Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
Jewel
May 23, 1974
Payson, Utah
52 Years Old
Gemini
Who Is Jewel?
Jewel Kilcher is an American singer-songwriter, known for her distinctive voice and introspective folk-pop music. Her honest lyrics often explore themes of resilience and self-discovery.
She captivated audiences with her debut album, Pieces of You, released in 1995. The record slowly gained momentum, eventually selling over 12 million copies in the US alone with hit singles like “Who Will Save Your Soul.”
Early Life and Education
Born in Payson, Utah, Jewel Kilcher moved to Alaska shortly after, growing up on a remote homestead near Homer with her father, Atz Kilcher, and her brothers. Her early life included performing with her father in local taverns, where she honed her singing and yodeling skills.
At age fifteen, she earned a partial scholarship to the Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, where she studied operatic voice and learned to play guitar. After graduating, she lived in her van for a time, performing in San Diego coffeehouses before her discovery.
Notable Relationships
A string of high-profile romances marked Jewel Kilcher’s early career, including a relationship with actor Sean Penn in 1995. She later married rodeo cowboy Ty Murray in 2008 after a decade of dating.
Jewel and Murray share one son, Kase Townes Murray, with whom she co-parents following their divorce in 2014. She has remained largely private about subsequent relationships.
Career Highlights
Jewel's groundbreaking debut album, Pieces of You, became a massive success, selling over 12 million copies in the US and launching hit singles like “You Were Meant for Me” and “Foolish Games.” Her diverse musical career has since yielded more than 30 million albums sold worldwide across various genres.
Beyond music, Jewel co-founded Higher Ground for Humanity, a charitable foundation focused on clean drinking water through its Project Clean Water initiative. She has also achieved New York Times bestseller status with her poetry collection A Night Without Armor and her memoir Never Broken.
Signature Quote
“Love bravely, live bravely, be courageous, there's really nothing to lose. There's no wrong you can't make right again, so be kinder to yourself, you know, have fun, take chances. There's no bounds.”