Jessie James taking stage at National Peanut Festival on Friday

Sexy, edgy and bold describe country music diva Jessie James, the talented newcomer from Georgia who is the headline act Friday night at the National Peanut Festival.

Google the 21-year-old Air Force brat, who was born on a military base in Italy, or do a YouTube search of her videos and you will find a Daisy Duke beauty with a unique and versatile style.

Her first single, “Wanted” was released in April and her hip-hop song “Blue Jeans” was featured on the soundtrack to Confessions of a Shopaholic soundtrack. Earlier this year she toured with the Jonas Brothers. Her debut album, Jessie James, was released in August with Mercury Records.

The entertainer was not available for a telephone interview with the Dothan Eagle, because she suffered from strep throat earlier this week, but did answer several questions sent to her by e-mail.

Q: I have to ask about your name. Were your parents from Missouri?
A: Well, my name is Jessica Rose James. Jessica just because it is a pretty name and Rose after my great-great Aunt Rosie. When I started coming to Nashville, people started calling me Jessie for short and it just stuck.

Q: Watching your videos and reading about you, the name almost seems appropriate. You are quoted as saying you don’t like doing what you are told. Is that the outlaw in you?
A: Who the heck really likes doing what they are told, right? I guess, I have a vision of what I want, let’s say for instance, in my career and I don’t like being told I can’t do things this way or that way. I just want to be true to who I am.

Q: You couldn’t have been too rebellious, growing up a military brat?
A: I did grow up with lots of structure, but it was good structure. I never had rules until they were imposed upon me if I got out of line. For instance, when I was in high school, I used to talk on my cell phone really late at night and then I would always rush out the door to get to school on time. My mom would stand at the door with my to-go cup of coffee, keys and breakfast in a bag in an effort to get me there on time. So, I guess I created the rule “no talking on my cell past 10” because of it. I loved being around military kids, they always seemed very accepting at new schools. My dad is an Air Force pilot. You can learn more about him in my tune “Hurry Up Johnny.” It’s a pretty cool song.

Q: You mention influences like LeAnn Rimes, Christina Aguilera, Janis Joplin and Bobby Gentry. That’s a wide spectrum of artists, much like your music.
A: I was introduced to so many different artist and styles of music growing up by different people in my life and you know what? Good music is good music. You are right, it is hard to fit me in a box even though I’m just 5 foot nothing.

Q: First time I watched your Wanted/Cowboy videos, two words came to mind: Hot and sexy. You have said there is nothing wrong with being sexy if you can do it with class. How are you sexy “with class?”
A: I just let my music move me and if that comes off as sexy ... there ya go. I think I may be viewed differently by people than how I see myself. When I’m in the music I’m not thinking about being sexy. I guess it just comes out that way. 

Q: Do you think that sexiness is an expression of self-confidence, and as a mentor for young women –- like my daughters –- can sexy be a positive empowerment for women?
A: Yea, I like what you are saying. Confident is the word, feel good about yourself and who you are, pretty on the inside finds a way of showing itself on the outside.

Q: And finally, when you were that 10-year-old girl with a microphone, were your expectations that you would be here – recording and touring 10 years later?
A: YES! “You have to SEE it to BELIEVE it to ACHIEVE it.” Words to live by. See yourself living your dream, put in the work and say your prayers!!!!

Q: I notice you play the Soul Kitchen in Mobile a good bit, and played there Wednesday night. What’s up with that?
A: Soul and Kitchen in the same title – what’s not to love?

———————
Jessie James concert

When: Immediately following the 7 p.m. performance of Honor Society
Where: National Peanut Festival Amphitheater
Admission: Free with $7 admission to the peanut festival
For more on Jessie, go to http://www.thisisjessiejames.com