The Elevens highlights Jess Godwin, a musician that puts the art back into music.
Although it pains me that I’ve never had the opportunity to see her live, I know that one day we will cross paths. I remember watching an episode of Dance Moms, and I heard a song that was originally was danced to by Maddie Ziegler called Fool Me Once. I really enjoyed the magnificence and beauty of a voice quite beautiful. The voice was that of a now Chicago based artist named Jess Godwin. As I began to listen to more songs from her catalog, I noticed something unique about her, even from her earlier music. Her music seemed like it could be transformed into something spectacular for the stage. Yes her music made me feel like I was in a musical. Musicals have always been a favorite genre of mine because it includes acting, singing, dancing, and art all in one place. As I began to look further into her catalog, I saw that she also did music videos. In the beginning her videos were much like regular music videos we see nowadays, (and I enjoyed those just the same) but what impressed me even more was her evolution from those days. You begin to hear a change in her music as time goes on and in the videos because it’s just her being herself. I feel as if she wanted to give us her and not what a company or management team wanted to mold her into. It was then that I fell deeper in love with the music and art of Jess Godwin. Some of my favorite music videos (or should I call them music artwork) involve her simply singing into a microphone, playing a piano, and sometimes using a beat maker machine to carry the rhythm. The videos also would have a beautiful and artistic set surrounding her which makes it even more visually spectacular. I also noticed that Jess has always been an advocate for encouraging children to embrace who they are shamelessly. I love to watch the projects and things she does for her current city of Chicago, it is an amazing site. This week for The Elevens, I’ve decided to share my favorite Eleven videos with you in no particular order. I may comment on some, but some I may just put up the name of the song and the link. I want you all to enjoy and take in the beautiful musicianship and breathtaking art of Jess Godwin.
The Elevens of Jess Godwin
1. Fool Me Once
There are actually to versions to Fool Me Once, which I believe was her breakout song. So beautifully written and amazing just watch!
Fool Me Once (Original) -Click for Video
Fool Me Once (2015 Version) – Click for Video 
2. Bleed
Click for Bleed Video
3. Rome
Click for Rome Video
4. Beautiful Me
Click for Beautiful Me Video
5. Shame
Click for Shame Video
6. Chemistry
Click for Chemistry Video
Okay I seriously lied I saved my favorites for last, songs 7-11 I have listened to repetitively. Either the song had amazing lyrics or I just plain loved the arrangement of the music vocally. Jess is a beast with making her voice sound like a choir, and I love that about her music. The chords and the minor keys she includes in the music is what takes me to another planet! Much like my first song below in my Fave, Fave, Fave, Favorites sections of The Elevens!
7. Wallflower
Click for Wallflower Video
8. Geppetto
Click for Geppetto Video
9. Moon
Click for Moon Video
The next song was my goodbye song to Obama, I listened to this on repeat the day we got the new guy in the presidential office. The words say so much “Soon (one day) I’ll make it back to you.” I interpreted it as one day our world will continue on the path that his dreams and ideas were leading us towards.
10. Soon
Click for Soon Video
The final song in The Elevens is a song I’ve even fooled around with on my Acapella app. I love the simplicity of the song and the texture of Jess’ voice. This really shows the high range of her voice, and the ukulele is the perfect touch to the song. I still try to grasp the total meaning of this song, it’s up to interpretation. I could see it talking about a father or a lover, all in all its an amazingly beautiful song.
11. Him
Click for Him Video
I really hope everyone stops sleeping on a true and amazing hidden talent. Though I’ve never met her, Jess has always been gracious in getting me some of her sheet music and CD’s when I ordered them. You too can purchase her music from iTunes, Amazon, or download certain Jess music from different music streaming services. I encourage to watch her whole collection of videos on You Tube, she has some great ones I had to pick only 11. Please go and visit Jess’s Godwin Anthology page (Click the link) to see some of the work she is doing around her community and to keep up with her latest projects. I truly hope I get to see Jess live one day and meet her to let her know how she has creatively opened my mind. She has taught me to accept who I am and live bravely, creatively, and to never let anything get in the way of pursuing your passion. Hats off to you Jess!
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