Summary: Voices In My Head Podcast Episode #288: Jessica Crawford - Honestly Jessica was born into a family of deep faith and of rich musical history. Every Sunday morning, this great granddaughter of a fiery Pentecostal minister would watch from the pews as her mother would direct the church choir. In addition to church music, she also grew up inspired by her Granddaddy's play-by-ear instrumental talents and his Southern Gospel vocals that echoed the sound of her mother's childhood. On her father's side, her paternal grandmother and great-grandmother were classically trained pianists and vocalists. Despite her family's encouragement, Jessica struggled to see that the musical legacy from both sides of her family was establishing a future for her in music. After a painful relationship left her seeking true purpose, Jessica finally surrendered to what can only be described as a persistent "call" to music. After a year well spent in seminary she stepped out in faith and left the comfort of her small hometown, Bridgewater, VA, in 2011 and hit the road to Nashville. Her years in Music City were formative for both in ministry and in songwriting. A new dependence on God, involvement with an inner city missions base, and growing favor with songwriters and accomplished producers would all help Jessica find her voice as an artist and worship leader. In 2017, Jessica would leave Nashville with a 5 song independently released EP under her belt, multiple regional tours and invaluable industry and ministry experiences to become the Worship Arts Director for Fountain of Life Church in Burlington, NJ where she currently lives and serves. On September 14 Jessica will release "Honestly", a four song EP she describes as “a collection of vulnerable songs that do not shy away from the reality of my hardest life experiences while celebrating the hope I found in Jesus through it all.” The “Honestly” EP was written with the group the Brothers McClurg during a writing retreat in early 2017. It was produced by Chris Hoisington and recorded at Old Bear Studios in Batavia, NY. https://jessicacrawfordmusic.org/ RickLeeJames.com Blessings, Rick Lee James www.RickLeeJames.com
