ARTIST

Jessica Simpson

Dance-pop singer Jessica Simpson was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, beginning her performing career as a member of her church choir. At 12, she also auditioned unsuccessfully for "The Mickey Mouse Club." While attending church camp the following summer, Simpson was discovered by the head of a tiny CCM label, and spent the next three years recording her debut album. The label, however, folded before the record could be released, although a small pressing was eventually funded by her grandmother. Nevertheless, the teen became a hit on the Christian Youth Conference circuit, also sharing bills with Kirk Franklin, God's Property, and Ce Ce Winans.

Seeking to expand her popularity in the secular market, Simpson later signed to Sony and toured in support of boy-band sensations...
More...