Jo Dee Messina is firmly in the top ranks of country singers, with one of the genre’s most remarkable and distinctive voices and a unique musical and personal style. Her amazing career has brought her to the heights of country music - selling five million albums, numerous #1 singles, and earning multiple Grammy nominations.

Messina will appear at the McCallum Theatre at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 11.

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Her albums have gone Platinum (“Burn”) and Double Platinum (“I’m Alright”). The latter made history, as three consecutive singles reached the #1 spot for multiple weeks on the Billboard singles chart, making her the first female artist ever to earn that distinction.

Born in Massachusetts, Jo Dee was attracted to country music after hearing the recordings of Alabama, Hank Williams, Jr., Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton and Reba McEntire. She appeared in local plays and musicals, and by 16, she had a band that included her sister on bass and her brother on drums and gained experience performing in clubs in the Northeast. At 19, she loaded the car and headed to Nashville, where she entered talent contests and got a regular spot on Nashville’s “Live at Libby’s” radio show.
In 1996, Jo Dee released her self-titled debut album, and it produced two Top 10 hits and set the stage for her breakthrough, “I’m Alright.” Released in 1998, the first three single releases from the album all went to #1 - “Bye Bye,” “I’m Alright” and “Stand Beside Me.” I’m Alright went Double Platinum and was nominated for Album of the Year by the Academy of Country Music (ACM). Jo Dee won the ACM’s Top New Female Vocalist award and the County Music Association Horizon Award.

In 1999, Jo Dee released “Burn,” her first album to reach #1 on the country albums charts. The multi-platinum release added two more #1 singles to her collection, “Bring On The Rain,” and “That’s The Way.” She went on to release her favorite Christmas songs on “A Joyful Noise,” and later a greatest hits collection that debuted at #1 on the charts. “Delicious Surprise,” Jo Dee’s fourth studio album, featured songs that come from her heart, a group of songs that conveyed a musical message of optimism, strength and hope.

As her career moved from strength to strength, Jo Dee earned a reputation as a live performer. Jo Dee has also done a USO tour in Italy, played the White House and maintained an active schedule of charity work.

Her drive is evident in her personal life as well. A dedicated runner, she has completed two marathons and is training for a third.

Tickets ($60, $50, $40 and $25) are available by calling the McCallum Theatre box office at (760) 340-ARTS or online at www.mccallumtheatre.com.