998)

The single version of "You Were Meant For Me" is released and slowly becomes a monstrous hit that eventually breaks chart longevity records and launches Jewel's career into the stratosphere.

1st Rolling Stone cover

Time Magazine cover

Jewel's second album "Spirit" is released on Atlantic Records

Jewel performs before The Pope at Aula Paolo VI Theater, Vatican City, Italy

The most extensive World Tour of Jewel's career begins in Australia and then travels to New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, an extended leg through Europe and concludes in North America.

Jewel's third album "Joy - A Holiday Collection" is released on Atlantic Records, produced by Arif Marden.

Jewel's fourth album "This Way" is released on Atlantic Records

Jewel's fifth album "0304" is released on Atlantic Records.

Jewel's sixth album "Goodbye Alice In Wonderland" is released on Atlantic Records.

So, my record is done! It's written, recorded, mixed and

mastered.

It's been a long journey, but I'm really really excited and

exhausted. I really tried to live up to this record. Making

records is kinda hard for me. Writing is easy. Feelings have

overwhelmed me since I was young, and I spent years getting

fluent at trying to get out of their way, to paint a picture

with nothing in-between the feeling, and hearing those

feelings.

I did this alone. By myself. Just the feeling and me and a

pen. I have always loved words and the craft of writing. It

is a love affair that has outlasted many relationships! I am

sure it will last my whole life. It has been a rewarding and

calming pursuit. Never disappointing. Making records didn't

start till I was 19. It's harder for me, because I had no

grasp of the process. It is rigid and not alive in the way

performing or writing is. It's been hard for me to adapt to,

also, I guess, because I am not in control. I need to rely

on musicians and producers and mixers. They all have to see,

feel, and interpret my vision as clearly as I do.

And that is hard to do. It's rare, especially because I

don't like rehearsing. I don't like to practice. I am

impatient and petulant. I don't even like things to be

perfect, in a technical sense. I just like it to move

you.......

Well, it's been 12 years since I recorded my first CD, and I

feel like I have learned enough to finally affect the

outcome of one! On my first CD I avoided the whole problem

by recording it live. That way nothing could come in between

me and the raw feeling when I sang. I think I was able to do

the same thing on this CD, but with some musicians playing!

This is a singer-songwriter CD. This is a terribly personal

CD. I was cryptic enough that I did not betray what I feel

is personal, but I was able to exorcise the feelings I

needed to. It has been a crazy ass life, and a crazy ass

couple of years. What I can say about it, I said in the

songs. I tried to make this an intensely personal record;

one that is almost embarrassing to listen to. I pulled no

punches. I tried not to repeat myself on any song.

In some ways this is an old-fashioned record. I think u need

to hear all 13 songs to get the whole picture. I hate

records that have 2 or 3 good songs and the rest are low

calorie fillers. I want you to hear the whole CD. Give it a

chance. I spent so much time on these lyrics. So much blood

and guts went into these songs. Even into what order they

are in, so they complement each other. I layered it, so that

hopefully every time you hear it, you get something

different out of it.

I have been in this business for a while now. It's kinda

wild to think about. Sometimes my mind can't even compute

it. I grew up in Alaska. A weird upbringing, but a lot of

good to it, too, I guess. I ended up homeless and living in

a car. I used to shoplift so I didn't have to use food

stamps. I used to have doctors turn me down for my kidneys

cause I didn't have insurance. I used to hope beyond hope

and I even believed in people who did not deserve my naive

faith, but somehow it has all turned out ok. I mean, now I

have plenty of money, great doctors, and I get to write

songs for a living! Its all so unbelievable. But it is just

as strange in new ways. Ghosts follow you, and it is still

all on my shoulders. Just how I like it.

I have made a life I really like. I live in Texas. It's not

like Alaska, but it's a big ranch, and has nothing to do

with the music scene. Just like when I was young, music is

just something I love and do. It's not a scene, its not

parties or schmoozing, or being political. Don't get me

wrong, I am gonna do my job to the best of my ability. I am

competitive, and like succeeding. I will promote my CD, and

work hard, and do everything I have to, to try and get

people to hear this music, but on all my off days I am at

the ranch riding and eating at the local diner. I am truly

lucky. In fact, on this record, im gonna try to do a lot of

my press at the ranch here. I'm also gonna go home to alaska

and do some stuff up there, so u guys can see it. I never

really have shown it to anyone, and id like to now. It goes

with the music.

I have been thinking a lot about this CD, about the music

business, about how everything works. I am in the business,

but in a lot of ways I have the freedom to do things my own

way. I care a lot about this record. It means a lot to me,

and I want you guys to get a feel for it. It gets

frustrating that fans only download one song they hear on

the radio. It gets frustrating that radio only plays certain

songs that fit a certain format. I have songs that I think

will do good on radio, but there is one song that sums up

this record and this time in my life, my whole life

really....... And I don't think it really has a shot at radio

cause its 6 minutes long. So, I had a friend shoot me

singing it at the ranch on Super 8, and I'm gonna release it

on this web site tomorrow. I want people to hear and see

things when there is still nothing between me and the

feeling. Soon there will be interviews and singles and the

dance will begin. The circus will wind up and I will dance

for my songs the best I know how, but for now I want to give

you a visual that is as raw as my lyrics. It's the title

track on the record. 'Goodbye Alice in Wonderland'. I think

i said it all in the song, and it is all pretty clear. But I

guess I will answer questions about it if u have some. I

won't do that for the press, most likely, because it never

really works.

I hope you enjoy. The CD won't come out until early May, so

this is my teaser. I may even leak this on the web, so that

more people can see and hear this song before the first

single drops.

Hope you all are well, Jewel

Jewel's seventh album "Perfectly Clear" is released on Valory Records.

We wanted to elope to the Bahamas, where we’d vacationed once a year. I was able to get a free week in August and told my manager I wanted it for a vacation in the Bahamas. I called the keyboard player Jason from my old band, whom Ty and I both loved, and asked him to come with his wife and marry us. He got himself ordained online, I figured out the legalities of international marriage and where to get our license and all the other details, and off we went.

I got my dress several days before I left Nashville for our secret ceremony. It was perfection, everything I hoped it would be. It was a lace mermaid dress with a halter top, casual yet elegant, perfect for a barefoot beach wedding. I found an antique Italian leather messenger bag from the 1600s and I wrote daily in a journal leading up to the wedding, and on the final day I wrote my vows in it, and placed it in the bag as Ty’s wedding gift.

On August 7, 2008, we were married. The beach was lit with candles. Jason spoke, I read my own vows, and Ty read his. Mine of course were more verbose. I smiled ear to ear while he recited his. On the inside of his ring I had inscribed, in you lives my hopes and dreams. In mine he’d written, I believe in you. Jason said, “Now you may kiss the bride,” just as the sun set behind us.

Jewel's eighth album "Sweet And Wild" is released on Valory Records

On April, 17, 2011, an 8+ month pregnant Jewel performs another private concert (and one of the longest performances of her career!) for an international convergence of hardcore fans at the intimate McKinney Performing Arts Center.

NEWLY BORN

There is this new heart beating, and you created it. It did not exist before. The music that it makes is like a key that unlocks a door into another world. A world the newborn still smells of. It smells like undreamed architecture. Like dreams still waiting to be dreamt. Like what I imagine the fabric of new space must be made of, as it unfolds on the edges of our universe.

Newborns shine ethereally, stardust trailing from their bodies, sparkling fresh on their temples. Their skin is like a cooling star, freshly fallen from the sky. Their eyes stare far off, blurrily, as though they are looking for the pocket in time they came from. Or as though they can still see the angels and the face of their maker. In a word, a newborn is otherworldly. Half here, and half still in the watery space which so efficiently built bone and blood, but also housed the ultimate miracle - for somewhere along the process of cells multiplying and eyelashes sprouting, something breathed a soul into that vessel, and life was born, and music set to playing in that tiny music-box heart.

With each passing week the otherworldliness of the newborn wears off... The window into that magical realm from which they came gradually closes, and their eyes begin to stop seeing stars and focus on more earthly shapes instead. With baited breath you wait, until inexplicably their gaze lands upon you, and where before only unfocused eyes seemed to stumble across your form, a spark begins to ignite and like a butterfly that has miraculously chosen to land, you realize: he sees you.

Hours had been invested in this tiny, shiftless form with out his eyes ever really seeing you, but now with a tiny spark of recognition that ignites when he stumbles across your face, your heart bursts yet again. Your resolve doubles, were that possible, to care for this tiny creature and to protect him from any harm and to die for him if needed.

With each day, your baby wakes from a nap a little more firmly planted in this world. Stardust slowly traded for the lavender scent of freshly bathed skin. He seems not only to struggle less with the noise and bright harshness of our world, but even begins to enjoy it, as he nuzzles your bosom while nursing, cooing when he hears your voice. And that’s when you realize; your baby has not come so fully into this world, as he has transported you partially into his. That’s the gift.

They are newborn. But we are newly born.

Before, life was measured by a different stick. Hours were counted in wages, and worth was awarded only if man-made milestones were met. Fortune was counted in a series of zeros and ones on a screen that told you of the state of virtual wealth that lived online, counted by machines.

But now, looking down at your precious baby, you see a new treasure that shines so brightly it moves you to tears. Your tears bend light, swaddling that perfect baby in a watery halo as you stare deep into his eyes. He returns your gaze steadily, with fascination, looking deep into your soul, so as to know you better. And that’s when it happens. Slow as a sunbeam spreading its first ray across the darkest sky. Slow as the swampy blade of an old fan lazily ticking in the still breeze of a hot southern afternoon. Slow as trust earned, a first smile splits that angels face and were there ever any shadows in your heart, were there ever any doubts that haunted your soul, they are all banished, replaced in an instance with one missive: to be worthy of that smile. To never let it down.

As you soul-stare into each other’s eyes, and that innocent perfect baby unflinchingly studies your face, you know you are bound together. That it is your job to not only shepherd this child into adulthood, but to remind each other on life’s long dusty road, to keep one foot firmly planted in this world without losing touch with the bit of heaven brought with that newborn. Never letting go of that special place we all come from, but too soon forget.

This is the sweet gift of the newborn. May our ears never grow deaf to the music box of their tiny heart, and may its magic be a sweet perfume that informs our senses for all our days without ceasing.

Hi all,

As you know I have been producing a new CD - my version of a kids' album. And as with Lullaby, it's been so liberating and fun (and don't worry I have a "Pieces of You"-style folk album on the horizon but first things first).

I used the Beatles' "Rocky Raccoon" as a template as I wrote all but two. The other two I co-wrote with my friend Patrick Davis.

I want the album to be fun for kids and adults, whether they have kids or not. I looked at it as a chance to write songs for my baby boy, that he can dance around to when he arrives. I still see this as a record that will stand up in my anthology as I look back at my career. It's similar to Lullaby in its consistent songwriting and production, but it differs in that it has up-tempo songs. All of them are story-telling songs. I hope to design and create children's books out of several of the songs. I love some of the stories that are told. They are begging to be picture books!

Some songs are geared more for kids, and some for parents. One of my favorite things about these indie records is there are no rules! No singles are needed and I can do any style I feel like. I write in whatever style helps tell the story best. There are bossonovas, roots country, folk songs, Dixieland and classic American Standards style. I get to be myself as a versatile writer and just do whatever the heck I want! Making up stories is really fun!

We worked at a record pace on this CD. I wanted it finished before I got too big to be very productive, so I wanted it mixed and mastered by April. The only problem was that as of the beginning of February I did not even have one song written!

Patrick and I wrote 15 songs in 5 days! Album done!

We recorded at my home studio - 19 basic tracks including vocals, and 10 piano overdubs in 7 days! A record setting pace I think!

Patrick recommended a friend of his to play guitar and piano, Less Hall. He's a young rocker from the rock band Crossfade. I was very impressed with his focus and versatility. He played blues, honkytonk, jazz, country and folk all really well! Engineering and mixing we have another rocker - Mark Dearnley, who worked on AC/DC records back in the day and many rock albums like Motorhead, Def Leppard and Ozzy Osbourne. I swear I'm ruining their rock credentials with this album - ha!

Additionally, I have a few songs on this album I did not write. "My Favorite Things" is a favorite of mine from "The Sound Of Music" and some classic old songs like "Oh Suzanna" and the folk song "The Green Grass Grows All Around."

One song on the album you all will recognize, "The Cold Song" and there is a new one I wrote called "Sara Swan." I have to say it is my favorite on the album right now.

I am hoping to get all the songs on the album, but that has yet to be determined. For now I will give you a list of everything I have recorded. If some don't make the cut, I will post a list of those making the CD later.

I will also post the lyrics of all the songs daily or weekly - whatever makes sense.

A complete list of songs:

1 Play Day

2 Only Shadows

3 The Supermarket Song

4 Sara Swan

5 Count On Me

6 The Snooze Button Blues

7 Sammy the Spider

8 Just Like Penguins Do

9 Bucky the Bull

10 What's What I'd Do

11 In My Room

12 Oh Suzanna

13 My Favorite Things

14 Green Grass Grows All Around

15 Friday

16 You'll Be Alright

17 The Cold Song

18 Give Me the Rainbow

19 Happy

Jewel's first children's book, "That's What I'd Do," is published.

"Ring Of Fire" starring Jewel in the lead role as June Carter Cash and Matt Ross as Johnny Cash premieres on the Lifetime Network.

Jewel's second children's book, "Sweet Dreams," is published.

Jewel’s EDA Swanky Soirée & Live Recording Session

Jewel & Dolly Parton Studio Session, Sony Tree Studios in Nashville, TN