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Jo Dee Messina built her career through persistence, powerful vocals, and a run of hit songs that placed her among the most successful female country artists of the late 1990s and early 2000s. She was born Jo Dee Marie Messina on August 25, 1970, in Framingham, Massachusetts, and raised in nearby Holliston. Growing up in a musical household, she developed an early interest in country music and was influenced by artists such as Patsy Cline, Reba McEntire, and The Judds. As a teenager she began performing locally, gaining experience in clubs around the Boston area before making the decision to pursue a professional career in Nashville.
After relocating to Nashville, Messina worked to establish herself in the competitive country music industry and eventually secured a recording contract with Curb Records. Her debut album, Jo Dee Messina, was released on March 26, 1996. The record introduced her to national audiences through the singles “Heads Carolina, Tails California” and “You’re Not in Kansas Anymore,” both of which reached the Top Ten on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The album also included “Do You Want to Make Something of It” and “He’d Never Seen Julie Cry,” helping establish Messina as a rising voice in contemporary country music. The album later received a gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America.
Her commercial breakthrough arrived with the second studio album I’m Alright, released on March 17, 1998. The album became her highest selling release and earned double platinum certification for sales of more than two million copies in the United States. It produced several major hit singles including “Bye, Bye,” “I’m Alright,” and “Stand Beside Me,” all of which reached number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The project also included the single “Lesson in Leavin’,” which climbed to number two on the chart, and “Because You Love Me,” which reached the Top Ten. The album’s success made Messina the first female country artist to achieve three multiple week number one songs from the same album.
Messina continued that success with the release of Burn on August 1, 2000. The album reached number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and later earned platinum certification. The title track “Burn” became one of her best known recordings, while the album also produced the number one hit “That’s the Way.” With these releases Messina established a consistent presence on country radio and became known for energetic performances and songs that blended traditional country elements with contemporary production.
During the following years Messina expanded her catalog with several additional releases. Her Christmas themed album A Joyful Noise arrived in 2002, followed by the compilation Greatest Hits in 2003, which included several of her chart successes along with new recordings. In 2005 she returned with the studio album Delicious Surprise, which featured the single “My Give a Damn’s Busted.” That song reached number one on the Billboard country chart and became another defining hit in her career. Later projects included the album Me in 2014 as well as extended play releases that continued her presence in the genre.
Throughout her career Messina accumulated a significant number of chart successes and industry honors. Six of her singles reached number one on the Billboard country chart, and her recordings have produced numerous Top Ten hits. Her albums have achieved multiple gold and platinum certifications, and worldwide sales have surpassed five million records. The industry also recognized her achievements with honors from both the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music, along with two Grammy Award nominations.
Messina’s career also extends beyond recording and touring. She has been involved in Christian faith based outreach and has shared her personal experiences through speaking engagements and faith centered projects. In addition, she has appeared on television and participated in charitable activities connected to community organizations and benefit events. Her continued touring schedule and long running catalog of hits have kept her active with audiences decades after her first chart success.
Complete List Of Jo Dee Messina Songs From A to Z
- A Joyful Noise – A Joyful Noise – 2002
- A Woman’s Rant – Me – 2014
- Angelene – Burn – 2000
- Another Shoulder at the Wheel – Jo Dee Messina – 1996
- Because You Love Me – I’m Alright – 1998
- Breakin’ It Down – Me – 2014
- Bring On the Rain (duet with Tim McGraw) – Burn – 2000
- Burn – Burn – 2000
- Bye Bye – I’m Alright – 1998
- Closer – Burn – 2000
- Cover Me – I’m Alright – 1998
- Dare to Dream – Burn – 2000
- Delicious Surprise (I Believe It) – Delicious Surprise – 2005
- Do You Wanna Make Something of It – Jo Dee Messina – 1996
- Downtime – Burn – 2000
- Even God Must Get the Blues – I’m Alright – 1998
- Every Little Girl’s Dream – Jo Dee Messina – 1996
- Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas – A Joyful Noise – 2002
- He’d Never Seen Julie Cry – Jo Dee Messina – 1996
- He’s Messed Up – Me – 2014
- Heads Carolina, Tails California – Jo Dee Messina – 1996
- I Didn’t Have to Leave You – Jo Dee Messina – 1996
- I Know a Heartache – I’m Alright – 1998
- I Wear My Life – Delicious Surprise – 2005
- I’ll Be Home for Christmas – A Joyful Noise – 2002
- I’m Alright – I’m Alright – 1998
- I’m Free – Me – 2014
- If Not You – Burn – 2000
- It Gets Better – Delicious Surprise – 2005
- It’s Too Late to Worry – Delicious Surprise – 2005
- Keep the Faith – A Joyful Noise – 2002
- Lesson in Leavin – I’m Alright – 1998
- Let It Go – Jo Dee Messina – 1996
- Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! – A Joyful Noise – 2002
- Life Is Good – Delicious Surprise – 2005
- Like a Kid Again – Me – 2014
- Love Is Not Enough – Delicious Surprise – 2005
- Love on a Maybe – Me – 2014
- Me – Me – 2014
- My Give a Damn’s Busted – Delicious Surprise – 2005
- No Time for Tears – I’m Alright – 1998
- Not Dead Yet – Me – 2014
- Not Going Down – Delicious Surprise – 2005
- Nothing I Can Do – Burn – 2000
- O Holy Night – A Joyful Noise – 2002
- On a Wing and a Prayer – Jo Dee Messina – 1996
- Peace Sign – Me – 2014
- Saturday Night – Burn – 2000
- Say Goodbye to Superman – Me – 2014
- Silent Night – A Joyful Noise – 2002
- Silver Bells – A Joyful Noise – 2002
- Silver Thunderbird – I’m Alright – 1998
- Sleigh Ride – A Joyful Noise – 2002
- Someone Else’s Life – Delicious Surprise – 2005
- Stand Beside Me – I’m Alright – 1998
- Strong Shot of You – Me – 2014
- Take It – Me – 2014
- That’s the Way – Burn – 2000
- The Christmas Song – A Joyful Noise – 2002
- These Are the Days – Burn – 2000
- Walk to the Light – Jo Dee Messina – 1996
- What Child Is This? – A Joyful Noise – 2002
- Where Were You – Delicious Surprise – 2005
- Who’s Crying Now – Delicious Surprise – 2005
- Winter Wonderland – A Joyful Noise – 2002
- You Were Just Here – Delicious Surprise – 2005
- You’re Not in Kansas Anymore – Jo Dee Messina – 1996
Albums
Jo Dee Messina (1996): 10 songs
I’m Alright (1998): 10 songs
Burn (2000): 11 songs
A Joyful Noise (2002): 12 songs
Delicious Surprise (2005): 12 songs
Me (2014): 12 songs
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