Jess Godwin

You like me

Girl next door...beautiful, kind, unassuming, and honest. Someone who tends to represent the better choice and has no concern for social status.  Jess Godwin is your girl next door.  Her lyrics will touch your heart and reach your soul while her voice quiets even the loudest of rooms. 

Born in Atlanta, Godwin moved around a lot as a child - 5 states and 13 different schools to be exact!  As you can imagine, she found herself constantly being the new girl.  Eventually, Jess and her family finally settled in Chicago. She has now been a resident of the Windy City for 14 years. 

Besides her mother, some of her other biggest musical influences include Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, and Ella Fitzgerald.  "Ella sounds like she's always smiling when she's singing", says Godwin.

In early 2012, Jess Godwin met her current manager, T.J. Sagen, who works for Frontline Management.  Together, the two of them have been making giant strides forward ever since.  "Jess is not only a phenomenal talent but also a great person.  I can honestly say she is the only artist that has ever given me goosebumps when she holds those big notes", Sagen said.

When asked about her manager, Jess stated, "I knew I wanted to work with T.J. from the minute I met him.  He believes in me and in what I have to contribute, but he is also very good at pushing me to become a better artist.  I have grown a great deal in the past year because of him." 

This past July, "Katy's Side", released in 2011, was featured on two episodes of E!'s reality hit series, Keeping Up With The Kardashians.  To date, this has been one of Godwin's most popular songs.

Godwin currently has some of the most talented musicians in the Chicagoland area backing her on stage, which include: Tony Elfers (Lead Guitar), Jo Via Armstrong (Percussion), Alex Maier (Bass), Chris Pagnani (Drums), Matt FitzSimons (Keyboards), Bethany Thomas (Back Up Vocals) and Natalie Myre (Back Up Vocals).

Jess Godwin's new single, "Be A Light", will be released the first week of October 2012 with her full E.P. due out on November 2nd, 2012 to coincide with her headlining show that same day at the historic Double Door in Chicago.