Jessica Simpson was born in Dallas, Texas on July 10, 1980. At twelve she began singing in her Baptists church choir. She also auditioned that year for a part on Disney’s The Mickey Mouse Club. Although she make it to the finals, on the last audition she froze and was cut. Simpson’s father, who is a psychologist, also is a youth minister. One summer when she was at church camp, she sang a cover of Whitney Houston’s hit single, “I Will Always Love You,” and a rendition of “Amazing Grace.” While she was singing, Simpson caught the attention of a man who was planning on forming a gospel label. He saw a lot of talent in Simpson. She soon began recording gospel songs for the label. Before the album could be released, however, the label folded. Simpson then went on Christian youth Conferences with her father. At these conferences, she would sell her home-recorded album and sing in front of audiences. Simpson was only in Jr. High at this time. She even sang with gospel legends, Kirk Franklin and Ce Ce Winans. One of her independently-recorded albums reached the hands of Colubia Record’s CEO, Tony Mottola. Mottola instantly thought the singer sounded like Mariah Carey (Mottola’s former wife). Simpson soon signed to Columbia Records.
In December 1999, Simpson entered into the teeny-bopper mainstream. Althought she was classified in the teen sensation genre, critics soon released she was much more. Unlike other teen stars, Simpson truly had a very powerful voice. With her beautiful looks and strong voice, she immediately gained popularity. At only 5’3’’ people were wowed at her vocal ability. Simpson was different than other singers. She talked to the press about her beliefs and her father’s position as a minister. She discussed openly her plans at not having sex until she was married. The press she gained from those comments caused teen star Britney Spears to say the same thing (although Spears would later say she regretted ever saying it). Simpson also had a high-profile relationship with boy band 98 Degrees front man, Nick Lachey. Audiences saw Simpson as the sweet and beautiful girl next door causing her non-sexy image to be sexier than anything else on television.
Simpson’s debut album, Sweet Kisses, was a mix of pop and R&B. The singles, “I Wanna Love you forever” and “I Think I’m in Love” did very well. The album also featured a duet between Simpson and Lachey entitled “Where You Are.” Simpson then began touring. During that time, her and Lachey had a very public separation. The two soon got back together. In 2001, Simpson’s sophomore album, Irresistible, was released. The title track was re-mixed with rapper, Lil’ Bow Wow. The album was successful in many genres. It peaked at number 15 on the Hot 100 Chart, number 12 at Rhythmic Top 40, number 3 on Top 40 Mainstream, and number 5 on the Top 40 tracks. Although the album was not as successful as her debut, it was still critically acclaimed. Simpson soon began branching out and working on a career in acting. She had a recurring role on That 70s Show. She was also featured on an episode of UPN’s The Twilight Zone.
Lachey and Simpson soon got married. The wedding was very high profile. Soon after the wedding, Simpson released a book about how to have a perfect wedding. She then began working on her new album, In This Skin. The album depicts a much more mature Simpson. It is more mature, very sexual, and romantic. The first single, “The Sweetest Sin,” was written by Dian Warren. The video showed a new Simpson to her audiences. The song is very, very sexual. Another single from the album, “You Don’t Have To Let Go,” was written by Simpson about her father. The ballad discusses that she will always be his daughter and she still loves him even though she is now married. The single, “Underneath,” is about the time when her and Lachey were separated.
In 2003, Simpson’s image grew even larger. She and Nick are starring in an MTV reality show entitled Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica. The show caused a little disturbance with the star’s audience. Followers of Simpson saw her in a much different light. She no longer seems like the girl next door. Rather, there are times on the show when she appears childish, controlling, and snobby. Although people have complained about the star’s new attitude, the show is a hit on MTV.
Simpson’s younger sister, Ashlee, is now trying to have a singing career. Simpon’s mother is in charge of her wardrobe and business affairs, and her father is her manager. Today, Simpson is also a spokes person for Circle of Friends; a campaign against smoking.
Bio written by: bandhunt |
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