Jo Dee Messina announces engagement
Saturday, June 23, 2007 – Jo Dee Messina announced her engagement Friday to Albuquerque, N.M. native Chris Deffenbaugh.
"This is such a happy time for us," said the couple in a joint statement. "And we are so appreciative for each other and for our families, friends and fans that have sent us cards and emails. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts."
Messina, originally from the Boston area, is an award winning, multi-platinum recording artist who has sold more than 5 million albums. She's had nine number one singles, three number one albums ("Burn," "Greatest Hits" and "Delicious Surprise") and is currently putting the finishing touches on a new album slated for release this fall.
Deffenbaugh owns and operates Deffenblaster Enterprises, which builds custom road cases and audio equipment.
The couple has planned a fall wedding.
Messina was previously engaged to her road manager, but broke off the engagement.
More news for Jo Dee Messina
CD reviews for Jo Dee Messina
Delicious Surprise
Despite the phallic guitar fondling on the enclosed poster, Jo Dee Messina's latest targets mainstream country's chief demographic - women. The 12-song set sports the usual Bryon Gallimore - Tim McGraw bag of tricks - '70s rock guitars and heavy pop chorus augmented with smatterings of hard fiddle, twangy Dobro and banjo. Yet, Messina's brassy humor, positive attitude and full-throated passion triumphs over the formulaic production chops.
Messina's sassy asides transform "My Give a Damn's Busted" »»» |
Greatest Hits
There is no denying Jo Dee Messina deserves a greatest hits album. Three albums into her career, the Massachusetts native has scored a slew of hits from the get go with "Heads Carolina, Tails California" and "You're Not in Kansas Anymore." Throughout, Messina clearly has crossed over into the pop side of music, more so over time.
What has served the redhead well is her voice. It's a strong and powerful instrument with vocals out front time and again. When she gets sensitive - "Bring on the Rain," »»» |
A Joyful Noise
Jo Dee Messina recorded this album live in front of a full orchestra, and as a result, the singing is less polished than it might have been if they had done half a dozen takes. It works well - Messina's singing has a refreshingly imperfect quality. Due to its bouncy, cheerful arrangement and Messina's energetic performance and giggle at the end, "Sleigh Ride" is a standout.
On the other hand, the slower songs drag a bit - Messina just doesn't have the voice to carry a song like "The Christmas Song," for example. »»» |
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Taylor Swift's showing at the Country Music Association awards Wednesday night was no surprise. In some respects, it was invigorating to see someone who was not male and not around umpteen years like some of her male counterparts take home the biggest prize of the night, entertainer of the year. »»»
Concert Review: Radney Foster sparks a revival –
Radney Foster told fans that he came home from the University of the South one weekend early in his college career and told his parents in the wee hours of the morning that he wanted to quit college and head to Nashville to pursue a music career. His parents agreed...fortunately.
Three decades later, that resulted in Foster playing songs on this... »»»
Concert Review: Neko Case overcomes obstacles –
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Making quite clear that she was not a happy camper, Case still channeled her musical energies... »»»
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