Hi, I’m Sundi Jo.

Hi, I’m Sundi Jo. Some of my friends call me SJ. I’m an Americana/Roots Gospel recording artist, singer, and songwriter from Branson, Missouri. Imagine a voice that sounds like a blend of Lucinda Williams, Iris Dement, Anne Wilson, and Zach Williams, and you’ll find me somewhere in between. I bring a soulful style to my music that makes me unforgettable. My voice and ability to write songs from the heart drive my passion to keep making music.

I want to write and perform songs that people can really resonate with, really feel. The world needs more vulnerability, and so does the church. I hope to provide that, along with some hope.

I have a real, raw story of gritty redemption that my listeners can relate to.

“ Her story will wound you, heal you, and help you see your story in light of a larger narrative.” – Jeff Goins, Bestselling Author & Speaker

Before There Were Songs…

Before there was a book. Before there was speaking on stages. Before there was a podcast. Before there was a confident woman helping others find freedom… there was a 330 lb. girl in bondage.

Broken.

Desperate to belong somewhere.

So controlled by abandonment, shame, rejection, and fear that she continued to sabotage every area of her life.

Having no clue how to cope with sexual abuse, rape, feelings of abandonment from an alcoholic father, and so much pain, I turned to unhealthy coping mechanisms to keep me from feeling pain.

Food…

… Pornography

Homosexuality…

330 Lbs. of Shame

While it appeared I was living on the outside; I was dying on the inside a little more each day. I was surviving, barely.

I was a great pretender, but I could only pretend so long.

I had to come to the end of myself and admit I couldn’t do this life without Jesus. That’s when everything truly changes. 

I finally decided to find that end and allow Jesus to heal the deep, broken, scared parts of my heart. And boy, did He ever flip my world upside down.

But I found freedom…

… and decided to start living.

The journey was simple, not easy. 

I didn’t wake up one day and just decide to start eating healthy, run a mile a day and get my crap together. 

Finding freedom isn’t full of unicorns and rainbow farts. It’s hard. But it’s worth it. 

I focused on taking one next right step at a time on my freedom journey. 

I took steps forward. I took steps backward. Some days were great. Some days were really really hard.

And one small next right step started to turn into big wins.

Simple (not easy) steps changed everything!

145 Lbs. Later…

And here I am… still clinging to God each day and fighting not only for my freedom but for the freedom of others.

I lost 145 lbs. I was set free from pornography and homosexuality. But more importantly, I was set free from the root of those struggles trying to destroy me.

Through speaking, songwriting, performing, and providing laughter as much as possible, I aim to help others find and pursue their passions and God-given dreams.

I hope you’ll continue to join me on the journey. 

My Love for Music

I was around eight years old, and I was visiting my dad for the weekend. It seemed like he always had the radio on, which sat atop the spice rack, and I heard the most beautiful voice I’d ever heard coming out of that speaker.

Dolly Parton was singing Silver and Gold and it stopped me in my tracks. I immediately went home and begged my mom to buy me the cassette tape with that song on it.

I played her Eagle When She Flies cassette on repeat until I wore the tape out. To this day, that’s my favorite song, and that’s still my favorite album.

Something came alive in me that day and I fell in love with Country Music. It didn’t matter what pain I was going through, I could lock myself in my bedroom, turn on music and drown out the world.

From that moment forward, I knew in my heart that I would grow up and somehow be involved with music.

And today I’m doing just that…

…Songwriting

Books…

…Bible Studies

Singing…

…Comedy

Acting…