Semi-Finalist Of GMA’s Seminar in the Rockies, Jackie O, Delivers Inspiring Sophomore CD, Forgiven

Feb. 13, 2012 - PRLog -- Jackie O is a singer’s singer.  Skillfully weaving vocals around CCM and gospel songs, Jackie uses a variety of musical mediums to convey her love for God.  Possessing a strong and powerful alto voice, she knows how to grab the listener from note one.  In 1998, she grabbed the ears of the judges at the world famous GMA Seminar in the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado, walking away with two awards: Third Place Vocalist IV and Third Place in the Top Duet Category, an honor she shared with her husband, Keith Kelley.  Listeners of the artist’s most recent release, Forgiven, understand why she’s captured the hearts of all who hear her music.

Forgiven is Jackie’s sophomore project and it’s a very personal release for the artist.  Many of the songs come from her own pen and are a reflection of her life and experiences.  Songs like the title tune, the Caribbean-flavored “Forgiven”, and the power ballad “Stronger”, showcase the diverse talents of the gifted singer, songwriter and musician.  Many will enjoy the liberating lyrics of “Letting Go”.  Peggy Oliver of TheUrbanMusicScene.com says, “‘Letting Go,’ an exercise of fully trusting in God, has an underlying soulful groove: ‘Like a hold of my hand because I have the perfect plan for your life, I’ll make it alright.’ The ballad ‘Show Himself Strong’ and the majestic ‘Show Me Your Ways (Psalms)’, anchored by Jackie O’s delightful piano drippings, are suitable for either pop or urban worship environments.”  It’s clear that Jackie O is a voice of inspiration for today.

Raised in a family of ten siblings, Jackie made her musical “debut” – at age 3 – singing with her three brothers at St. Paul CME Church in West Fresno, where her father was pastor.  She began playing piano at the age of 7, sometimes singing before her father took to the pulpit.  She started teaching music to youngsters and directing the children, youth and adult choirs at the age of 12.  Jackie became aware of her calling to music ministry as a teen, but it wasn’t until her late 20s that she answered the call.  She dropped her first release, All About You, in 2008.  Her talents have opened doors worldwide including opportunities to perform in Germany, Egypt, Dubai and Rome.  Currently, the Secretary at the Music Department of Roosevelt School of the Arts, Jackie O teaches piano and voice.  For decades, she’s served as a Worship Leader and Music Director at a number of churches in the Fresno area as well as in Alaska and overseas in Germany.  She is also the head of Joyful Noise Music Ministry where she helps churches develop music and worship programs.  In addition to being a musical artist, she’s a visual artist and is the creator of a line of greeting cards.  For more information on Jackie O, log on to www.JackieKelley.com.