Biography

“Jesse Saint James, one of Nashville’s very best songwriters.”
– Tunesmith.net

“Jesse, you’re great!”
– Kevin Salem (guitarist/producer/singer-songwriter Yo La Tengo, Dumptruck, Emmylou Harris)

 

Jesse Saint James was born in Miami but she’s got Nashville in her blood. And she’s ready to take Music City by storm with a sultry, alluring, and completely infectious blend of power-pop and good, old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll.

A resident since 2005, she’s already written with some of Nashville’s great songwriters – including Ken Summerville of RPM Publishing –  and has just finished recording the songs for her debut record which she plans to release later this year.

It was Peter Bennett, acclaimed promotional manager for both the Rolling Stones and the Beatles who recognized Jesse’s musical talent and encouraged her to pursue a singing career. The “world’s top promotion man,” Bennett has the distinction of being the only manager to work simultaneously with the Beatles, the Stones, Elvis, Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, and Tony Bennett. His ear for radio is legendary. When that ear trained on Jesse’s unique voice and style, his encouragement led her to a performing career.

But Jesse’s no stranger to the stage. Equally comfortable in front of and behind the camera, she began modeling in her teens. This took her to Paris and a stint as the face for an Air France marketing campaign. Returning home to Florida, Jesse co-founded Rembrandt, a photography and promotion company in Tampa. She also freelanced as a photographer, journalist and stylist and worked for several prestigious Florida music publications including JAM, Music Forum and Focus magazine. Her interview and photography credits include Matchbox 20 and the Rolling Stones. Prior to her move to Nashville, Jesse was an associate producer at Unity Pictures, a independent film company at Universal Studios in Orlando, FL, working with Dan Myrick (of The Blair Witch Project) and on several music videos.

Jesse has show business in her blood. Her great grandfather, Paul Frederick Volland, founded P.F. Volland Publishing Company and published the now-classic “Raggedy Ann” and “Raggedy Andy” series. Jesse’s grandmother, Virginia Volland, was an actress who appeared with Al Jolson, Dorothy Gish, and Lloyd Nolan before embarking on a career as a Broadway costume designer, responsible for The Bad Seed, Sunrise at Campobello and A Raisin in the Sun. Jesse’s grandfather, Mervin Williams, was a Hollywood and Broadway actor who appeared in 15 Hollywood films including Julius Caesar, Naked City, and the controversial Salt of the Earth.

Jesse Saint James is a consummate performer whose natural talent and stage affinity have been honed by hard work. Jesse is currently working with Ash Street Music in Nashville. Please contact Donna Caldwell at Ash Street Music (615) 383-8775 to license any of Jesse’s songs for film or television.