About
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From Jo:
I am a Singer/Songwriter. That's who I am. I have music and lyrics running through my veins. "They" always say, "Write what you know." As a Songwriter, I do just that. I've observed, and I've experienced all types of situations, and I write about the emotions felt behind the moment, good or bad, happy or sad. My goal as a Songwriter is to write material that the listener can connect with, and leave them with an unforgettable experience thru song. As a Singer, my goal is to deliver the song with authenticity. I've found as I grow older, and obtain more experience in life, delivering the song to the listener, with the proper emotion, becomes much easier than before. I've been told I have a natural talent for writing songs that touch the heart and the mind, a compliment I will take and run with.
I'm really grateful for all the support I've received over the years! Without the support of my family, friends, and fans, I would just be singing in the shower or to my pets. I'm grateful that even when I wasn't writing or performing, people still pushed me on, encouraging me to pursue my passion, my dreams. I will always be grateful to anyone who believes in me. Hugs!!
Jo Braithwaite is a Singer/Songwriter from South Central Pennsylvania. She has been performing and entertaining others most of her life! She taught herself how to play the guitar and other instruments at the age of 18. After learning a few basic chords, she wrote her first song, "Mama". Jo was a member of her high school's choir program, but she had been singing long before. In 2004, Jo attended a Vocal Master Class lead by renowned vocal coach, Renee Grant-Williams, in Nashville, TN. Her "number" was pulled to come up an perform during the conference. However, having left her guitar in the hotel, she passed on performing. Her number was drawn a few minutes later, and Renee said "I think you are meant to perform for us today!" So, thanks to a kind soul, she borrowed a guitar, and sang her heart out. A friend in the audience pointed out to Jo she received the loudest applause of anyone, as well as a standing ovation!
Jo mostly performs solo now, but at one time, she had been a part of several bands over the years, most notably, the acoustic duo, Symplicity. While in Symplicity, she performed in venues across Pennsylvania. Her biggest accomplishment in the acoustic duo was producing, directing, and recording their debut album, "Worth The Wait". "I was all over this album, creatively and artistically." she says. She could not have done it alone though, and is grateful for the help of all the talented people that worked on the project to help get it out into the world!
Jo took a long break from performing after an accident in July 2008. During this time, it was just to painful, both physically and emotionally, to pick up her guitar and play. She did take a chance, in spite of the pain, to audition for America's Got Talent in 2009. She was not selected, but she had quite the experience! Just like any passion or true love, she couldn't stay away from music forever. She picked up her guitar and started writing songs again in 2017. Her goal now is to record a solo album for release in 2018, and to perform wherever she is welcome.
Alex Greenberg, with Pennsylvania Musicians Magazine writes, "Braithwaite's voice has got to be one of the best kept secrets in homegrown music around: warm, smoky, and resonant, it is able to convey strong emotions without ever getting thin or brassy and dramatic."
Jo's song "With Me", was selected to appear on a compilation cd, marketed by SBS Records of Atlanta, Georgia. Her song joined other music recorded from the acts of Amy Ray of the Indigo Girls, and Michelle Malone. Also, the song "Mama" was selected and placed on the Oasis Cd Manufacturing Compilation Acoustic Cd set, and was sent to radio stations across the United States and Canada.
Jo resides in South Central Pennsylvania with her dog, Cash and her 4 cats (who are mostly rescues). She believes in the "Pay It Forward" philosophy and her favorite quote is "Tomorrow is another day to try again!"
Jo is a member of BMI, Broadcast Music, Inc.