My husband, family & friends,
Musically - The Corrs, Shania Twain, Gloria Estefan, Olivia Newton John, Amy Grant, Out of the Grey, Sarah Bareilles, Take That
Welsh singer/songwriter Helen Jayne was born into a musical family in rural South Wales where her natural musical talent was encouraged from an early age. Her family and music teachers noticed Helen had a good ear for both piano and violin. She was encouraged to learn to read music but soon discovered she could play instruments by ear and that singing was as natural to her as breathing.
Her fascination of playing piano by ear led her to start experimenting, and she penned her first ballad by the age of 14. Though her violin teacher's wishes were for her to pursue a career in that instrument, Helen's studies of other subjects took precedence. Gaining A levels in French, Art and Religious Studies, she then went on to further academic education at the University of South Wales.
By the early 90's, Helen had relocated to Wokingham, Berkshire, where she teamed up with a local musician/songwriter and they co-wrote their first song 'My Love Is Strong', which Helen later performed on Welsh Television (always a favourite at gigs, this song was later re-recorded and featured on her “Give My Life” CD album). A new pop/folk duo was born 'The Promise', and together Helen and Doug performed around the UK in pubs, music clubs and at large youth events. Their mutual love of music and strong friendship sparked off an innovative songwriting relationship and their songs were performed by Helen on a number of exciting TV and radio shows.
During this time Helen's talent caught the attention of an A&R director at a London gig and in 1994 Helen signed to a major independent record label and was flown out to Music City, Nashville where she recorded her debut album 'Safe' at Omnisound Studios with the cream of gospel session players, Chris Eaton (production and keyboards), Chris Rodriguez (guitar), Jackie Streets (bass), Steve Brewster (drums) and Steve Bishir (engineer). By Spring 1995 the album 'Safe' had been released worldwide, and was a major success in its market. The US parent of Helen's record company duly took note and returned Helen to Nashville to record promotional video material at a Nashville club. Around the same time Helen received the award for 'Outstanding British CCM Artiste - Female' at a British gospel award ceremony.
YOU CAN BUY "SAFE" BY CLICKING THE FOLLOWING LOGOS! Purchase as a CD from online US retailer CD Baby:
or download in iTunes and MP3 format from all good digital distributors, including:
Helen's career gained momentum; in 1996 she performed two tracks from 'Safe' with a live band on national BBC1's 'First Light' programme, namely, 'Dreaming in colour' and 'Reality' in addition to other appearances on her native Welsh television.
Just as it seemed she was destined for superstardom, tragedy struck when Helen started to become seriously ill to the point of collapse. A course of anti-malaria drugs caused serious adverse side effects in Helen and her immune system took a further knock which left her with a debilitating condition diagnosed by hospital specialists as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/M.E. It was to be a long journey to recovery.
Despite a year and a half's suffering from a serious and debilitating illness, Helen was able to marry her former music partner Doug in October 1997 at a small church ceremony and thereby changed her professional name to Helen Jayne McKellar.
Although continuing to battle with ill health, Helen decided it was time to record another album, this time of mainly self-penned love songs, but also including two cover versions; Olivia Newton-John's 'A Little More Love' and Shania Twain's 'You've got a way'. The recording process was momentarily stalled on September 11th 2001, when within the space of 4 weeks, Helen wrote, recorded and released a charity single 'Prayer For America' in aid of the Red Cross, as a tribute to the victims of the appalling terrorist attacks.
The album 'Give My Life' was subsequently completed after a massive two year effort. Like ‘Safe’, the album received critical acclaim from both experts in the music business and the general public, who have been able to preview much of the material via internet music sites such as CD baby.
YOU CAN BUY "GIVE MY LIFE" BY CLICKING THE FOLLOWING LOGOS! Purchase as a CD from online US retailer CD Baby:
or download in iTunes and MP3 format from all good digital distributors, including:
Today Helen continues to struggle with CFS/ME and therefore currently unable to perform in concert. However, she has recently been recording again and is looking forward to presenting her 6 brand new songs as a mini album in late Spring of 2009.
For more information, lyrics, pictures and other items, check out her website on http://www.helenjayne.com.
Halo...Thank you for the add sooo much...I was listening to your songs actually your lyrics and they are so true and uplifting...Thanks again for being one of my friends on this here space...God is love:>
I am DONE, DONE, DONE with grad school!!! Yippy! My life is still very full, but now I don't have that added stress hanging over me each day. I added new pictures, there is one in there of my new dog, Sandie. I pray many blessings over you!
I Just wanted to check in quickly and say HI!!!!!! How are you, Doug, and Jack? How is the new CD doing? I haven't been on here or much of anywhere else since I am winding down my MA in Counseling. I finish in just 2 days and I will be out of school. I can't wait! 17 years and 4 college degrees is quite enough! This last one was expecially tough since I did 69 hours of coursework and 400 hours of counseling internships in the past 3 1/2 years while teaching at a very challenging place. I pray you are all well there in Berkshire. Love the cover of 'Out here on my own'. I have always loved Fame and that song. I thought of applying to the School of Performing Arts way back when many, many moons ago for singing and dancing. Well, I have to get going and finish my test for this last class.
Thank you for your comment Helen Jane, and also for your kindness in directing me to your site with a free download of Out Here On My Own. I think it's terrific, also love It's Not Too Late. God is so good to send angels like you with such beautiful voices to sing of His love for us. Blessings to you, and little Jack. XO - Joy
I love the demo song. I wish you included that in your other CD. You sounds stunnning! I love that movie too. The soundtrack of that movie is fabulous. You did an awesome job singing it. I love your voice always.
Hi Helen, thank you for your music! I wish you a wonderful weekend! What are your plans? Anything special? in case you're in the mood and have some time, maybe you would like to check out my new photographs, I hope you like them. :)
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