×
×
homepage logo

Jamie O’Neal comes to Jackson County, Ohio, for Fourth

By Staff | Jul 1, 2009

Just before the explosion of fireworks hits the skies at the Jackson County Fairgrounds at Wellston Saturday evening, soulful country artist Jamie O’Neal will burst onstage with her new single, “Soldier Comin Home.”

As the holiday reminds us all of those who are currently serving their country, timing is perfect for a song with such thoughtful glimpses into a soldier’s family life and the notion of living and loving like there is no tomorrow.

O’Neal’s performance will begin at 9 p.m. at “A Fantasy 4th Spectacular” on the fairground’s stage with tickets still available online at www.fantasy4th.com for $53 or from a fair-board member for $50. All proceeds from the entire day’s activities, which include $150,000 in prizes, will benefit 4-H and FFA projects throughout the year.

Grammy nominated O’Neal is no stranger to success and the hard work it takes to get a new single to the top. She’s banking on her past triumphs and a Thanksgiving United Service Organization (USO) trip to help this new single hit the radio.

“The Thanksgiving USO trip was a small way to be a part of the effort to defend freedom,” O’Neal said. “I felt so inspired by the soldiers and they don’t take freedom for granted.”

The song, co-written by O’Neal, is about a chance encounter with a military couple at the airport and the realization that we never know what’s going to happen in life so we better cherish those we love and live like there is no tomorrow.

O’Neal, who cherishes her husband and daughter, is giving up her first July fourth celebration at home to be on the road with fans as she will head into Canada after the Jackson County, Ohio, performance.

Her new single comes on the heels of her recent top 40 hit, “Like A Women,” which has really touched O’Neal’s fans and seemed to resonate with both genders.

“I love my fans,” she says, “I love getting notes and I’m always surprised about the attention my fans give to my life. It’s very important to me.”

O’Neal started performing at the age of 8 singing with her family and touring with the family band. She watched carefully from back stage the styles of Dolly Pardon, Johnny Cash, Crystal Gayle and Willie Nelson. The end result is well known to country fans as O’Neal launched her career with back-to-back number one hits, “There Is No Arizona,” and “When I Think About Angels.” She has earned four Grammy nominations and a host of other awards and critical accolades.

While O’Neal has toured with some of the great country artists like Reba McEntire, Kenny Chesney, Martina McBride, Alan Jackson and Toby Keith and landed songs on the soundtracks of “Bridget Jones’s Diary” as well as on the ABC smash hit “Desperate Housewives,” she is headlining her own tour this year.

O’Neal describes her songwriting talent as, “A gift from God,” and continues to pour out hits. She is no stranger to the stage or to the dreams of young girls everywhere who want to be a star someday.

“I love it when young girls come up to me after the shows and ask me for advice on starting a career. I know what that is like and I tell them to never give up on their dreams,” she said.

Although many of O’Neal’s dreams are coming true she isn’t stopping until she’s a household name.

“I need to have more airplay on the radio and to write more hit songs,” she said. “I know my fans will continue to ask for my music and help me reach my goals.”