Jewel Kilcher is in my opinion one of the greatest vocalist of this generation. She has very powerful lyrics combined with moving instrumental background music, and although her music is strong in her songs, the words stay at the forefront of attention.  In the words of Jewel, "I don't know how to do anything, I am trying to move mountains with words, but I am an ant." This is so true. But you'll notice that despite the fact that she says she is an ant, this doesn't keep her from moving mountains with her words. I think that's really cool. A lot of times I feel really small in this world but the only way you'll go through life unnoticed is if you don't speak your feelings because you feel you're too small. That's one of the things I love about Jewel. In a world where worrying about your appearance is a major deal, she doesn't care that she has crooked teeth, and she sings things like "She's an ugly girl. Does it make you feel safe?", she takes a big chance at being looked down upon. There's certain things that need to be said but there are few people that are brave enough to say them considering the potential consequences. Jewel is one of the people, though, that says what she thinks.

Here's what I know. Jewel was born and raised in Homer, Alaska. She has been performing since she was five, when she would do shows with her parents for Eskimo Villages. She attended her Junior, and Senior years of high school at Interlochen Fine Arts Academy in Michigan. From there she moved to San Diego to live with her mother. After being fired from many meaningless jobs she decided to pursue music. With this in mind she moved into her VW van and, living on carrot sticks and peanut butter, she began writing songs. She played a Pacific Beach coffee house called the Inner Change until 1994 when she was signed by Atlantic Records. At this point she was 19. While still playing the coffee house, Atlantic had four recording sessions which were used to produce her debut album, "Pieces of You".