Maura O'Connell

Jonell is as honest as they come, both in her personal life and in her music, which is stunning in its raw power, scope and ability to take you places youve never been. She hassurvived bad business breaks and regrettable timing. In addition to her fourofficial album releases, she has made three records that never came outbecause of various hassles. But shes not about to give up her dream. She may be a best-kept secret in some quarters, but if you believe in karmaand talent, then Jonell will have her day. Im a hippie, honey, from way back,the Kentucky native says with a laugh while sitting in her instrument-filled home inNashville. Im not so much about thinking as about doing. And Im not donewith this yet. I plan to be involved with (my career) more and more. I relishthat. Jonell has a voice that can belt like Janis Joplin but also convey thefinesse of folk, jazz and Southern soul. She is a true musicians musician.Her own records have been first-rate, but she has also been summoned tosing backup studio vocals for the likes of B.B. King, Trisha Yearwood, EttaJames, Wynona (on the hit No One Else on Earth), Rodney Crowell, VinceGill, Waylon Jennings, Patty Smythe, A.J. Croce and Bruce Cockburn on hispopular Last Night of the World. Not many artists can boast that kind ofrespect. For my whole career, Ive gotten the question, Why arent you abigger star? Jonell says. But Im not the person to answer that question.Ive had the chance to do so many things, but it just hasnt been my timeyet.