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Jessica Harp
Jessica Harp
Jessica Harp
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Jessica Leigh Harp (born February 3, 1982) is an American songwriter and former country artist from Kansas City, Missouri. Between 2005 and 2007, Harp and Michelle Branch recorded and performed as The Wreckers, a duo that topped the country charts in 2006 with the Grammy-nominated "Leave the Pieces". After The Wreckers disbanded, Harp began a solo career on Warner Bros. Records, the same label to which The Wreckers were signed. Her solo second album single, "Boy Like Me", debuted in March 2009 and was a top 30 hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. It was followed by her second album, A Woman Needs, in March 2010.

Biography

[edit]

Jessica Harp grew up with her parents and her sister, Annie, in Kansas City, Missouri. She began singing when she was 3, wrote lyrics when she was 8, and picked up guitar at 13. In 2002, she pursued a solo career in music, releasing her independent album, Preface. She then worked as a backup vocalist for various country acts.

2005–2007: The Wreckers

[edit]

She provided backing vocals for her long-time friend Michelle Branch's album, Hotel Paper. After working together, Harp joined up with Branch in 2005 to form a country duo, known as The Wreckers, whose song "The Good Kind" was featured on One Tree Hill and its soundtrack. The group's debut country single, "Leave the Pieces", was released in February 2006. It was followed by their debut album, Stand Still, Look Pretty, which was released on May 23, 2006. "Leave the Pieces" reached Number One on the U.S. Billboard Hot Country Songs chart in September 2006. The album produced two additional singles in "My, Oh My" (a Top 10 hit) and "Tennessee" and was certified Gold by the RIAA for reaching sales of over 500,000.

Harp appeared on the very first live game broadcast by the NFL Network on November 23, 2006, to sing the American national anthem before the Thanksgiving Day game between her hometown Kansas City Chiefs and the Denver Broncos.[1] They later performed the National Anthem at the 55th Annual NHL All-Star Game on January 24, 2007.

Despite the success of their Number One debut single, album sales, and a nomination for the 2007 Grammy Awards for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for the song "Leave the Pieces", both Harp and Branch announced in August 2007 that they were putting The Wreckers on hold, while both went forward with solo albums.[2][3] This was announced on the band's official message board, which was later closed.

2008–2010: A Woman Needs

[edit]

On February 4, 2008, she married The Wreckers' fiddle player Jason Mowery. She started recording her second solo country album for Warner Bros. Nashville in July 2008 and announced in January 2009 that it would be titled A Woman Needs. Songwriter Jerry Flowers produced the album and co-wrote several of the songs. The lead-off single, "Boy Like Me," was released to country radio on March 9, 2009. It became her first Top 30 country hit, reaching a peak of No. 30 in June 2009. The album's second single, the title track, was released to radio on January 19, 2010, and the music video was filmed on November 19, 2009. On March 2, 2010, Harp announced that she would retire as a recording artist to focus on becoming a full-time songwriter.[4] Warner Bros. Records released her second album digitally on March 16, 2010. Over a year and a half later, on October 11, 2011, Harp announced on Twitter that Warner Bros. released her from her contract[5] and that she would record music again, either independently or with a label.[6]

Discography

[edit]
Jessica Harp discography
Studio albums2
Singles2
Music videos2

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Album details Peak chart
positions
US Country US Heat
Preface — —
A Woman Needs 31 7
"—" denotes releases that did not chart

Singles

[edit]
Year Single Peak positions Album
US Country
2009 "Boy Like Me" 30 A Woman Needs
2010 "A Woman Needs" 56

Music videos

[edit]
Year Video Director
2009 "Boy Like Me" Scott Speer
2010 "A Woman Needs" Kristin Barlowe

Awards

[edit]
Year Organization Award[7] Result
2006 Country Music Association Vocal Duo of the Year (as The Wreckers) Nominated
Academy of Country Music Top New Vocal Duo or Group (as The Wreckers) Nominated
Academy of Country Music Top Vocal Duo (as The Wreckers) Nominated
2007 Grammy Awards Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal — ("Leave the Pieces" as The Wreckers) Nominated
Music Row Awards Major Label Breakout Artist of the Year (as The Wreckers) Won
R&R Readers' Poll Best New Performer (as The Wreckers) Won
Country Music Association Vocal Duo of the Year (as The Wreckers) Nominated
Academy of Country Music Top New Vocal Duo or Group (as The Wreckers) Nominated
2008 Country Music Association Vocal Duo of the Year (as The Wreckers) Nominated

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jessica Harp

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Jessica Harp (born February 3, 1982) is an American best known as one half of the duo , alongside . Born in , Harp began performing music at a young age, singing by three, writing lyrics by eight, and playing guitar shortly thereafter, influenced by her mother's love of country artists like , , and . Harp initially pursued a solo career, releasing her debut indie album Preface in 2002 and nearly signing with Elektra Records before teaming up with Branch to form The Wreckers in 2004. The duo achieved commercial success with their 2006 debut album Stand Still, Look Pretty, which went gold and featured the chart-topping single "Leave the Pieces," earning them a Grammy nomination for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. After The Wreckers disbanded in 2008 due to creative differences, Harp signed a solo deal with Warner Bros. Records and released her debut single "Boy Like Me" in 2009, which peaked at No. 23 on the Country Airplay chart. In 2010, Harp shifted focus from performing to full-time songwriting, contributing tracks to various artists while occasionally performing and discussing potential reunions or performances in interviews, including activity as recent as November 2025. She has been married to producer Jason Mowery since 2008 and gave birth to their second child in August 2025.

Early life and education

Childhood in Kansas City

Jessica Harp was born on February 3, 1982, in , where she spent her early years immersed in a family environment that fostered her budding interest in music. Her father, Ron Harp, worked as a mechanic for and was an avid blues-rock enthusiast, particularly fond of bands like the Allman Brothers. Her mother, Carla Harp, owned a hair salon and introduced her to through artists such as , , and , whose influence would profoundly shape Harp's artistic direction. Harp grew up alongside her sister, Annie, in this supportive household, which encouraged creative expression from a young age. Harp's musical journey began remarkably early, as she started singing by the age of three, often performing around the house in Kansas City. By eight years old, she was writing her own song lyrics, drawing from a youthful imagination as a self-described "hopeless romantic," and already aspired to become a singer, inspired heavily by Reba McEntire's emotive style. These early creations, including songs penned in notebooks, reflected her innate talent and laid the foundation for her future career. At around thirteen, Harp picked up the guitar, transitioning from lyric-writing to full song composition, which allowed her to blend the country sounds of her mother's record collection with the rock edges from her father's tastes. Her Kansas City upbringing provided a grounded, Midwestern backdrop that influenced her authentic, heartfelt approach to music, even as she later pursued opportunities beyond her hometown. Local culture, including the city's renowned barbecue scene, became a nostalgic touchstone for Harp, whom she humorously referenced in interviews as a point of hometown pride. This period solidified her passion, setting the stage for collaborations and professional endeavors in her teenage years. She attended Oak Park High School in Kansas City.

Musical influences and training

Jessica Harp demonstrated an early aptitude for music, beginning to sing by the age of three while growing up in . By eight, she was writing her own song lyrics and had decided to pursue a career as a singer. At thirteen, she learned to play the guitar, which became instrumental in her songwriting development. Her musical tastes were profoundly shaped by her family's diverse listening habits. Harp's mother, a devoted enthusiast, introduced her to artists such as , , and , with McEntire emerging as a particularly strong influence on her style and vocal approach. In contrast, her father's preference for blues-rock, including the Allman Brothers Band's album , added a rock edge to her influences. These familial exposures fostered Harp's eclectic appreciation for music, leading her to prioritize compelling songcraft over genre boundaries, as she later noted that her tastes broadened with age to encompass all forms of . Lacking formal musical education, Harp's training was largely self-directed and experiential, honed through persistent practice and early performances. She released her debut independent album, , in 2002, which allowed her to refine her skills as a performer and songwriter before gaining wider recognition. Additionally, producer John McIntyre served as a key mentor during her solo endeavors, influencing her production techniques and artistic vision.

Music career

Formation and success with The Wreckers

Jessica Harp and Michelle Branch, longtime friends who first met in their teens, formed the country music duo The Wreckers in 2005 after Branch recruited Harp as a backing vocalist during her pop-rock tours. Branch, already a successful solo artist with hits like "All You Wanted," sought to explore country influences, while Harp, an emerging singer-songwriter from Kansas City, brought her harmonies and songwriting skills to the partnership. The duo signed with Maverick Records, Branch's label under Warner Bros., and began recording material that blended pop-rock sensibilities with country storytelling. The Wreckers achieved immediate success with their debut single "Leave the Pieces," released in early 2006, which topped the Hot Country Songs chart in August 2006 and reached No. 34 on the Hot 100. Their debut , Stand Still, Look Pretty, followed on May 23, 2006, debuting at No. 4 on the Top Country Albums chart and No. 14 on the , eventually earning gold certification from the RIAA for sales exceeding 500,000 copies. The album's harmonious sound and relatable themes resonated with audiences, propelling the duo into the spotlight as one of country's promising new acts. Follow-up singles further solidified their chart presence, with "My, Oh My" peaking at No. 9 on the chart in early 2007 and "" reaching the Top 40. The duo received critical acclaim and industry recognition, including nominations for Vocal Duo of the Year at the 2006 CMA Awards, Top New Vocal Duo or Group and Top Vocal Duo at the 2006 ACM Awards, and Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for "Leave the Pieces" at the 2007 . Their brief run marked a high point for duos in country music, influencing subsequent harmony-driven acts before they amicably parted ways in 2008 to pursue solo endeavors.

Solo debut and major label release

Harp began her solo recording career prior to forming The Wreckers, releasing her debut album Preface independently in 2002. The self-produced project featured 10 original tracks, including "Not Today" and "Addict," showcasing her early songwriting and acoustic-driven country-pop style. Distributed through small labels and local performances in Kansas City, the album helped build her regional following but did not achieve national distribution. Following the end of The Wreckers in 2008, Harp signed a solo recording contract with Warner Bros. Nashville, the same label that had supported the duo. She entered the studio in July 2008 to record her major-label debut, working with producer Jerry Flowers on a collection of 11 songs that blended contemporary country with personal narratives. The album, titled A Woman Needs, was announced in January 2009 and aimed to highlight Harp's transition to a solo artist with a focus on empowering themes. The lead single, "Boy Like Me," written and produced by Flowers, was released to digital platforms on February 10, 2009, and to on March 9, 2009. It debuted at number 58 on the chart and ultimately peaked at number 30, marking Harp's first solo entry on the tally and demonstrating modest commercial interest. The follow-up single, the album's title track "A Woman Needs," arrived digitally on December 8, 2009, and to radio on January 19, 2010. Co-written by Harp with Flowers and others, it peaked at number 56 on the chart, reflecting a lighter promotional push amid scheduling delays. Guest appearances included on guitar for "Boy Like Me" and on "Homemade Love." A Woman Needs was released digitally on March 16, 2010, via Warner Bros. Nashville, with physical copies available on-demand through retailers like Amazon. The album received positive reviews for its polished production and Harp's vocal maturity, though it faced challenges from limited marketing and the duo's lingering popularity. Tracks like "Chasing Daylight" and "Halfway to Sorry" exemplified the record's upbeat, radio-friendly sound, but it did not produce further chart-topping singles.

Transition to full-time songwriting

Following the release of her debut solo album A Woman Needs in late 2009, Jessica Harp announced on , 2010, that she was retiring from her career as a recording artist to focus exclusively on songwriting. In a statement posted on her official website, she explained, "I have decided at this point to stop pursuing my career as a recording artist and focus on songwriting full time." This shift marked the end of her brief solo tenure with Warner Bros. Records, after which the label released A Woman Needs for digital download on March 16, 2010, allowing fans access to the project despite the career pivot. Harp described the decision as one that followed extensive personal reflection, including long discussions with family and friends, soul-searching, and prayer. She cited evolving personal and professional circumstances, along with a heightened awareness of life's brevity, as key factors driving her toward greater fulfillment in songwriting rather than performing. "It’s a new chapter for me. It’s not the end of the book, it’s just a new chapter. And it feels so nice to feel inspiration again," she added, emphasizing the renewed creative energy this change brought. Looking ahead, Harp expressed enthusiasm for contributing to the music industry by crafting songs for other performers. She noted her desire to "share my music through the voices of artists who DO have their hearts in what they’re doing," highlighting her preference for the behind-the-scenes role over the demands of the stage. This transition allowed her to leverage her established songwriting talents—previously showcased in hits like ' "Leave the Pieces"—in a more dedicated capacity, while encouraging fans to remain connected via email. Since 2010, Harp has focused on full-time songwriting, co-writing tracks for artists including and . She has occasionally performed live and discussed the possibility of future reunions with in interviews. In February 2023, Harp and Branch reunited for a one-off performance at the Raging Idiots' Million Dollar Show in Nashville. As of 2025, a limited-edition violet vinyl reissue of Stand Still, Look Pretty is scheduled for release on .

Personal life

First marriage and early family

Jessica Harp married Jason Mowery, the violinist and fiddle player who performed with during their touring years, on February 4, 2008, in . The intimate ceremony took place at a local , attended by close family and friends from the music industry. The couple had become engaged several months earlier at Nashville's historic , a venue significant to Harp's career, during a private moment captured by photographers. Following their marriage, Harp and Mowery settled in Nashville, where she balanced her burgeoning solo career with their new life together. Harp released her debut major-label solo album, A Woman Needs, in 2010. By 2010, however, she shifted focus to full-time songwriting, a decision that allowed more stability for the couple as they navigated the demands of the music world. In the ensuing years, Harp and Mowery started a family; their first child, a named Charleigh Elizabeth, was born in November 2018. By late 2020, Harp had given birth to their first child, a then aged two. She described embracing motherhood as transformative, noting in an interview how her child's passion for —evident even at a young age—deeply influenced her creative process and daily life. The family eventually relocated from Nashville back to Harp's hometown of , seeking a closer connection to her roots while raising their .

Remarriage and children

Harp remains married to Jason Mowery as of 2025. In addition to Charleigh, Harp and Mowery welcomed their second child, a named Josie Skye Harp, on August 23, 2025. Harp has been actively involved in raising her children, sharing family milestones on , such as Charleigh's graduation and preparations for starting . In her bio, Harp identifies as "Charleigh's mama," emphasizing her dedication to motherhood amid her ongoing music pursuits.

Discography

Studio albums

Jessica Harp has released two studio albums as a solo artist. Her debut album, Preface, was issued independently in 2002. The album featured 10 tracks, many co-written by Harp, blending country and pop influences. It did not chart commercially due to limited distribution. Her second studio album, A Woman Needs, was released on March 16, 2010, by Warner Bros. Records. Produced by Jerry Flowers, the album included 11 songs, many of which Harp co-wrote, including the lead single "Boy Like Me," which peaked at number 30 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart. The record explored themes of love and personal growth with a country sound, earning positive reviews for Harp's songwriting and vocals. No further solo studio albums have been released by Harp as of 2025, with her focus shifting toward songwriting for other artists.

Singles

Jessica Harp released her first singles as part of the duo with . Their debut single "Leave the Pieces," from the 2006 album Stand Still, Look Pretty, topped the Hot Country Songs chart on September 9, 2006. The follow-up "My, Oh My" reached number 9 on the same chart later that year. "," the third single from the album, peaked at number 33 in 2007. An earlier track, "The Good Kind," originally recorded by Harp solo and later included on the duo's album, was released as a promotional single in 2005 and bubbled under the Hot 100 at number 115 but did not significantly chart on . Transitioning to her solo career, Harp's debut single "Boy Like Me," from her 2010 album A Woman Needs, marked her first entry as a solo artist on the Hot Country Songs chart, where it peaked at number 30 in June 2009. The title track "A Woman Needs" followed in 2010, peaking at number 56 on the chart.
YearSingleAlbumPeak Position (Billboard Hot Country Songs)
2005"The Good Kind" (as The Wreckers)Stand Still, Look Pretty—
2006"Leave the Pieces" (as The Wreckers)Stand Still, Look Pretty1
2006"My, Oh My" (as The Wreckers)Stand Still, Look Pretty9
2007"Tennessee" (as The Wreckers)Stand Still, Look Pretty33
2009"Boy Like Me"A Woman Needs30
2010"A Woman Needs"A Woman Needs56

Other appearances

Harp provided backing vocals on the track "Desperately" from 's second studio album, Hotel Paper, released in 2003 by Maverick Records. In 2005, as a member of , she contributed backing vocals to "I'm Feeling You," a collaboration with on lead vocals for Santana's album All That I Am, issued by ; the track was later released as a single.

Awards and nominations

The Wreckers era

During their time as the duo , formed in 2004 with , Jessica Harp received significant industry recognition for their contributions, particularly highlighted by chart-topping success and multiple high-profile s. The pair's debut single "Leave the Pieces" earned a Grammy Award in 2007 for Best Country Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, marking their only Grammy nod as a unit and underscoring the song's impact after it reached No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart. The Wreckers were nominated for Vocal Duo of the Year at the (CMA) Awards in 2006, 2007, and 2008, though they lost each time (to in 2006, in 2007, and in 2008); these nominations affirmed their rapid rise in Nashville following the release of their debut album Stand Still, Look Pretty. At the (ACM) Awards, they were nominated for Top New Vocal Duo or Group in 2007, as well as Top Vocal Duo in 2007 and 2008, reflecting sustained peer acknowledgment during their active years from 2004 to 2008. They also won the 2007 MusicRow Awards for Major Label Breakout and the R&R Readers' Poll for Best New Performer. These nominations and wins, spanning the major awards bodies, positioned as a promising act blending pop and country elements, though they did not secure wins at the Grammy, CMA, or ACM Awards before disbanding in 2008 to pursue solo endeavors.

Solo career

Jessica Harp received no major awards or nominations during her solo career.

References

  1. https://www.iheart.com/artist/jessica-harp-58369/
  2. https://www.theaudiodb.com/artist/143140-Jessica-Harp
  3. https://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Missouri-born-singer-Jessica-Harp-provides-duo-s-243801.php
  4. https://jessicaharpfans.com/about/
  5. https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/solo_and_strong_jessica_harp_makes_her_dream_album
  6. https://countrynow.com/what-happened-to-the-country-music-duo-the-wreckers/
  7. https://theboot.com/jessica-harp-quits-recording/
  8. https://www.iheart.com/podcast/834-bobbycast-27722337/episode/273-jessica-harp-from-the-74750106/
  9. https://www.instagram.com/jessicaharp82/
  10. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1842237/
  11. https://www.newstimes.com/news/article/Missouri-born-singer-Jessica-Harp-provides-duo-s-113674.php
  12. https://www.teenink.com/nonfiction/celebrity_interviews/article/5363/Musician-Jessica-Harp
  13. https://theboot.com/the-wreckers-comeback/
  14. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/chart-beat-94-57360/
  15. https://tasteofcountry.com/the-wreckers-debut-album-stand-still-look-pretty/
  16. https://www.discogs.com/release/2969731-Jessica-Harp-Preface
  17. https://musicrow.com/2010/01/jessica-harp/
  18. https://theboot.com/jessica-harp-solo-album/
  19. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/single/jessica_harp/boy_like_me/
  20. https://www.countryuniverse.net/2009/02/21/jessica-harp-boy-like-me/
  21. https://www.rocky-52.net/chanteursh/harp_jessica.htm
  22. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/album/jessica_harp/a_woman_needs/
  23. https://musicrow.com/2010/03/jessica-harp-shifts-career-gears/
  24. https://www.countrystandardtime.com/d/cdreview.asp?xid=4571
  25. https://www.countrystandardtime.com/news/newsitem.asp?xid=3861
  26. https://americansongwriter.com/jessica-harp-chooses-songwriting-over-the-stage/
  27. https://www.instagram.com/thewreckersmusic/
  28. https://www.countrystandardtime.com/news/newsitem.asp?xid=1356
  29. https://mclellanblog.com.dream.website/news/jessica-harp-and-jason-mowery-featured-in-in-style-weddings/
  30. https://mclellanblog.com/engagements/jessica-harp-jason-mowery-engaged-at-the-ryman-auditorium/
  31. https://tasteofcountry.com/the-wreckers-new-music/
  32. https://www.instagram.com/p/DOuMLlBAZFq/
  33. https://www.billboard.com/artist/the-wreckers/chart-history/country-songs/
  34. https://www.musicvf.com/Jessica+Harp.songs
  35. https://www.discogs.com/release/1785445-Michelle-Branch-Hotel-Paper
  36. https://theboot.com/the-wreckers-debut-album-stand-still-look-pretty/
  37. https://grammy.com/artists/wreckers/8193
  38. https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/the_wreckers
  39. https://grammy.com/artists/jessica-harp/12873
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