Jolie & The Wanted

Jolie Edwards, who fronts the group Jolie & the Wanted, grew up in Omaha, Nebraska. Music captivated her from childhood onward, and although stage fright once held her back, she eventually overcame that hesitation. She first displayed her vocal ability through talent-show appearances, then, while still a teenager, joined an initial rock outfit.

Years later, after embracing the roles of wife and mother, Edwards returned to performing at the urging of her spouse. The pair made repeated trips to Nashville, where she laid down several tracks that the couple then circulated among record companies. One of those submissions caught the ear of James Stroud, who in 1999 placed her on the roster of Nashville’s DreamWorks label. She soon assembled a backing band, beginning with guitarist Phil Symonds, followed by guitarist Jonathan Trebing and keyboardist Steve King, with drummer Andy Hull and bassist Ethan Pilzer rounding out the lineup. The resulting ensemble issued its debut album, the self-titled Jolie & the Wanted, on DreamWorks in February 2001.