Jessie James Decker
Jessie James Decker | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Birth name | Jessica Rose James |
Born | Vicenza, Italy | April 12, 1988
Genres | Country, pop[1] |
Occupation | Singer |
Years active | 2008–present |
Labels | Mercury, Show Dog-Universal Music |
Website | Official website |
Jessica Rose "Jessie" James Decker (born April 12, 1988) is an American country pop singer-songwriter and reality T.V. personality. Having auditioned for and being rejected by most of the country labels in Nashville, Tennessee at age fifteen, James began working on refining her craft with Carla Wallace of Big Yellow Dog Music. One of her songs attracted the attention of Mercury Records which offered her a recording contract. She released her debut album, Jessie James, in 2009. She stars with her husband Eric Decker in the E! reality show Eric & Jessie: Game On. On April 18, 2014, James released an EP through iTunes on 19 Recordings entitled Comin' Home.[2]
Early Life
James was born April 12, 1988 in Vicenza, Italy.[1][3] She began singing at the age of two, and won her first talent contest in Baker, Louisiana at the age of nine singing "I Want to Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart". She told her mother about the show after hearing about it from her grandmother. By then, she had already been writing songs on a plastic guitar and performed at SeaWorld and in Warner Robins, in 2000. At age fifteen, she made weekly trips to Nashville to hone her songwriting. She had auditioned and was turned down by almost all the country labels in Nashville, with one label head offering a development deal. At seventeen, James was introduced to Carla Wallace of independent label Big Yellow Dog Music, who helped her with her songwriting and singing.
Career
Music
One of her songs, "Gypsy Girl", written with two writers from Yellow Dog, had been pitched to American Idol contestant and winner Carrie Underwood. Underwood put it on hold for her record, but nonetheless made it into the hands of record executive David Massey, who brought her to the attention of L.A. Reid. She auditioned for Reid singing her song "My Cowboy", produced by John Rich. James soon inked a contract with Mercury Records.[3] Originally thinking that she would be producing a country record, James was instead told to record a pop album by record executives.[4] She also claimed to have been asked to sound like pop singer Britney Spears.[5] She described the recording process as "intense" as the label sent her to work with hip-hop producers who asked her to sound less country despite her desire to make country music.[4] She described herself in an interview as "a country girl at heart," having grown up listening to the genre, preferring it to pop.[6]
Her debut album, Jessie James, was released in August 2009, debuting at number twenty-three on the Billboard 200. The music on the album was a fusion between country and pop music, with more emphasis placed on the latter as dictated by her label. The album also featured writing credits from James and seasoned pop songwriter Kara DioGuardi and Mitch Allan among others.[6] The album received a mixed reception from critics, Allmusic received the album positively, but found that despite being marketed as such and featuring some country influenced production, the music on the album was far cry from country music.[7] Slant thought that the album only superficially pulled together influences from pop, country and hip-hop while failing to pander to any of those audiences.[8] Its first single, "Wanted", produced by Allan, had been released in April and peaked at number forty on the Billboard Hot 100. She later performed in the Middle East with singer Kid Rock and comedian Carlos Mencia for US troops stationed overseas.[9]
James began working on her second album, Sweet American Dreams,[10] in 2010, initially planned to be released in late summer.[11] The album was to be of the same country-pop sound as her debut, with James being given more leeway by Mercury in incorporating country sounds.[6] The first single, "Boys in the Summer", released in June, was a minor country success but failed to chart on the Billboard Hot 100. Having struggled with accepting her career path as a pop singer, James told her label in the midst of preparations for her album that she did not want to be a pop artist and wanted to record country music.[5] After negotiations, Massey asked Mark Wright from Show Dog-Universal Music, which had facilitated the country release of "Boys in the Summer" in November, to help Mercury/IDJ launch James in the country genre.[12] James then began recording in April 2011.[10] "When You Say My Name" was produced by Wright and released on January 31, 2012. "Military Man" was released on May 22, 2012. She was removed from the Show Dog Universal roster in 2013.[13] James released an extended play, Comin' Home, on April 18, 2014, which hit number one on iTunes top albums chart and debuted in the top 5 on Billboard's top country albums chart.[2] James released two new singles in 2015, "Clint Eastwood" and "Lights Down Low." "Clint Eastwood" was in high rotation on SiriusXM's The Highway and CMT.[citation needed] "Lights Down Low" hit number one on iTunes top country songs upon its release in August 2015. James signed with Epic Records on January 14, 2016. [citation needed]
Fashion
Kittenish by Kora Rae
In June of 2015, Decker debuted her clothing and accessory line "Kittenish" for Kora Rae.
"Kittenish" Collaboration With Kora Rae Decker’s fashion sense and own personal style has caught the eye of fans and followers making her a fashion icon (People). Due to this appeal, in June of 2015 Decker debuted her clothing and accessory line "Kittenish" for Kora Rae. The collection is designed in a way that is meant to “build confidence...and make you feel good” (People). The collection ranges from formal to everyday wear and has continued to produce new lines each season.
Amore & Sorvete
During the Summer of 2015, Decker also collaborated with Amore & Sorvete on a line of matching bathing suits and bandanas. The line included bikinis for infants, mom’s-to-be, and everyone in between.
Beauty
Online Tutorials
In 2011, Decker launched a YouTube channel designated to her own beauty, music, and style.
Decker’s inspiration behind her beauty tutorials stems from the idea that art is beauty, stating “I have always loved fashion and feel it’s another way to express my creativity.” These tutorials range from makeup and hair tips to how-to’s as a way to help anyone achieve her look.
Hair Products
These tutorials helped her launch her own hairspray line including a “Jessie James Decker Kit” and hair perfume in 2015. She also has her own line of shampoo and conditioner with Fave 4 which launched in 2015.
She stars with her husband Eric Decker in the E! reality show Eric & Jessie: Game On, and joined wrestling icon Steve Austin as co-host of Redneck Island[14] in 2014.
Musical style and influences
James co-wrote the majority of the songs on her debut album.[15] The album is of a country pop fusion genre, revealing her taste for not only country music, but pop and soul music as well.[15] The beat for "Blue Jeans" was a recording of James stepping, as she was in the step team in school.[16] Initially, she faced opposition for her soul music-inspired vocal runs when trying to get signed in Nashville.[15] She has listed Christina Aguilera, Jessica Simpson, Bobbie Gentry, Janis Joplin, Shelby Lynne, and Shania Twain as influences.[15][17] Initially, she also stated that she wanted a career similar to those of Gentry and Twain, who were signed to pop labels but found crossover success in both country and pop music.[15]
Personal life
On June 22, 2013, Jessie married Eric Decker,[18][19] a starting wide receiver for the New York Jets[20] of the National Football League who at the time played for the Denver Broncos.[21] In September 2013, it was announced that the couple was expecting their first child together.[22] In November 2013, it was announced that the couple was expecting a baby girl.[23] James gave birth to their daughter Vivianne Rose Decker in March 2014.[24] James gave birth to a son, Eric Thomas Decker II in September 2015.[25]
Discography
Studio albums
Title | Details | Peak positions | Sales |
---|---|---|---|
US [26] | |||
Jessie James |
|
23 |
|
Extended plays
Title | Details | Peak chart positions | Sales | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
US Country [27] |
US [26] |
US Indie [28] |
US Holiday [29] | |||
Comin' Home |
|
5 | 28 | 4 | — |
|
This Christmas |
|
16 | 178 | 7 | 42 |
|
"—" denotes releases that did not chart |
Singles
Year | Single | Peak chart positions | Certifications (sales threshold) |
Album | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
US [33] |
US Pop [34] |
US Dance [35] |
US Country [36] |
CAN [37] | |||||
2009 | "Wanted" | 40 | 23 | 18 | — | 82 | Jessie James | ||
"I Look So Good (Without You)"[39] | 103[A] | — | — | — | — | ||||
"My Cowboy"[41] | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
2010 | "Boys in the Summer" | 116[B] | — | — | 58 | — | — | ||
2012 | "When You Say My Name"[42] | — | — | — | — | — | |||
"Military Man" | — | — | — | 49 | — | ||||
2013 | "I Do" | — | — | — | 39 | — | |||
2015 | "Clint Eastwood"[43] | — | — | — | — | — | |||
"Lights Down Low"[44] | — | — | — | 38 | — | ||||
"—" denotes releases that did not chart |
- Notes
- ^ "I Look So Good (Without You)" did not enter the Billboard Hot 100, but charted at number 3 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles extension chart.[40]
- ^ "Boys in the Summer)" did not enter the Billboard Hot 100, but charted at number 16 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles extension chart.[40]
Music videos
Year | Video | Director |
---|---|---|
2009 | "Wanted" | Travis Kopach[45] |
"I Look So Good (Without You)" | Chris Baldwin[46] | |
"My Cowboy" | Colin Tilley[47] | |
2010 | "Boys in the Summer" | Roman White[48] |
"Dear John" | Roman Dent[49] | |
2011 | "When You Say My Name" | Kristin Barlowe[50] |
2015 | "Clint Eastwood" | Marcel Chagnon[51] |
Other appearances
2010: "Come Undone" (My Darkest Days featuring Jessie James)
References
- ^ Leahey, Andrew. "(((Jessie James > Overview)))" Allmusic. Rovi Corporation. Retrieved June 24, 2010.
- ^ a b c "Comin Home - EP by Jessie James Decker". iTunes Store. April 18, 2014. Retrieved July 6, 2014.
- ^ Kolenovic, Alisa (June 15, 2009). "Jessie James". Billboard. Retrieved July 6, 2014.
- ^ a b Bjorke, Matt. "New Artist Spotlight: Meet Jessie James". Roughstock.com. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
- ^ a b Parton, Chris (March 7, 2012). "Jessie James Reloads for Another Shot in Country". CMT. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
- ^ a b c "Jessie James interview". Beatweek. September 7, 2010. Archived from the original on August 26, 2012. Retrieved October 14, 2011.
- ^ Thomas, Stephen (August 11, 2009). "Jessie James – Jessie James". AllMusic. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
- ^ "Jessie James: Jessie James | Music Review". Slant Magazine. August 10, 2009. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
- ^ [1] Archived 2010-03-05 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ a b [2] [dead link ]
- ^ "Jessie James reveals new album title: Daughter of a Gypsy". Beatweek. July 16, 2010. Archived from the original on August 31, 2010. Retrieved October 14, 2011.
- ^ "Headline of the Day – January 18, 2012". Allaccess.com. January 18, 2012. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
{{cite web}}
:|first=
missing|last=
(help) - ^ "Artists". Show Dog - Universal Music. Retrieved July 6, 2014.
- ^ "'Redneck Island' Set to Return to CMT with Hot New Twist on December 4 - Ratings - TVbytheNumbers.Zap2it.com". TVbytheNumbers.
- ^ a b c d e "Interview: Jessie James – Singer and Songwriter". Blogcritics.org. Retrieved August 31, 2010.
- ^ "Interview: Jessie James @ARTISTdirect". Artistdirect.com. Retrieved 2015-09-18.
- ^ "Artist in the Wings – Jessie James". Top40.about.com. May 28, 2009. Retrieved August 31, 2010.
- ^ "Singer Jessie James Engaged To Broncos' Eric Decker". Starpulse.com. April 3, 2012. Retrieved April 12, 2012.
- ^ "Jessie James-Eric Decker engaged; WrestleMania XXVIII recap: Hot Clicks". Sports Illustrated. April 2, 2012. Retrieved April 12, 2012.
- ^ "Jessie James dating Erick Decker; Logan Morrison's LoMoHawk: Hot Clicks". Sports Illustrated. September 22, 2011. Retrieved October 14, 2011.
- ^ Keeney, Tim (June 23, 2013). "Eric Decker and Jessie James Wedding: Attendees, Photos and Details". Bleacher Report. Retrieved July 6, 2014.
- ^ Nessif, Bruna (September 21, 2013). "Jessie James Is Pregnant! Country Singer & NFL Hubby Eric Decker Are Expecting Their First Child". E!. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
- ^ Leon, Anya (November 1, 2013). "It'll Be a Girl for Eric Decker and Jessie James". People. Retrieved July 6, 2014.
- ^ "Eric Decker and Jessie James Decker Welcome Baby Girl Vivianne Rose!". E!. March 18, 2014. Retrieved July 6, 2014.
- ^ Leon, Anya (September 4, 2015). "Eric and Jessie James Decker Welcome Son Eric Thomas II". People. Retrieved September 6, 2015.
- ^ a b "Jessie James Album & Song Chart History – Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
- ^ "Jessie James Album & Song Chart History – Country Albums". Billboard. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
- ^ "Jessie James Album & Song Chart History – Independent Albums". Billboard. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
- ^ "Jessie James Album & Song Chart History – Holiday Albums". Billboard. Retrieved December 15, 2015.
- ^ Conaway, Alanna (April 23, 2014). "Country Music's Top 10 Albums: The Week of April 23, 2014". Roughstock.
- ^ "This Christmas by Jessie James Decker". iTunes Store (Canada). Apple Inc. Retrieved 8 December 2015.
- ^ Bjorke, Matt (December 12, 2015). "Top Country Albums Chart: December 14, 2015". Roughstock.
- ^ "Jessie James Album & Song Chart History – Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
- ^ "Jessie James Album & Song Chart History – Pop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
- ^ "Jessie James Album & Song Chart History – Dance/Club Play Songs". Billboard. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
- ^ References for Hot Country Songs peaks:
- For "Boys in the Summer" and "Military Man": "Jessie James Album & Song Chart History — Hot Country Songs". Billboard. Retrieved September 17, 2015.
- For "I Do" and "Lights Down Low": "Chart Search". Billboard Hot Country Songs for Jessie James Decker. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
{{cite web}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help)
- ^ "Jessie James – Wanted – Music Charts". acharts.us. Retrieved July 28, 2010.
- ^ "RIAA – Gold & Platinum – January 4, 2011: Jessie James certified singles". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved January 4, 2011.
- ^ "R&R :: Going For Adds :: Hot AC" (Week Of: October 30, 2009). Radio & Records. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
- ^ a b "Chart Search". Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles for Jessie James. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
{{cite web}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ "Jessie James: My Cowboy - Music on Google Play". Google Play. Google. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
- ^ "Jessie James: When You Say My Name - Music on Google Play". Google Play. Google. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
- ^ "Jessie James Decker: Clint Eastwood - Music on Google Play". Google Play. Google. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
- ^ "Lights Down Low - Single by Jessie James Decker". iTunes Store (US). Apple Inc. Retrieved 17 September 2015.
- ^ "Music Video News: SHOT: Jessie James – Travis Kopach, director". Video Static. April 1, 2009. Retrieved August 31, 2010.
- ^ "Music Video News: SHOT: Jessie James – Chris Baldwin, director". Video Static. August 14, 2009. Retrieved August 31, 2010.
- ^ "Music Video News: SHOT: Jessie James – Colin Tilley, director". Video Static. September 21, 2009. Retrieved August 31, 2010.
- ^ "Music Video News: BOOKED: Jessie James – Roman White, dir". Video Static. May 17, 2010. Retrieved August 31, 2010.
- ^ "Dear John - Jessie James". Vevo. 2010-09-15. Retrieved 2015-09-18.
- ^ "CMTT Exclusive: 10 Quick Quirky Questions with Jessie James". Country Music Tattle Tale. January 31, 2012. Retrieved March 26, 2012.
- ^ "CMT : Videos : Jessie James : Clint Eastwood". Country Music Television. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
External links
- 1988 births
- American expatriates in Italy
- American female country singers
- American country singer-songwriters
- American pop singers
- American female singers
- Italian emigrants to the United States
- Living people
- Mercury Records artists
- Military brats
- People from Warner Robins, Georgia
- Show Dog-Universal Music artists