JoJo

Over 2.4M+ followers on spotify, Popular for dance pop, pop, post-teen pop music genre.

Born on December 20, 1990, in Brattleboro, Vermont, Joanna Noëlle Levesque, professionally known as JoJo, emerged on the music scene as a prodigious talent from a very young age. Raised in a modest household, JoJo's musical potential was nurtured by her mother, Diana Levesque, a professional church soloist specializing in musical theater, and her father, Joel Levesque, a blues singer. This musically rich environment in the suburbs of Foxborough, Massachusetts, offered JoJo a dynamic cultural backdrop. By age six, JoJo was performing across the New England area, showcasing her impressive vocal range at local talent shows and within the walls of her church. As a child in a single-parent household following her parents' separation, JoJo often turned to music as an emotional outlet, adopting influences from a wide spectrum that included R&B, jazz, and soul. Influences such as Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and Whitney Houston permeated her early years, framing a sound steeped in passion and range. Her first big break came when she was cast on the television program 'America's Most Talented Kids' in 2003. Despite not winning, her breathtaking rendition of Aretha Franklin’s “Respect” garnered the attention of record producer Vincent Herbert. This connection led to her eventual signing with Blackground Records, setting the stage for her first foray into the music industry. Despite her early fame, JoJo's journey was not without challenges. As a young artist navigating the complexities of the music business, she faced issues that would test her perseverance and ultimately shape her resilient spirit. Her early experiences forged a trajectory unique in the industry, blending youthful talent with seasoned professionalism.

JoJo’s career was catapulted into the spotlight with the release of her self-titled debut album in 2004, a hallmark start stamped with her signature blend of R&B and pop influences. The album’s breakout single, “Leave (Get Out),” soared to the top of the charts, earning her the title of the youngest solo artist ever to have a number-one single in the United States at just 13 years old. This initial success painted JoJo as a youthful prodigy with a promising future. Her second album, 'The High Road' (2006), reflected an evolution in both sound and substance as JoJo aged from a young teenager into a mature artist. Hits such as “Too Little Too Late” displayed a stronger and more confident vocal capability, distinguishing JoJo as a serious contender in the charts. Despite achieving commercial success, her career faced significant turbulence due to contractual disputes with her label, Blackground Records, resulting in a long hiatus from releasing new music commercially. The battle for creative freedom intensified JoJo's determination to grow beyond early restrictions, leading her to re-emerge independently in 2015 with a series of three EPs titled III (Tringle): 'Say Love', 'Save My Soul', and 'When Love Hurts'. These projects were a declaration of her artistic independence, showcasing an evolved sound that encompassed elements of soul, pop, and R&B. Her third studio album, 'Mad Love' (2016), was a triumphant return marked by a matured sound that reflected personal and professional growth. The album’s themes delved into self-reflection, love, and resilience, portraying a soundscape that was as dynamic as the artist herself. Its production and lyrical depth set JoJo apart as not just an enduring artist but a deeply introspective one. JoJo continued to adapt and evolve with each subsequent release. Her 2020 album, 'Good to Know', was released during a significant cultural shift and showcased a broader range of expression and experimentation. Tracks like “Man” and “Comeback” highlight her unique combination of vocal prowess and lyrical depth, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to artistic authenticity.

JoJo's discography is a testament to her versatility and resilience in the music industry. Her debut album, 'JoJo', was released in 2004 through Blackground Records and Universal, producing hits like

JoJo's breakout hit, “Leave (Get Out),” released in 2004, climbed to number one on the Billboard Pop Songs chart, making her the youngest solo artist to top the chart at the age of 13. The song's success was a global phenomenon, reaching the top ten in multiple countries including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Ireland. Her follow-up single, “Too Little Too Late,” from the 2006 album 'The High Road', debuted in the top three of the Billboard Hot 100, marking one of the biggest jumps in chart history at the time, from number 66 to number three. It reinforced JoJo’s presence in the international music scene, securing top ten placements in Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. In 2016, JoJo made a bold return to the charts with her single “F*** Apologies” featuring Wiz Khalifa, reaching significant positions on the American charts. The single not only exemplified her evolution as an artist but also resonated with a new generation of listeners. From her independent album 'Good to Know', the track “Man” was highlighted for its introspective lyrical content and catchy melody, earning respectable spots on several streaming platforms. JoJo's ability to produce hit singles continued into 2022 with the release of “Creature of Habit,” which garnered considerable streaming success and media praise. Her chart performance is consistently backed by an undeniably strong fanbase, over 2.8 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone, indicative of her sustained popularity and relevance across the changing landscapes of the music industry.

JoJo’s collaboration roster reads as a masterclass in artistic synergy, with works spanning genres and styles, demonstrating her adaptability and appeal. Beginning with her early recognition, she collaborated with the likes of Bow Wow for the 2006 remix of her breakthrough track “Baby It’s You”, which not only strengthened her position within the pop domain but also introduced her to the hip-hop audience. As she matured artistically, JoJo’s ability to blend seamlessly with other talents became her signature. Notably, her feature on PJ Morton's Grammy-winning track “Say So” in 2020 signaled her continual relevance and adaptability. The sultry track was praised for its soulful execution and cohesive harmony, standing as a testament to her vocal prowess. JoJo's dynamic approach has seen her collaborate with various artists across different musical landscapes. She worked with rapper Remy Ma on the track “FAB”, presenting a fierce and empowering anthem that resonated with audiences. Another pivotal collaboration was with Wiz Khalifa on “F*** Apologies,” marking her return to mainstream music in 2016. This bold and unapologetic track highlighted her evolution from teenage star to a redefined, empowered artist. Beyond collaborative tracks, JoJo's projects also contain guest contributions, such as Alessia Cara's work on her 2020 track “I Don’t Want to Hate You” remix. Each of these collaborative efforts allows JoJo to explore new dimensions of her artistry, creating music not limited by genre or expectation and showcasing her to diverse audiences.

As of October 2023, JoJo maintains an impressive presence on streaming platforms, demonstrating a steady fan base and consistent demand for her music. On Spotify, she boasts over 2.8 million monthly listeners, with her breakout single, “Leave (Get Out),” accumulating over 150 million streams. Her influential track “Too Little Too Late” surpasses even those numbers, sitting at approximately 230 million streams. YouTube also showcases JoJo's enduring popularity, with her video for “Leave (Get Out)” having reached over 130 million views, a testament to her impact right from the early stages of her career. Current tracks, such as “Man,” contribute to her robust viewership, with several million views each. In the realm of Apple Music, JoJo’s catalog continues to amass plays, with high engagement found in her recent releases such as 'Mad Love' and 'Good to Know', both of which are frequently featured in Apple editorial playlists, increasing her streaming footprint significantly. Her robust presence across these platforms illustrates not only sustained interest but also crossover appeal; fans from multiple eras in her career continue to engage with both her classic hits and current offerings, reaffirming her lasting relevancy in the digital music space.

Throughout her career, JoJo has been the recipient of numerous awards and nominations, recognizing her as an enduring talent in the music industry. Her success began early with nominations such as MTV Music Awards’ Best New Artist, following the success of “Leave (Get Out)”. The track cemented her place as a notable new artist, earning her accolades and charting her path to future achievements. Her collaboration with PJ Morton on “Say So” was awarded the 2020 Grammy for Best R&B Song, further establishing her as a versatile and accomplished artist with the capability to cross into different genres of music with ease. JoJo’s music has been honoured with a variety of industry awards including the Boston Music Awards which recognized her as Pop/R&B Artist of the Year in 2004, and later, the same organization recognized her ongoing contributions to music with its Pop Artist of the Year award. Despite facing industry challenges, JoJo's re-released versions of her initial albums achieved significant recognition, particularly her new rendering of “JoJo” and “The High Road”, which were praised by critics and fans alike for their reinvigorated sound quality and emotional depth. JoJo's narrative in conquering the hurdles presented by industry conflicts has often been highlighted in media accolades, celebrating not only her musical talents but also her tenacity and resilience in the face of adversity. She has become a symbol of empowerment for artists fighting for creative control and recognition.

JoJo's musical style is a dynamic blend of pop, R&B, and soul, creating a sound that is both contemporary and classic. Her talent lies in her ability to convey deep emotion and storytelling through powerful vocals and lyrical honesty. From the beginning, JoJo was influenced by legendary soulful voices, such as Aretha Franklin, Etta James, and Mariah Carey, whose impact is evident in her vocal stylings and emotive delivery. Her debut reflected a youthful pop-R&B hybrid that captured the innocence and exuberance of youth, with catchy hooks and singable melodies. As her career progressed, these foundations have evolved, exhibiting more depth and breadth in her narrative content. JoJo's albums further reflect her versatility, mixing R&B roots with elements of hip-hop, pop, and more experimental sounds, drawing influence from the likes of artists such as Janet Jackson and Aaliyah. JoJo’s songwriting often tackles themes of empowerment, love, self-discovery, and resilience, notable in tracks like “Man” from 'Good to Know'. Her vocal arrangements have grown increasingly sophisticated, encompassing layered harmonies and adventurous melodic lines. Her ability to transition seamlessly across genres has set JoJo apart. Whether she's exploring contemporary pop or diving into soulful ballads, her music consistently showcases her vocal prowess and adaptability. This sound, coupled with personal and introspective lyrics, makes JoJo a unique voice in a saturated industry, highlighting an individuality that continues to resonate with listeners across the globe.

JoJo’s legacy is emblematic of resilience and artistic integrity. An icon who outgrew her early reputation as a one-hit wonder, she has cemented her status as a beacon of perseverance. Her battle for artistic and personal freedom has redefined what it means to be an artist caught in an unfortunate recording deal, offering inspiration to multitudes of artists facing similar challenges. JoJo’s music has shaped a generation through its authenticity and relatable messaging, especially impactful in an era where many artists struggled to find and own their true voices in the industry. Her story is one of the first that comes to mind when discussing the pitfalls of the music industry, serving as a critical reminder of the importance of creative ownership. JoJo's unwavering presence has influenced a new wave of artists who admire her vocal ability and steadfast tenacity. Her influence stretches across various facets of the industry, impacting not only pop and R&B genres but also how the artists today set standards for themselves against industry norms. By continuously demanding her place in the music world, JoJo inspires both peers and emerging talent to advocate for their art and to never lose sight of their artistic vision. Her impact extends beyond her music, as she becomes intertwined with the conversation about artists’ rights and the broader music landscape. JoJo's narrative and her continued contributions point to a legacy that will undoubtedly influence future generations of musicians and music lovers alike.