Jessica Simpson Bio (Biography)

More Jessica

Jessica Simpson Bio

Jessica Simpson is far from being just another pop princess. A product of the Christian music scene, her music is an infusion of pop, R&B and soul, and the message it delivers is consistent with her own firmly held beliefs.

"I think that freshness and that innocence is something that is missing from a lot of female singers. I'm certainly not denying that I'm young, but I'm not fluff." ~ Jessica

Though she was born in Dallas, Texas on July 10th, 1980, Jessica Ann Simpson grew up in the small town of Richardson. Her father, Joe, a psychologist, was active in the local Baptist church and it was there that Jessica received her earliest training singing in the choir. So obvious was her talent that at age 12 she auditioned for the Mickey Mouse club. Unfortunately, she froze during the final try out and failed to make the cut.

Back in Richardson, she came to the attention of the head of a small Christian music label who heard her sing an a cappella version of Amazing Grace at Church camp. She worked on her first album for three years, but before it was launched the label folded. Her grandmother stepped in and paid to have the album pressed and released. Undaunted, and accompanied by her father who had become her manager, Jessica made a name for herself on the Christian Youth Conference circuit where she performed before large audiences and sold her albums after the show. Word of the little girl with the big voice spread throughout the industry and she was approached by Sony. After receiving guarantees that she would not be turned into another pop princess clone, she signed.

"I knew that in pop music I had more of a chance to reach more people. I knew that somehow, it was all in God's plan for me to make the music I make and to touch the people." ~ Jessica

Simpson, well known in Christian circles, was introduced to the mainstream market while touring with Rickey Martin and 98°. This was a prelude to the release of her 1999 debut album Sweet Kisses which produced the hit single "I Wanna Love You Forever." Her second album, Irresistible, came out in 2001. Though the title track was a smash hit, the album was not as successful as her first.

In 2002, Jessica married long-time boyfriend Nick Lachey of 98° fame. She also appeared in several episodes of That 70's Show. But it was an offer from MTV that would really change her life. They wanted to produce an Osbourne-like reality show about her and Nick's daily life. Newlyweds debuted in August of 2003. The audience loved her, the show was a huge hit and suddenly Jessica Simpson was a household name. Her third album, her most mature effort to date, In This Skin had appeared in July 2003 and though the accompanying single Sweetest Sin had been a moderate hit, the album had caused little excitement. Now, however, with Jessica at the height of popularity, the album was reworked and re-released in the spring of 2004.

"I'm such a sucker for sappy songs. I'm a big romantic, and I love love - I love singing about it and listening to songs about it." ~ Jessica

Rumors about Nick and Jennifer and a possible breakup pop up daily in the tabloids. As to the true state of their relationship, we'll be the last to know.

Us Weekly recently reported that now that Nick and Jessica have wrapped up the Newlyweds, they'll be selling the home in Calabasas, California that was a fixture on the program. "They feel that the house is too public," a source revealed, "and they want to start fresh."

On November 23, 2005, after months of speculation on their marital status, Jessica and Nick Lachey have announced they are breaking up. Here's the official release:

"After three years of marriage, and careful thought and consideration, we have decided to part ways," the couple says in a joint statement issued by their respective publicists, Meredith O'Sullivan and Rob Shooter. On June 30, 2006, the divorce was finalized.

"This is the mutual decision of two people with an enormous amount of respect and admiration for each other. We hope that you respect our privacy during this difficult time."

On the horizon are two films, a book and a new album. Luke Wilson co-starred with Simpson in her third film, Blonde Ambition, which is due out in 2008. She was recently back in front of the cameras filming her next movie "The Witness." A book containing selections from her personal journal and photographs, titled "Look Up To the Sky," is also in the works. She is also in studio recording with Eddie Galan and Drew Lane. Rumor has it that she may be recording a country album.