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A LITTLE INFORMATION: “JO ANN LEWIS”

NEW C.D.
“DOIN’ IT RIGHT”
“WHERE DID COUNTRY GO?”
****In 2005, I went to Nashville, Tn. at a producer's request to see about recording some of my songs for an album. I was given the opportunity and I was very appreciative of it but I decided to forgo this offer and I instead worked with another promoter I met there from Mississippi. He and I tried for a couple of years to get them recorded, but it seemed that nobody wanted the "traditional music" anymore. I now just sing and write and if something comes along it does, if not it doesn't. At least I am enjoying what I love to do...sing and write.....

**** I won "First Place" and "Best of Show" for "I'm Just a Shadow", at the Springfield Mo. fair for original music and lyrics in 2007. The contest was open to the whole US. I was quite proud and honored to win....****

I was born in California, in the San Joaquin Valley.
I lived with my Mother when I was small and lived with her for thirteen years. I then moved to be with my Father.
I married at an early age and had two beautiful children.
I have always been interested in music. I can remember as a child when I was doing dishes, I would sing into pots and pans as if they were a microphone. My sisters and I would sing three part harmony in the kitchen.
We really all loved to sing. I have one sister who sings quite a bit in church.
My uncle, who is now deceased, played the mandolin and was in a band most of his life. I guess I took after him, as I too play a little mandolin, notice I said a little because I am not that good at it. I do sing with some of the local bands from time to time.
I was in chorus in grade school, junior high and high school. I was usually the one they picked to sing solos.
In junior high we had an operetta, I was trying out for the lead with another girl, and the chorus director told me I sing too much like Tammy Wynette. I was crushed that I did not get the part, but was much honored to be compared to Tammy.
On Father’s Day 2003, I decided to write a poem and dedicate it to my Father and Mother and give it to my Father for Father’s day. It turned out really nice. My Father passed away soon after and I wrote a poem for his eulogy. From then on I was hooked on writing. I started writing poems and then they turned into lyrics for songs.
My first song lyric I wrote, a friend made a comment that worked into a song,“Ridin’ the Fence”
The second song I wrote, I was being inducted into the Moose Lodge, and a lady at the table made a statement about a “Bar in her Car” and I knew that was a song. I got to work and wrote “Bar in my Car.” I now love to write as it comes to me naturally, and I guess you could say it is in my blood. But I also have a life long love of singing.
I hope to go on writing and being creative for the rest of my life, and give something to everyone that they may enjoy listening too. If I go farther in the music business as a result of my writing or singing, that will be a plus also.

****Just a Note: I have been singing alot since these songs were recorded and if I had the money I would re-record them as I am so much of a better singing artist now than I was then. I did these just for demo purposes. I now sing with bands in the area from time to time.

Thank you,
Jo Ann