As a child, Jackie Bell's first love was dance, but the emotions that overwhelmed her every time she stepped into a room filled with soulful melodies instinctively told her that music would play a role in her future.
Her first performances were with a gospel choir, but her individual talent brought her out from the crowd and led her to tell her story through a different kind of genre.
"Blues chose me," Bell says. "Blues chose me because I like to tell stories and in the blues you can find lots of stories."
Bell, better known as Miss Sweetheart to her fans, plays every Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the 930 Blues Café. Aside from her great vocals and honest lyrics, Jackie is known to throw in sultry dance moves and involve her audience in the act.
Bell comments that her uninhibited performance is nothing more than her personality coming out through her songs. "I move how the music makes me feel and dance the same way, that just part of how I tell my story."
Originally from Monroe, Louisiana, Jackie Bell has been heating up the Jackson music scene for more than 20 years. In Jackson she found a society that welcomed the blues with open arms and let it flourish.
"Mississippi has a lot to offer. We have a rich history and deep culture. I think it's a good place to be."
More like this story
More stories by this author
Support our reporting -- Follow the MFP.
