Jaclyn Lisenby Brown
Known as a writer of intelligent, catchy songs in the country/folk/bluegrass vein, Jaclyn Brown is quickly becoming known as a writer of songs that are graceful, challenging, unguarded, and powerful.
With a degree in Studio Vocal Performance from the University of Miami, Brown, a Nashville native, is crafting some of the most poignant songs to emerge from her generation.
Paper Doll, her fourth release (2011 Silver Nitrate Music), features 15 of Brown's original songs, several of which are co-written with popular names on Music Row, and others with (great) writers you’ve probably never heard of.
Growing up in Nashville with a session pianist for a father, Brown had opportunities to sing with and learn from artists like Brenda Lee, Boots Randolph, Kathy Mattea, and Jamie O’Neal. In college Brown worked for country singer Lari White and hit songwriter Chuck Cannon, and later for songwriting legend Darrell Scott.
Brown currently directs the Chick Singer Night all-girl music showcase at Nashville’s Bluebird Café, a gig she’s enjoyed for the past eight years. She freelances as a session singer and is actively pursuing song cuts.
Listening to Paper Doll, you can hear the influence of a variety of songwriters, from Diane Warren to Tim O’Brien.
"A songwriter is like a paper doll," Brown says. "I say what I need to say to convey my message to the listener. That means putting on different 'hats', even entire 'outfits', if you will. An artist usually speaks in her own voice, from her own experience. But as a songwriter I can be whoever I want to be to tell the best story I can."