Up-and-coming country/pop artist Jessie James just completed her first tour of U.S. bases, but it was not exactly a new experience for her.
"I was born on a military base, and I was raised around the military," the 21-year-old self-described military brat said. "It was just part of my life."
James wrapped up her first Tour for the Troops with a concert for airmen and families at RAF Lakenheath, England, this month, performing alongside musician Kid Rock and comedian Carlos Mencia. The tour also included stops in Iraq, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Germany, playing with the Band of the Air Force Reserve.
The daughter of an Air Force fighter pilot, she was born in Italy and lived in 14 different places as a child. She says her experience with different environments and cultures made her a more sociable person and provided her with a good supply of experiences to write about.
James burst onto the scene last August with her self-titled debut album. She performed her most popular song, "Wanted," and others during the two-week-long tour, which James said has "definitely been an eye-opener." She said performing for the troops is something she had dreamed of doing, and would definitely return if asked.
"It’s a good feeling because you know that [the troops] appreciate it," James told Stars and Stripes before her final concert. "Because of their living situation over here and what they are doing, you can tell that they need it and appreciate it, and that every minute that we’re here counts."
Even at an early age, James was destined for the stage. When she was 9 she stole the spotlight at a talent show in Baker, La. James recalled contestants of all ages: senior citizens, adults and teens.
"Some of these people had been entering talent shows their whole life, and I had never done it and I won," James said. "After that I was like, ‘I guess I’m really good.’ I loved being on stage, and I loved performing. … After that, I got a guitar and I just took off."
James is currently working on a second album.
