With her new album, New Moon Born, poised to burst onto the mainstream music scene, it’s no wonder Jana Mashonee is all smiles these days. The album represents a significant departure from her previous endeavors, taking on a decidedly more upbeat rhythm and blues flavor. “The album is about rebirth and new beginnings; it reflects a phase in my life that has taken on a different shape and direction from anything I’ve done before,” she says. “This music conveys my personal truths and beliefs.” In addition to providing all the vocals and piano, Jana wrote and co-produced the album.
Jana’s new featured track is an emotional cover of Sam Cooke’s soul classic, “A Change Is Gonna Come,” with Juno Award winning guitarist Derek Miller. Jana debuted the song and the powerful music video at her live performance for the 2009 American Indian Presidential Inaugural Ball.
Since the 2006 release of her GRAMMY-nominated concept album, American Indian Story, the Lumbee Indian singer-songwriter has not had a moment’s rest. Amidst her demanding touring schedule which has taken her to 48 states as well as Europe and Canada, she found time in 2007 to shoot a video for American Indian Story’s first single, “The Enlightened Time.” Met with critical acclaim and enthusiastic fan response, the video has won numerous film festival awards, as well as a NAMMY for Best Short Form Music Video, Jana’s seventh Native American Music Award.
Jana also recorded American Indian Christmas, a unique album of ten traditional Christmas carols, each sung in a different Native American tongue. Recorded with a full orchestra and traditional Native American instruments, this holiday album continues to receive rave reviews from press and fans alike.
At the start of the new millennium, Jana found success with chart-topping club hits like “More Than Life” and her cover of Led Zeppelin’s epic, “Stairway to Heaven,” earning her the honor of being the first Native American female to land on the Billboard dance charts. Her powerful voice, uplifting message, and exotic beauty and style garnered widespread press attention.
Despite her fast-paced career, Jana has still found time to give back by establishing her non-profit organization, Jana’s Kids, in 2002. Through the foundation, she helps Native American youth achieve their dreams. Starting in 2007, Jana’s Kids began awarding the David L. Boyle Family Scholarship to Native students. “I hope to raise more money so that I can fund a full two to four years of schooling for each person receiving a scholarship. That’s my current goal.”
This is indeed an exciting time for Jana with New Moon Born set to take her career to new heights. Despite this, she is decidedly peaceful. “Find the inspiration within yourself first and then you can help others,” she says. “I believe everyone has the responsibility in their lives to influence other people positively.” Jana Mashonee is truly the embodiment of the ancient Lumbee proverb: “She walks in beauty in two worlds.”
When you are feeling alone like no one cares, read this because its absolutely true:
Every night, someone thinks about you before they go to sleep. At least fifteen people in this world love you. The only reason someone would ever hate you is because they want to be just like you. There are at least two people in this world that would die for you. You mean the world to someone. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good comes from it. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look. Always remember the compliments you've received. Forget the rude remarks.love tito
Today is love u day. Send 2 everyone you love. Whether it's real love or friend love.
Ur spoiled if you get 4 back.
Did Anyone Ever Tell You How Important You Make Others Feel Somebody out here is Smiling About Love that is so Real Did Anyone Ever Tell You that Many Times When They were Sad Your E-mail (and chats) made Them Smile a bit In Fact It made Them Glad For the Time You Spend Sending Things And Sharing whatever You Find There are No Words to Thank You But Somebody, Thinks You're Fine Did Anyone Ever Tell You Just How Much They Love You Well, My Dearest Friend Today I am Telling You I HOPE I GET THIS BACK I believe that without a special friend you are missing out on a lot!! HAVE A GREAT DAY MY FRIEND!
Hiya Jana, just stopping by to wish you a HUGE congrats on your awards, Much deserved i must add as well, I would also like to wish you a happy and safe Thanksgiving thursday, Have a great holiday, and Congrats once again, Its great to see all of your hard work and perserverence paying off for you,
I don't know how anybody else does it, but for me it's a tradition to
house hop and see how everyone's doin' for the holidays. After
Thanksgiving I'm going to be eating turkey sandwiches till I'm sick of
'em. Hope you don't get a belly ache like me---stay sexy :D
Hello and welcome to the Quinault Beach Resort & Casino, Jana:) I hope you enjoy your stay here. I know people here will love to hear you sing. Well i have to go now my baby boy is starting to wake up. Take care and God bless you:)
hi jana, Thanks for the response on that comment, u see we have alot of FYE stores here so i just thought i could suggest that for you, so u can get promoted more here on the navajo nation, oh and onther thing, how do i go about hiring you to perform on the navajo nation, you know recently we brought out ABK and other native rappers from around the united states, we having another show on Dec. 3 so if u happen to be on the rez by then stop by hehe. well TTYL much love and respect to you, Johnny
For all the Big Smiles & Inspiring Talents that You Share with All of us, Thank You :) May those Beautiful Actions be returned & Bless You MANY times over~ Peace to You~
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