Briefly, she worked as a waitress back in Homer. Realizing this was not for
her, she moved to San Diego, CA. Living off carrots and peanut butter in her
VW van, she began to tour with her mother up along the Californian Coast. She
sung for pocket change. Finally, a break came and she began performing at the
Innerchange Coffee House. Jewel made many friends, and later was discovered
there. Jewel wanted to clean up a bit that day, and went to Denny's to use
the sink. Two old ladies came in and were heard saying "She seemed to
be a pretty enough girl, what's wrong with her." Jewel dedicated a song
to them during Lilith Fair (1997).
What cinched this singer’s career was her big break created after bowing out of Alaska's State Fair to tour as the opening act with Neil Young. Many fans in Homer were disappointed by her cancellation; however, Her award for "Best New Artist" brought faith back in this Alaskan singer from Homer. The mayor personally sent a message to Jewel congratulating her on behalf of the whole town.
The tracks included on "Pieces of You" were recorded at the Innerchange,
and at Neil Young's Broken Arrow Ranch in Woodside, Ca. The Stray Gators, a
backup band from Young's "Harvest" and "Harvest Moon" albums
helped on several tracks. The album was released on Tuesday, February 28, 1995.
Jewel's first hit "Who Will Save Your Soul" brought her the attention
of the music world for which she earns every praise.
Jewel won The American Music Awards "Favorite Artist" category. She was also up for "Best New Artist" and "Best Female Pop Vocal Performance" at the Grammies on Feb. 26, 1997. Jewel lost at the 1996 MTV Music Awards to Alanis Morrisette for “Ironic.”
Continue on to Chapter 4: Transition
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