Simpson, Jessica
Jessica Simpson
Singer
Jessica Simpson is an accomplished singer whose impressive vocal ability, commitment to faith, and accessible image have transformed her from talented religious teen to certifiable pop star within a few short years. Armed with two successful records and a solid following, the young songstress secured a much-coveted position within the crowded arena of teen chart toppers in 2001. Additionally, her strong moral convictions and positive attitude have made her a notable role model to teen girls. Boasting a reported five-octave range and vocally likened to Mariah Carey, Simpson is considered a rising star within the music industry.
Simpson was born on July 10, 1980, in Richardson Texas, an affluent suburb north of Dallas. Her father was both a psychologist and a youth minister, and from an early age, the young Southerner was instilled with a strong sense of faith. Simpson’s first singing experiences were in church, participating in musicals and singing in the choir. By the age of eleven, she had already begun performing publicly on the gospel circuit. “I did dance classes, went on to dance competitions—that’s what I did as a little kid. I was definitely into the whole performance thing.” Despite her obvious abilities, the budding singer suffered a large disappointment at the beginning of her career that could have threatened it but instead reinforced her direction.
In 1992, The Disney Channel’s New Mickey Mouse Club was holding open-call nationwide auditions, seeking just the right “mouseketeers.” Simpson appeared at a regional audition in Dallas and was selected out of more than 30,000 other contestants as a finalist for a cast position. Ultimately, however, she was denied access into this exclusive club. Simpson was admittedly intimidated by her competition, which included more seasoned youngsters such as Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and young heartthrob Justin Tim-berlake, now of ’N Sync. The Texas preteen failed to display the confidence she needed to be on television. “They said I couldn’t work in front of a camera. But that’s when I knew that I had the potential and really wanted it,” she explained to Tiger Beat in 1999.
Although disappointed, Simpson was encouraged by her close-knit religious family to diligently pursue her dream to become a singer and not to give up. According to the teen crooner, “I would have definitely quit after The Mickey Mouse Club if it wasn’t for my family, because I was so depressed and it hurt,” she explained to the Dallas Texas Weekly.” You know as a 12 year old, it really hurts to be that close to something and not get it.”
Simpson’s persistence soon paid off. In 1993 at age 13, Simpson was discovered while singing at church camp and was quickly thereafter signed to fledgling gospel label Proclaim Records. She had been spotted belting out an a capella version of “Amazing Grace” by
For the Record…
Born on July 10, 1980, in Richardson, TX; daughter of Joe (a psychologist/youth minister) and Tina Simpson.
Began singing as a child in church, 1985; auditioned for The Disney Channel’s New Mickey Mouse Club, 1992; signed to Proclaim Records, 1995; label folds, Jessica is self-released, 1995; gains popularity on Christian music circuit, sharing bills with Kirk Franklin, CeCe Winans, and God’s Property; 1995-97; signed to Sony Music, 1997; single, “Did You Ever Love Somebody,” appears on Songs from Dawson’s Creek Vol. 1, 1999; toured with 98 Degrees, 1999; released Sweet Kisses, 1999; released Irresistible, 2001.
Addresses: Record company —Columbia Records, 550 Madison Avenue, New York, NY, 10022-3211. Website —Jessica Simpson Official Website: http://www.jessicasimpson.com.
the camp’s guest speaker who was in the process of launching the label. The youngster invested a great deal of effort working on the record, acquiring songs and developing her voice. Unfortunately, by the time her first album Jessica was completed, the label folded, leaving Simpson with an unreleased record and yet another disappointment.
The teenager’s grandmother bankrolled Jessica, and Simpson and her minister father hit the Christian music circuit. Joe Simpson would speak to the kids and Jessica would be the featured musical performer. Afterward, Jessica would sell her self-released album to moved listeners. Simpson became popular on the circuit and proceeded to open for such well-known spiritual performers as CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin, and God’s Property.
Despite the fact that she was successful on the faith-based circuit, Simpson, who holds strong religious and moral convictions, longed for a larger audience. “I trust that every step I take is under God’s control,” she explained in the Dallas Texas Weekly.” I knew that I would get a bigger audience by doing the secular, and I have more of an opportunity to be a positive role model.” In order to help their daughter make this transition, the Simpson family hired entertainment attorney Tim Medlebaum, who proceeded to set up nine record label meetings for the budding singer. Simpson did the nine showcases in two days. Her magic star-launching moment, however, occurred after meeting legendary Sony Music executive Tommy Motolla (who coincidentally is the ex-husband of Mariah Carey). Simpson sang for Motolla and was signed on the spot. The music business legend, who was aware of Jessica’s background, was surprisingly accepting. “I was determined that I be able to stay who I am if I signed to a non-Christian music label,” Simpson explained to Billboard magazine, “and when I met with Tommy Mottola, he was genuinely impressed with my beliefs and was completely supportive.”
Sweet Kisses, Simpson’s major-label debut, arrived in stores in 1999. The album contained catchy ballads and pop tunes all emphasized by the singer’s expressive vocal ability. According to Billboard, “the lovely Simpson … has the soulful pipes to go the platinum distance.” Sweet Kisses lended the song “Did You Ever Love Somebody” to the soundtrack for the popular teen television show Dawson’s Creek. It was also promoted heavily by Columbia Records. The album climbed up the charts to eventually reach platinum status. Simpson, well on her way to becoming a major star, toured both before and after the record’s release, opening for well-known artists such as Latin pop star Ricky Martin and boy band 98 Degrees.
Simpson shortly found herself a major player in the teen pop arena, sharing chart space and magazine covers with other female hit makers including Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Mandy Moore. The Texas-born vocalist was able to distinguish herself by both exercising her talent and presenting a sexy, though wholesome image. Simpson maintains a very public stance on abstinence and works hard to be a role model for teen girls. This was evidenced when she turned down the lead in the film Coyote Ugly in 2000 after finding out a particular sex-inclusive scene conflicted with her values. As she explained in the January 2001 issue of YM magazine, “I talk about how I am going to stay a virgin until I’m married, and then my fans would see this movie and be like, ‘She’s totally contradicting herself.’”
In 2001, Simpson released her sophomore effort entitled Irresistible, a more sophisticated record which showcased the singer’s vocal ability as well as a solid group of songs contributed by notable outside writers. The June 16, 2001, edition of Billboard described Irresistible as “a great step forward for youth pop and sure footing for this glamorous talent.” Undoubtedly her audience felt the same way. Irresistible landed in the Billboard top ten within a month of its release. Continued success is surely ahead for Simpson as a notable star in the pop world.
Selected discography
Singles
“I Wanna Love You Forever,” Sony, 1999.
“Where Are You,” Sony, 2000.
“I Think I’m in Love with You” (Australian import), Sony/Columbia, 2000.
Albums
Sweet Kisses, Sony, 1999.
(Contributor) Songs from Dawson’s Creek Vol. 1 (soundtrack), Sony, 1999.
(Contributor) Songs from Dawson’s Creek Vol. 2 (soundtrack), Sony, 2000.
(Contributor) Here on Earth (soundtrack), Sony, 2000.
Irresistible, Sony, 2001.
Sources
Periodicals
Billboard, December 4, 1999.
CosmoGirl, December 1999/January 2000; March 2001.
Dallas Texas Weekly, September 9, 1999.
Entertainment Weekly, September 24, 1999.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, August 22, 1999.
Jump, October 1999.
Lansing State Journal (Lansing, MI), April 15, 1999.
McGregor Mirror and Crawford Sun, August 26, 1999.
News Journal (Daytona Beach, FL), September 8, 1999.
Popstar!, September/October 1999.
Post Star (Glen Falls, NY), October 16, 1999.
Request, December 1999.
Rolling Stone, August 31, 2000.
16 Magazine, December 1999.
Teen, July 2000.
Teen People, October 2000.
Teen Vogue, Fall 2000.
TigerBeat, December 1999; June 2001.
TV Guide, May 13, 2000.
Twist, June 2000.
Wichita Eagle (Wichita, KS), May 30, 1999.
WWD, August 12, 1999.
YM, January 2001.
Online
Billboard, http://www.billboard.com (June 20, 2001).
“Jessica Simpson,” http://www.jessica_simpson.org/about.html (June 2, 2001).
Jessica Simpson Official Website, http://www.jessicasimpson.com (June 2, 2001).
Ultimate Band List, http://www.ubl.com (June 1, 2001).
Additional information was provided by Columbia Records publicity materials, 2001.
—Nicole Elyse
Simpson, Jessica
Simpson, Jessica
July 10, 1980 • Richardson, Texas
Singer
Pop star Jessica Simpson's career has been something of a roller coaster ride, rife with stomach-lurching highs and lows and unexpected turns. She began singing Christian music professionally as a preteen and earned a record deal in her early teens. After several disappointments, she made the transition to pop music. Her star never quite reached the heights that Britney Spears achieved—not until she and husband Nick Lachey appeared in their own reality television series, Newlyweds. Then Simpson's career took off with the release of her most successful album to date, In This Skin, the launch of her own line of beauty products, and a sitcom in the works.
Sang in church
Jessica Simpson was born on July 10, 1980, in Richardson Texas, north of Dallas. Her father, Joe, was a psychologist and a youth minister. Simpson's first singing experiences were in the church choir. Her talent was evident at an early age and she had begun performing publicly on the gospel circuit by age eleven. When the budding performer found out in 1992 that the Disney Channel was holding auditions for the New Mickey Mouse Club, she jumped at the opportunity. Simpson tried out at a regional audition in Dallas and was selected out of more than thirty thousand other contestants as a finalist for a cast position. She lost out to Britney Spears (1981–) and Christina Aguilera (1980–). Although she was disappointed, Simpson's close-knit family encouraged her not to give up on her dream of becoming a singer.
Simpson persisted and a year later, at age thirteen, she was discovered while singing at church camp. The camp's guest speaker, who was in the process of launching a record label, saw her belting out an a cappella version of "Amazing Grace." He quickly signed her to the fledgling gospel label, Proclaim Records, and Simpson began working on her first album, Jessica. But once the album was completed, Proclaim Records folded, leaving Simpson with a record but no one to sell it. Once again her family urged her to keep fighting for her dream, and Simpson's grandmother put up the money she needed to release Jessica herself. To promote the album, Simpson and her father hit the Christian music circuit. Joe Simpson would preach to young adults and Jessica would be the featured musical performer. Afterward, Jessica would sell her CD to moved listeners. Simpson became popular on the circuit and proceeded to open for such well-known spiritual performers as CeCe Winans and Kirk Franklin.
"I'm such a sucker for big sappy songs. I'm a big romantic and I love love. I love singing about it and listening to songs about it."
Simpson also took her album to several other Christian record companies, but was turned away again and again. The primary reason for her rejection was her beauty and curvy figure. "They said it could cause guys to lust," Simpson explained to the Knight/Ridder Tribune News Service. "...I didn't understand why they were passing judgment on me, especially since I walked in in overalls, nothing revealing."
Unable to obtain a record deal in Christian music, Simpson decided to branch out into pop music. In order to help their daughter make this transition, the Simpson family hired entertainment attorney Tim Medlebaum, who proceeded to set up meetings with nine record labels. When she met with and sang for Sony Music executive Tommy Motolla, he signed her on the spot. Now, with the backing of a major label, Simpson was ready to record her pop debut.
Ashlee Simpson
Ashlee Simpson may be following in her older sister's footsteps, releasing a record and starring in her own reality television show, but she is paving her own road to success. While Jessica Simpson has made a name for herself with several pop albums, Ashlee prefers rock music and cites such influences as Janis Joplin (1943–1970) and Chrissie Hynde (1951–). Jessica, who performed on VH1's Divas Live in 2004, is the glamorous sister, with her long, blond hair in waves. Ashlee's style is more punk; she frequently wears jeans and lets her hair—dyed brunette—hang straight and loose.
Ashlee Nicole Simpson was born on October 3, 1984, in Texas. She began taking dance lessons at age three. At age eleven, Ashlee was the youngest person ever admitted to the prestigious School of American Ballet. The Simpson family moved to Los Angeles when Ashlee was 14, and she performed with her sister as a background dancer. She then began to pursue an acting career, winning a guest appearance on Malcolm in the Middle. In 2002 Simpson earned a regular role on the WB's 7th Heaven, playing Cecilia Smith for two years.
Simpson's first musical break came in 2003 when her song "Just Let Me Cry" was selected for the soundtrack of Freaky Friday. She then signed a record deal with Geffen Records and began work on her debut album. MTV cameras followed Simpson as she met with record executives, co-wrote songs, and recorded tracks. The resulting series, The Ashlee Simpson Show, aired in June of 2004. Viewers watched as Simpson went through the process of trying to find the right producers and the right focus for her album, which she hoped to make a reflection of herself and not her famous sister. "[Jessica] is an amazing artist with a beautiful voice," Ashlee told Chuck Taylor of Billboard. "But I have never listened to the kind of music that she does. We're both doing music—but in very different ways, and it's cool." The junior Simpson's debut album, Autobiography, was released in 2004.
Released debut pop album
Sweet Kisses was released in 1999. The album contained catchy ballads and pop tunes, all emphasized by the singer's expressive vocal ability. The album climbed the charts and eventually reached platinum status. The same year Simpson also recorded "Did You Ever Love Somebody" for the soundtrack to the popular television show Dawson's Creek. Simpson, well on her way to becoming a major star, toured to promote her album, opening for well-known artists such as Latin pop star Ricky Martin and boy band 98 Degrees. "It was an amazing time for me," Simpson commented on her Web Site. "I was 17 and seeing the world, doing what I loved and doing it in a way that felt right." Simpson also began dating Nick Lachey (1973–), a member of 98 Degrees.
Simpson shortly found herself a major player in the teen pop arena, sharing chart space and magazine covers with other female hit makers including Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Mandy Moore (1984–). The Texas-born vocalist was able to distinguish herself by both exercising her talent and presenting a sexy, though wholesome image. "My whole thing is that I think innocence is sexy. That's my image—that you can be sexy and innocent," Simpson told Ray Rogers in Interview. Simpson was an advocate for premarital abstinence and worked hard to be a positive role model for teen girls. In 2000 she turned down the lead in the film Coyote Ugly because a particular sex-inclusive scene conflicted with her values.
In 2001, Simpson released her sophomore effort, Irresistible, which was a more sophisticated record that reflected the singer's maturity. "This record is about who I am now," she told Cosmopolitan. "The music is edgier, and I'm all gown up." Now twenty-one years old, Simpson had learned who she was as a person and an artist. This album, however, did not fare as well commercially as Sweet Kisses.
Branching out into acting, Simpson made a guest appearance on That '70s Show in 2002, reprising this role twice more in 2003. She also appeared in an episode of The Twilight Zone. She then took on a role that would bring her both personal happiness and professional success: the role of wife. Although she and Lachey had broken up for a period of six months in 2001, in part because Simpson, who was eighteen when she began dating Lachey, needed some time on her own to learn who she was independent of a relationship. But the pair soon realized that they belonged together. On October 26, 2002, the two were married. MTV chronicled their lives as a newly married couple with Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica, which debuted in August of 2003. The reality show became a huge hit, with 2.7 million viewers tuning in each week. "Going into the show, we both were very clear to each other that we wanted it to be raw and natural and we weren't going to be afraid to fight," Lachey told Entertainment Weekly. And so, in addition to the adjustments that came with married life, the couple also had to adjust to the presence of cameras. But they soon got used to the cameras. "We don't have anything to hide.... We wanted people to know how normal we are—that we get frustrated dealing with newlywed things," Simpson told Redbook.
Chicken or fish?
Their normalcy is part of what attracted viewers to the show. Simpson and Lachey argued over bills and housekeeping chores, went on a camping trip together, and adjusted to living with each other. As Lachey told Redbook, "It's an adjustment getting used to the things she does and her getting used to things that I do. She's sloppier than I would like. She leaves towels lying around and doesn't turn off lights.... It's about finding a middle ground." Viewers have also enjoyed the comic moments of their lives, especially the more ditzy comments that Simpson has made. Her most infamous "dumb blond" moment occurred when, after opening a can of Chicken of the Sea brand tuna, she wondered if she was eating chicken or tuna.
Now a television star, Simpson released her third album, In This Skin. The song "With You" was the fastest-rising single of her career. Fans of Newlyweds particularly enjoyed her sense of humor about her image, as demonstrated in the music video for "With You," which featured Simpson eating tuna fish. "It's okay to stick your foot in your mouth," she told Entertainment Weekly, "just laugh at yourself with everybody else." An expanded version of In This Skin was released in the summer of 2004 and included footage from Newlyweds. Simpson then went on tour to support her new album.
Building on the success of Newlyweds (a second season aired in January of 2004), after her concert tour Simpson tackled several other projects. ABC tapped Simpson and Lachey for the Nick & Jessica Variety Hour, which aired in April of 2004. Also in April, Simpson launched a line of kissable, tasteable beauty products, called Dessert Beauty. She also had a sitcom in the works, and was being considered for several movie roles. Simpson has persevered through early career disappointments to achieve her dream of becoming a professional singer, and has surpassed that dream, achieving stardom as a television personality. "I think my definition of true success is success within myself," Simpson told Lance Bass in Interview. "People can talk about how many albums you're supposed to sell, or what your videos are supposed to look like, but who are they? If I feel confident about what I'm doing, then I feel successful."
For More Information
Books
Contemporary Musicians, volume 34. Gale, 2002.
Periodicals
Armstrong, Jennifer. "Married ... With Cameras: MTV's Nick and Jessica Are Good Singers, but Better Newlyweds—and They're Not Too Chicken (or Is it Fish?) to Admit It." Entertainment Weekly (January 26, 2004).
Bass, Lance. "Jessica Simpson." Interview (August 2001).
Dykstra, Katherine. "Jessica & Nick's True Love Story: in an Exclusive Interview, They Reveal Their Most Heartbreaking Day, the Night that Sealed Their Love, and the Secret Thing She Does Very Well." Redbook (March 2004).
"Despite Sexy Image, Jessica Simpson Stays True to Her Gospel Roots." Knight/Ridder Tribune News Service (August 27, 2001).
Kizis, Donna. "Jessica Simpson Sizzles." Cosmopolitan (June 2001): p. 182.
"Want a Taste ...? Jessica Simpson, Randi Shinder Launch Dessert Beauty First-Ever Kissable, Tasteable Fragrance and Body Care Collection to Be Unveiled This Month." PR Newswire (April 26, 2004).
Rogers, Ray. "Jessica Simpson." Interview (December 1999).
Taylor, Chuck. "Singing's Not an Act for Simpson." Billboard (July 17, 2004).
Web Sites
"Ashlee Simpson Biography." All Music Guide http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&searchlink=ASHLEE|SIMPSON&uid=MIDMR0408231148&sql=11:z8de4j176wa4~T1 (accessed on August 23, 2004).
"Ashlee Simpson." Internet Movie Database http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1249883 (accessed on August 23, 2004).
Jessica Simpson http://www.jessicasimpson.com (accessed on August 23, 2004).
"Jessica Simpson Biography." All Music Guide http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&uid=CADMR0408231401&sql=11:rhuf6j377190~T1 (accessed on August 23, 2004).
Simpson, Jessica 1980–
SIMPSON, Jessica 1980–
PERSONAL
Full name, Jessica Ann Simpson; born July 10, 1980, in Abilene (other sources cite Dallas or Richardson), TX; daughter of Joe (a minister, psychologist, and manager) and Tina Simpson; sister of Ashlee Simpson (a singer and actress); married Nick Lachey (a singer and actor), October 26, 2002.
Addresses: Agent—Creative Artists Agency, 9830 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA 90212; David Vigliano Agency, 584 Broadway, Suite 809, New York, NY 10012. Publicist—Bragman/Nyman/Cafarelli, Pacific Design Center, 8687 Melrose Ave., Eighth Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
Career: Actress and singer. Performer at various venues and at various events, including the inauguration of U.S. president George W. Bush, 2001, and as part of a USO tour, 2003. Appeared in television commercials and print advertisements. Involved with Dessert, a line of cosmetics, fragrances, and lotions, and also with a line of clothing. Affiliated with the organization Operation Smile.
Awards, Honors: Teen Choice awards, (with Nick Lachey) love song of the year and breakout artist, both 2000, for "Where You Are"; Teen Choice Award, choice reality/variety television star—female, 2004, for Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica; Teen Choice Award nominations, choice television personality, 2004 and 2005; earned gold and platinum record certifications, Recording Industry Association of America; subject of the song "Jessica," by Adam Green.
CREDITS
Television Appearances; Series:
Herself, Newlyweds: Nick & Jessica, MTV, 2003–2005.
Television Appearances; Specials:
L'Oreal's Summer Music Mania '99, UPN, 1999.
MTV 2 Large New Year's Eve Party, MTV, 1999.
Arthur Ashe Kids' Day, CBS, 2000.
Christmas in Washington, TNT, 2000.
Dick Clark's Primetime New Year Rockin' Eve, ABC, 2000.
Holiday Music Spectacular from Miami Beach 2000, Fox, 2000.
Jessica Simpson & Jason Raize in Concert, The Disney Channel, 2000.
Music Mania 2000, Fox, 2000.
Road Trip to Music Mania (documentary), Fox Family Channel, 2000.
Summer Music Mania, Fox, 2000.
Teens Get Real, The WB, 2000.
TRL Uncensored, MTV, 2000.
Twas the Night Before Christmas, ABC, 2000.
Celebrity Dreamdate with Jessica Simpson, Spring Break Cancun, MTV, 2001.
Christmas in Rockefeller Center, NBC, 2001.
Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve 2002, ABC, 2001.
InStyle Celebrities at Home, NBC, 2001.
Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular, NBC, 2001.
MTV Icon: Janet Jackson, MTV, 2001.
The 25 Hottest Stars Under 25, MTV, 2001.
Bubblegum Babylon (documentary), VH1, 2002.
Herself, When I Was 17 (documentary), MTV, 2003.
Jingle Ball Rock, Fox, 2003.
Miss Teen USA, NBC, 2003.
MTV Bash, MTV, 2003.
The Osbourne Family Christmas Special, MTV, 2003.
VH1 Big in '03, VH1, 2003.
Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade, ABC, 2003.
Host, Summer Music Mania 2004, Fox, 2004.
Herself, 52 Most Irresistible Women, Spike TV, 2004.
Herself, Happy Birthday Jessica, Love Nick, MTV, 2004.
Herself, InStyle Greatest Celebrity Weddings, VH1, 2004.
Herself, Maxim Hot 100, VH1, 2004.
Herself, Nick & Jessica's Family Christmas, ABC, 2004.
Herself, Super Bowl XXXVIII, CBS, 2004.
Herself, VH1 and Self Magazine's Top 10 Rock Bodies, VH1, 2004.
Herself and various characters, The Nick & Jessica Variety Hour, ABC, 2004.
Herself, MTV Movie Awards 2005 Pre-Show, MTV, 2005.
Herself, Nick & Jessica's Tour of Duty, ABC, 2005.
Herself, Reel Comedy: The Dukes of Hazzard (documentary), Comedy Central, 2005.
Red Carpet Confidential, CBS, 2005.
Television Appearances; Awards Presentations:
The 1999 Billboard Music Awards, Fox, 1999.
The WB Radio Music Awards, The WB, 1999.
Presenter, The 2000 Billboard Music Awards, Fox, 2000.
Presenter, The 2000 Teen Choice Awards, Fox, 2000.
Presenter, MTV Video Music Awards 2001, MTV, 2001.
Presenter, Nickelodeon's 14th Annual Kids' Choice Awards, Nickelodeon, 2001.
Presenter, The 2001 Radio Music Awards, MTV, 2001.
The 28th Annual American Music Awards, ABC, 2001.
The 2001 Teen Choice Awards, Fox, 2001.
Presenter, The 31st Annual American Music Awards, ABC, 2003.
Presenter, The 2003 MTV Video Music Awards, MTV, 2003.
The 2003 Teen Choice Awards, Fox, 2003.
The Second Annual TRL Awards, MTV, 2004.
Presenter, MTV Video Music Awards 2005, MTV, 2005.
Presenter, The 31st Annual People's Choice Awards, CBS, 2005.
ESPY Awards, ESPN, 2005.
The 2005 MTV Movie Awards, MTV, 2005.
Television Appearances; Episodic:
Herself, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, syndicated, 1999.
"Jessica Simpson: Where You Are," Making the Video, MTV, 2000.
The House of Hits, 2000.
Mad TV, Fox, 2000 and 2001.
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, NBC, 2001, 2005.
Annette, "Going to California," That '70s Show, Fox, 2002.
The Late Late Show with Craig Kilborn, CBS, 2002.
Annette, "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You," That '70s Show, Fox, 2003.
Annette, "Your Time Is Gonna Come," That '70s Show, Fox, 2003.
Herself, "Sweetest Sin/Shut Up," Making the Video, MTV, 2003.
Miranda Evans, "The Collection," The Twilight Zone, UPN, 2003.
(In archive footage) Herself, Celebrities Uncensored, E! Entertainment Television, 2003.
Herself, Extra (also known as Extra: The Entertainment Magazine), syndicated, 2003.
Herself, Larry King Live, Cable News Network, 2003.
Herself, Punk'd, MTV, 2003.
Herself, Tinseltown TV, International Channel, 2003.
Herself, The Wayne Brady Show, syndicated, 2003.
Judge, Star Search, CBS, 2003.
Judge, The Wade Robson Project, MTV, 2003.
"Dorm Raiders," Room Raiders, MTV, 2003.
Host, Saturday Night Live (also known as NBC's "Saturday Night," Saturday Night, and SNL), NBC, 2004.
Herself, "Ashlee Hits the Big Time," The Ashlee Simpson Show (also known as Ashlee), MTV, 2004.
Herself, "Ashlee Performs Live," The Ashlee Simpson Show (also known as Ashlee), MTV, 2004.
Herself, "Ashlee Strikes a Pose," The Ashlee Simpson Show (also known as Ashlee), MTV, 2004.
Herself, "Ashlee verses Her Label," The Ashlee Simpson Show (also known as Ashlee), MTV, 2004.
Herself, "Down to the Wire: Part 2," The Apprentice, NBC, 2004.
Herself, On-Air with Ryan Seacrest, syndicated, 2004.
Herself, The Oprah Winfrey Show (also known as Oprah), syndicated, 2004.
Herself, Rove Live, Ten Network (Australia), 2004.
Herself, Top of the Pops (also known as All New Top of the Pops and TOTP), BBC, 2004.
Herself, The Late Show with David Letterman (also known as The Late Show), CBS, 2004, 2005.
Herself, Live with Regis and Kelly, syndicated, 2004, 2005.
Herself, Total Request Live (also known as TRL and Total Request with Carson Daly), MTV, 2004, 2005.
Herself, "The Orange Bowl," The Ashlee Simpson Show (also known as Ashlee), MTV, 2005.
Herself, "These Boots Are Made for Walking," Making the Video, MTV, 2005.
Herself, Dateline NBC, NBC, 2005.
Herself, Getaway (also known as United Travel Getaway), Nine Network (Australia), 2005.
Film Appearances:
Herself, The Master of Disguise, Columbia, 2002.
Daisy Duke, The Dukes of Hazzard, Warner Bros., 2005.
Katya Morgan, Room Service, Emmett/Furla Films/Valhalla Motion Pictures, 2006.
Performer of songs that have appeared in films, television productions, and videos.
RECORDINGS
Albums:
Jessica, c. 1995.
Sweet Kisses, Columbia, 1999.
Irresistible, Columbia, 2001.
This Is the Remix, Columbia, 2002.
In This Skin, Columbia, 2003.
Maximum Jessica Simpson, Chrome Dreams, 2004.
Rejoyce: The Christmas Album, Columbia, 2004.
Singles:
"I Wanna Love You Forever," Columbia, 1999.
"I Think I'm In Love with You," Sony International, 2000.
(With Nick Lachey) "Where You Are," 2000.
"Irresistible," Sony, 2001.
"Irresistible" (version two: So So Def remix), 2001.
"A Little Bit," Sony International, 2001.
"Sweetest Sin"/"In This Skin," Columbia, 2003.
"With You," Sony International, c. 2003.
"Angels," Sony International, 2004.
"Take My Breath Away"/"Fly," Columbia, 2004.
(With Nick Lachey) "A Whole New World," 2004.
(With Willie Nelson) "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'," Sony International, 2005.
Music Videos:
"I Wanna Love You Forever," 1999.
"I Think I'm in Love with You," 2000.
(With Nick Lachey) "Where You Are," 2000.
98 Degrees, "My Everything," 2000.
"Irresistible," 2001.
"Irresistible" (version two: So So Def remix), 2001.
"A Little Bit," 2001.
"Sweetest Sin," 2003.
"With You," c. 2003.
"Angels," 2004.
"Take My Breath Away," Columbia, 2004.
(With Nick Lachey) "A Whole New World," 2004.
(With Willie Nelson) "These Boots Are Made for Walkin'," 2005.
Videos:
DreamChaser Tour (also known as The DreamChaser Team, Jessica Simpson: Dream Chaser, and Jessica Simpson's DreamChaser Tour), Sony Music, 2002.
(In "A Whole New World" music video with Nick Lachey) Aladdin (Disney special platinum edition), Walt Disney Home Entertainment, 2004.
Jessica Simpson's Reality Tour, NuTech, 2004.
Video Games:
Destiny's Child: Say My Name Multimedia Single, 2000.
WRITINGS
Albums:
(With others) In This Skin, Columbia, 2003.
Nonfiction:
(With Katina Z. Jones) I Do: Achieving Your Dream Wedding, NVU Editions, 2003.
OTHER SOURCES
Books:
Bankston, John, Jessica Simpson, Mitchell Lane, 2001.
Dougherty, Terri, Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey, Lucent Books, 2005.
Johns, Michael-Anne, Jessica Simpson, Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2000.
Wheeler, Jill C., Jessica Simpson, Abdo Publishing Company, 2004.
Periodicals:
Billboard, July 17, 2004, p. 62.
Complete Woman, October, 2002, pp. 6-7.
Cosmo girl!, December, 1999, pp. 156-57.
Entertainment Weekly, January 16, 2004, pp. 22-28.
GQ, July, 2005.
Inside TV, July 18, 2005.
Interview, December, 1999, p. 128; August, 2001, p. 96.
Movieline's Hollywood Life, July, 2005, pp. 58-63.
People Weekly, March 20, 2000, p. 113; November 11, 2002, p. 60; May 10, 2004, p. 115; May 9, 2005, p. 62; August 1, 2005, p. 19.
Rolling Stone, November 27, 2003, pp. 64-68.
Teen People, October, 2000, p. 137; January, 2001, pp. 110-12; March, 2001, pp. 154-55.
Texas Monthly, May, 2000, p. 26.
TV Guide, October 4, 2003, pp. 8-9; March 6, 2004, pp. 40-42; April 11, 2004, pp. 30-35.
Vanity Fair, August, 2004.
Electronic:
Jessica Simpson, http://www.jessicasimpson.com, August 14, 2005.
Simpson, Jessica
Jessica Simpson
Singer
Jessica Simpson is an accomplished singer whose impressive vocal ability, commitment to faith, and accessible image have transformed her from talented religious teen to certifiable pop star and actress within a few short years. Armed with three favorable records, a successful reality television show and a solid following, the young songstress has blossomed into a respected woman who upon adulthood has taken her career into all new heights, adding acting, writing, and business ventures to her resume. Additionally, her strong moral convictions and positive attitude have made her a notable role model to teen girls. Boasting a reported five-octave range and vocally likened to Mariah Carey, Simpson has made a niche for herself in popular music and pop culture.
Simpson was born on July 10, 1980, in Richardson Texas, an affluent suburb north of Dallas. Her father was both a psychologist and a youth minister, and from an early age, the young Southerner was instilled with a strong sense of faith. Simpson's first singing experiences were in church, participating in musicals and singing in the choir. By the age of eleven, she had already begun performing publicly on the gospel circuit. "I did dance classes, went on to dance competitions—that's what I did as a little kid. I was definitely into the whole performance thing." Despite her obvious abilities, the budding singer suffered a large disappointment at the beginning of her career that could have threatened it but instead reinforced her direction.
In 1992, The Disney Channel's New Mickey Mouse Club was holding open-call nationwide auditions, seeking just the right "mouseketeers." Simpson appeared at a regional audition in Dallas and was selected out of more than 30,000 other contestants as a finalist for a cast position. Ultimately, however, she was denied access into this exclusive club. Simpson was admittedly intimidated by her competition, which included more seasoned youngsters such as Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and young heartthrob Justin Timberlake, who went on to become a member of boy band 'N Sync. The Texas preteen failed to display the confidence she needed to be on television. "They said I couldn't work in front of a camera. But that's when I knew that I had the potential and really wanted it," she explained to Tiger Beat in 1999.
Although disappointed, Simpson was encouraged by her close-knit religious family to diligently pursue her dream to become a singer and not to give up. According to the teen crooner, "I would have definitely quit after The Mickey Mouse Club if it wasn't for my family, because I was so depressed and it hurt," she explained to the Dallas Texas Weekly. "You know as a 12 year old, it really hurts to be that close to something and not get it."
Simpson's persistence soon paid off. In 1993 at age 13, Simpson was discovered while singing at church camp and was quickly thereafter signed to fledgling gospel label Proclaim Records. She had been spotted belting out an a capella version of "Amazing Grace" by the camp's guest speaker who was in the process of launching the label. The youngster invested a great deal of effort working on the record, acquiring songs and developing her voice. Unfortunately, by the time her first album Jessica was completed, the label folded, leaving Simpson with an unreleased record and yet another disappointment.
The teenager's grandmother bankrolled Jessica, and Simpson and her minister father hit the Christian music circuit. Joe Simpson would speak to the kids and Jessica would be the featured musical performer. Afterward, Jessica would sell her self-released album to moved listeners. Simpson became popular on the circuit and proceeded to open for such well-known spiritual performers as CeCe Winans, Kirk Franklin, and God's Property.
Despite the fact that she was successful on the faith-based circuit, Simpson, who holds strong religious and moral convictions, longed for a larger audience. "I trust that every step I take is under God's control," she explained in the Dallas Texas Weekly. "I knew that I would get a bigger audience by doing the secular, and I have more of an opportunity to be a positive role model." In order to help their daughter make this transition, the Simpson family hired entertainment attorney Tim Medlebaum, who proceeded to set up nine record label meetings for the budding singer. Simpson did the nine showcases in two days. Her magic star-launching moment, however, occurred after meeting legendary Sony Music executive Tommy Motolla (who is the ex-husband of Mariah Carey). Simpson sang for Motolla and was signed on the spot. The music business legend, who was aware of Jessica's background, was surprisingly accepting. "I was determined that I be able to stay who I am if I signed to a non-Christian music label," Simpson explained to Billboard magazine, "and when I met with Tommy Mottola, he was genuinely impressed with my beliefs and was completely supportive."
Sweet Kisses, Simpson's major-label debut, arrived in stores in 1999. The album contained catchy ballads and pop tunes all emphasized by the singer's expressive vocal ability. According to Billboard, "the lovely Simpson … has the soulful pipes to go the platinum distance." Sweet Kisses lended the song "Did You Ever Love Somebody" to the soundtrack for the popular teen television show Dawson's Creek. It was also promoted heavily by Columbia Records. The album climbed up the charts to eventually reach platinum status. Simpson, well on her way to becoming a major star, toured both before and after the record's release, opening for well-known artists such as Latin pop star Ricky Martin and boy band 98 Degrees. She eventually developed a romantic relationship with 98 Degrees singer Nick Lachey.
Simpson shortly found herself a major player in the teen pop arena, sharing chart space and magazine covers with other female hit makers including Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Mandy Moore. The Texas-born vocalist was able to distinguish herself by both exercising her talent and presenting a sexy, though wholesome image. Simpson maintains a very public stance on abstinence and works hard to be a role model for teen girls. This was evidenced when she turned down the lead in the film Coyote Ugly in 2000 after finding out a particular sex-inclusive scene conflicted with her values. As she explained in the January 2001 issue of YM magazine, "I talk about how I am going to stay a virgin until I'm married, and then my fans would see this movie and be like, 'She's totally contradicting herself.'"
In 2001, Simpson released her sophomore effort entitled Irresistible, a more sophisticated record which showcased the singer's vocal ability as well as a solid group of songs contributed by notable outside writers. The June 16, 2001, edition of Billboard described Irresistible as "a great step forward for youth pop and sure footing for this glamorous talent." Undoubtedly her audience felt the same way. Irresistible landed in the Billboard top ten within a month of its release.
For the Record . . .
Born on July 10, 1980, in Richardson, TX; daughter of Joe (a psychologist/youth minister) and Tina Simpson; married Nick Lachey (a singer), 2002.
Began singing as a child in church, 1985; auditioned for The Disney Channel's New Mickey Mouse Club, 1992; signed to Proclaim Records, 1995; label folds, Jessica is self-released, 1995; gained popularity on Christian music circuit, sharing bills with Kirk Franklin, CeCe Winans, and God's Property; 1995-97; signed to Sony Music, 1997; toured with 98 Degrees, 1999; released Sweet Kisses, 1999; released Irresistible, 2001; married Nick Lachey, singer in 98 Degrees, 2002; with Lachey, starred in reality television show Newlyweds on MTV, 2003-04; released In This Skin, 2004.
Addresses: Record company—Sony/Columbia Records, 550 Madison Ave., New York, NY, 10022-3211. Website—Jessica Simpson Official Website: http://www.jessicasimpson.com.
In 2003, Simpson recorded her third album, In This Skin. By this time, her relationship with 98 Degrees' vocalist Nick Lachey had evolved into a marriage, which sparked a more mature Simpson. That real life experience resulted in a collection of songs wholeheartedly sung by a young woman instead of an inexperienced teenager. It also marked her first foray into songwriting. After a short cameo on the television sitcom That '70s Show, MTV approached Simpson and her husband to create a documentary show that followed the couple around through their first years of marriage. When Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica hit the air in August of 2003, few beyond the age of 14 knew of the pair's musical careers. Half way through the first season however, millions of viewers not only began to know who Simpson was, but began quoting the flighty phrases for which she has since become famous for. Smartly so, Simpson's record company wanted to capitalize on the newfound success of the TV show and subsequently re-released In This Skin in 2004 with additional bonus tracks, including a cover of "Take My Breath Away," originally done by 1980s group Berlin for the Top Gun film soundtrack.
Simpson's penchant to confuse everyday objects and her naivete to ponder them out loud—one of her most famous queries included when she asked Lachey if her Chicken of the Sea tuna was either chicken or tuna—solidified Simpson as a sweetheart bimbo that American couldn't help but love. She even made fun of her ignorant manner in the video for In This Skin 's "With You." It was this somewhat ditzy personality that made Simpson a mega star in 2004. Simpson knows what she's doing and the singer has always been confident of her intelligence. "I think there's a difference between ditzy and dumb. Dumb is just not knowing. Ditzy is having the courage to ask!" Simpson told Seventeen.
Simpson's stardom didn't stop with a number of chart topping singles, including "Sweetest Sin," an openly sensual ballad penned by Diane Warren with an equally sexual video. Simpson, like many pop stars today, expanded her empire to include business ventures such as Dessert, an edible perfume and cosmetic line. She will also make her feature film debut playing Daisy Duke in the big-screen version of The Dukes of Hazzard.
Selected discography
Sweet Kisses, Sony, 1999.
Irresistible, Sony, 2001.
In This Skin, Sony, 2003.
Rejoyce: The Christmas Album, Sony, 2004.
Sources
Periodicals
Billboard, December 4, 1999.
CosmoGirl, December 1999/January 2000; March 2001.
Dallas Texas Weekly, September 9, 1999.
Entertainment Weekly, September 24, 1999.
Fort Worth Star Telegram, August 22, 1999.
Jump, October 1999.
Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service, September 15, 2004.
Lansing State Journal (Lansing, MI), April 15,1999.
McGregor Mirror and Crawford Sun, August 26,1999.
News Journal (Daytona Beach, FL), September 8, 1999.
Popstar!, September/October 1999.
Post Star (Glen Falls, NY), October 16, 1999.
Redbook, March 2004.
Request, December 1999.
Rolling Stone, August 31, 2000.
16 Magazine, December 1999.
Teen, July 2000.
Teen People, October 2000.
Teen Vogue, Fall 2000.
TigerBeat, December 1999; June 2001.
TV Guide, May 13, 2000.
Twist, June 2000.
Wichita Eagle (Wichita, KS), May 30, 1999.
WWD, August 12, 1999.
YM, January 2001.
Online
"Jessica Simpson," Seventeen.com,http://www.seventeen.com/ (November 1, 2004).
Jessica Simpson Official Website, http://www.jessicasimpson.com (November 2, 2004).
Additional information was provided by Columbia Records publicity materials, 2001.
—Nicole Elyse and Shannon McCarthy