At 28 years of age, Jaci Velasquez is one of the world’s most successful and beloved Christian/Latin/pop singers. For proof, look no further than her 2 Latin Grammy nominations, 3 English Grammy nominations, 5 Latin Billboard Award nominations, her Latin Billboard Female Pop Album of the Year award, 6 Dove Awards, El Premio Lo Nuestro Award for New Artist of the Year, Soul to Soul Honors and an American Music Award nomination.
Jaci has sold over 3.5 million albums, garnered 3 RIAA certified Platinum recordings, 3 RIAA certified Gold recordings, 16 1 radio hits and has graced more than 50 magazine covers. Her resume includes ad campaigns for Pepsi, Doritos, Target, Frizz-Ease and Helzberg Diamonds.
Velasquez, a Houston, Texas native, began traveling and singing with her family when she was 9 years old. At the age of 14, she signed to Myrrh Records. Her first album “Heavenly Place” shot up the charts and garnered Jaci her first Platinum record, earning her the title of “the fastest selling solo debut artist in the history of Christian music.”
The Latin music industry quickly took notice and Sony Discos signed her to a Latin record deal. Jaci began recording both English and Spanish albums simultaneously. Her Latin recordings gathered some of the Latin music industry’s most prominent record producers, including Rudy Perez, Desmond Child, Emilio Estefan Jr. and Alejandro Jaen.
March 18th, 2008 marks the release of “Love Out Loud,” Jaci’s 13th record and debut release on her self-owned Apostrophe Records. Jaci teamed up with longtime friend and producer of her first three records, Mark Heimermann, to make what promises to be her best record to date. Velasquez’s growth as a songwriter is evident on “Love Out Loud” as she co-wrote the majority of the songs.
The record opens with the upbeat anthem “Nothing But Sky” where Jaci sings about her newfound happiness and perspective on life. She says, “The writer of this song wrote it specifically about my life. It reflects the journey I have been on and where I am today.”
“It’s Not You, It’s Me” tells the story of the strained relationship with her father after her parents’ divorce. Velasquez says “You have to let go, you have to forgive and you are the only one you can control. I love my dad; I don’t want to miss a moment without him in my life.”
“Love Out Loud” is the first radio single on the record. Jaci states, “I think the title says it all. Many of us talk about changing the world. I hope this song becomes a banner for everyone who has chosen to show God’s love through serving others.”
On the moving worship song “Jesus (The Way),” Jaci sings about the unconditional love of Jesus in a prayer to him. She recalls, “A co-writer friend of mine played me this song and I fell in love with it immediately. We have all fallen short of the glory of God at some point. The side of the story that matters the most is the journey back to him.”
“My Alleluia” describes a moment when one is at a loss for words, while standing in the presence of God. “I pray God hears me, even when I am silent.” says Jaci.
Regarding the song “Weightless,” Velasquez says, “There’s something that happens when you fall in line with God’s will for your life. The weight of all burdens is lifted off your shoulders.”
On the song “A Likely Story,” Jaci sings about falling in love with her husband Nic and their courtship. “It seemed too good to be true. Very much the way I feel about the undeserving love I receive from God.”
Jaci also brings some Latin flavor to the record with the songs “Tango” and “Por Escrito,” the beautiful Spanish duet with her husband Nic Gonzales, frontman for Salvador. She says, “Every marriage has its own distinct dance. Mine is the Tango. I love the dance and I love the man!” “Por Escrito” was originally scheduled to be on a Spanish release, which I do plan to release in the future. I asked my husband Nic to sing on this song with me. It is an amazing thing when God gives us the opportunity to share feelings and art with the one you love.”
Velasquez closes the record with “Into the Light Again,” which she says is a song about “finding a deeper relationship with God.”
Jaci is currently partnering with both Compassion and Feed the Children in an effort to put her words into action and “Love Out Loud.”
