My musical story has unfolded year after year with each life experience I've had. With every high and every low, it has changed the way I see the world, my community, and myself.
Growing up in The Bronx, I discovered my passion for the arts early: singing, acting, and dancing. From auditioning for community theater and every school musical to performing for patrons at my mom's restaurant, Mary's Off Madison, I was always drawn to the stage. I was so enamored with the feeling performing provided, and I knew early on this was what I wanted to do with my life.
Looking back, I realize how lucky I was to have my mother's support through this entire journey. Whether she was attending my plays and high school musicals, sitting in my room listening to a new song I wanted to run by her, showing up at every New York singer-songwriter showcase or full band performance, or lending an ear and offering solid support when things were tough, I owe so much to her. She is my biggest fan, my inspiration, and my best friend. Her unwavering love and support helped me realize the pure connection I felt to other people through singing and acting. That was the true driving force behind my passion.
As many artists know, singing and acting are very competitive businesses. Hard work unfortunately does not guarantee success, regardless of talent. I have been a singer, songwriter, and guitarist for over 30 years, and I am a sixteen-time ASCAP Plus Award winner. I spent seven years living in Los Angeles, where I honed my skills performing on the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica. My musical style blends pop, folk-rock, and country influences, and I have toured extensively as a solo artist on both coasts, as well as internationally in Sweden and England. While my sound carries lyrical and musical sprinkles of Linda Perry, Patty Griffin, and Jennifer Nettles, my influences and inspirations started with Donna Summer, Billy Joel, and Joni Mitchell. I was also half of the acclaimed East Coast duo Stilettos-n-Steel with Jason Waters, performing at wineries, corporate events, and premier venues. Over the years, I have recorded in New Orleans, Los Angeles, Austin, and Nashville.
In 2016, I relocated to Nashville, where I appeared live on Lightning 100 singing I Believe(opens in new tab), became a finalist in 2025 Tennessee Songwriters Week(opens in new tab), and hosted monthly open mics at The Bowery Vault in East Nashville for three years. During that time, I decided to pursue a new source of income but wasn't sure what it would be. I just knew it had to be something I was passionate about that involved helping others, so I started thinking outside the box. From that exploration, I started a business that encompassed decluttering a person's mind and home: two areas where I had strong skill sets and deep passion. I loved solving problems, getting people unstuck, and organizing lives from the inside out. Most of all, it allowed me to connect with people on a personal level and help change their lives in a meaningful way. That's how my business, JV The Coach(opens in new tab), was born.
It has been a bumpy yet miraculous journey in more ways than one. This new journey has unfolded beautifully, as it is allowing me to maintain a steady source of income helping others while continuing my love of performing. I just returned from SERFA in late May, where I mentored musicians, hosted a private songwriter showcase, shared a few new songs of mine, one being A Little Bird Told Me(opens in new tab), and met some wonderful songwriters and human beings. I am also very excited to announce my new acoustic duo, Girl From Mars(opens in new tab), with Randy Dunham. We perform an eclectic acoustic mix of radio hits drawing from five decades of beloved music—from heartfelt ballads like "I Can't Make You Love Me" and "Best of My Love" to crowd-pleasing singalongs like "Don't Stop Believin'" and "When Will I Be Loved." Our goal is to share familiar songs, rich harmonies, and memorable performances while having a blast doing so.
This journey thus far has been a nothing less than a rollercoaster ride in every way. As I mentioned earlier, I grew up in The Bronx, but after graduating from SBU, Los Angeles was where I needed to be. I got on a plane with my guitar and a suitcase and shipped over a few boxes to stay at my best friend Jack's hole-in-the-wall studio for a few months. Six months later, after my Astoria house burnt to the ground, I made the quick decision to move to LA permanently with a dream and very little money.
In between auditioning for acting roles and writing songs, I paid my rent through street performing six hours a day, six days a week. Those were the scariest, most stressful, yet exhilarating times of my life. I wouldn't change a thing about that period. I met some of the most amazing people and created some of the greatest memories that I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Feel free to enjoy the songs I've written HERE(opens in new tab)
“Time is one thing in life you can never get back, so I try to embrace every moment I can. This is why I have a tattoo on my wrist that says "now"—to always remind me of how important it is to live in the moment.” Jennifer Vazquez
