A few months ago, I was sitting across from an industry pro over coffee in Nashville, and I shared with him, “I don’t know where I fit. I’m not sure I fit in the church and don’t really fit in the bar every night.”
He asked me… “Who told you that?”
“I just told you that,” I replied with a strange look on my face.
He gently called me up and out of that lie for the next hour, reminding me I could fit anywhere. I have the stories and the songs that fit in the church and a bar. He reminded me I have a message that matters.
So I came home and sat on our conversation for a minute. Then, I got brave enough to talk to the Lord about it. Honestly, I’d been avoiding the conversation.
It went a little something like this…
Me: God, why would I want to play music full-time in churches? I don’t even like the church right now. (Yes, I’m a worship leader. Yes, that’s a conversation for another day.)
God: You’re talking about my bride.
Me: Crap. You’re right. I’m sorry. What do you want me to do, Papa? I want to do what You want.
God: I want you to tell the church I love them, and I’m giving you the chance to do it with music and laughter.
Me: Tears and Silence
But we all know I can’t stay silent for long. So, through the tears, I told the Lord, “If this is what you want me to do, I’ll do it.”
God: Then let me walk with you in this. I’ll go before and behind you. We’ll do things together for My Kingdom – more than you could ever ask or imagine.
I then went and changed my pants because the thought scared the crap out of me.
I then spoke those words out loud to trusted friends because I knew once I said them, I couldn’t take them back: “I want to do music full-time by 2026.”
And so here I am, on that path, building the dreams God has put on my heart, staying steadfast in who God called me to be so that I can tell others how much He loves them.
So, I’m here to announce I’m doing this thang, and there’s no looking back!
That said, I need your help! I want to bring “A Night of Music & Laughter with Sundi Jo” to your church or backyard. There’s going to be something for everyone: music, laughter, authentic storytelling, and a whole lot of Jesus.
Here’s the thing: churches aren’t just going to book someone they know nothing about. It’s going to take a personal connection to the pastor, administrative assistant, etc., to book a show.
And that’s where I need your help, my friend.
Can you connect me to your church? Or, if you’re the one in charge of bringing others in, I’d love to chat. You can get more details on “A Night of Music & Laughter” church events here…
Interested in a backyard concert? Let’s do this! It’s just me, you, and several of your amazing friends, family members, neighbors, etc. It’s a laid-back night of fun, music, and, of course, some shenanigans. You can get more info on house concerts here …
All I could say was, “Thank you.” I planned out what I wanted to say. Thanks for your music. I couldn’t have made it through my childhood without you. I’m a songwriter. You inspire me to keep pushing forward. And other things I can’t remember.
But all I could muster was, “Thank you,” as I shook her hand and introduced myself. I felt like I was 12 again, trying to act like a mature adult. That didn’t last long, as I then explained how I got my unique name. “My parents were hippies. They smoked a lot of pot. That’s all I’ve got.” She laughed as she spelled it out in the autograph.
I was introduced to her music in 1995. I was 12. “Better Things to Do” came on the radio, and I was hooked. I bought her CD as soon as I could get my hands on it. (Look that up, kids. CDs were life-changing.)I had every song memorized. I think “Catch 22” was my favorite.
I wish I had pictures to show you of my bedroom walls. They were covered with cutouts from Country Weekly Magazine. I wanted to be surrounded by Country Music because it was my safe place – a reminder that despite all the pain, I could still dream.
When her picture showed up in my latest edition, I tore it out and hung it up next to Minnie Pearl’s picture. Ahh.. yes… another reminder to dream more.
And dream I did. I’d dream about hearing my own songs on the radio. I’d dream about writing a song with Terri. And when the reality of the past kept creeping in, her music would help drown it out.
So, why in the world could I not say anything besides “Thank you” when I finally had the chance to meet her? Perhaps that was all that needed to be said. Maybe it was just enough.
Thank you for your music. It was a saving grace for me when trying to escape the harsh realities of sexual abuse and rape and the shame tied to keeping the secrets.
Thank you for your music. It was a salve to my soul through the abandonment, rejection, and addiction of a dad who was too broken to love me the way a daughter is supposed to be loved.
Thank you for your music. It reminded me that I wasn’t alone when I couldn’t connect with my mom because she was just trying to find her own way through the brokenness of her past.
Thank you for your music. It helped me stand taller and say, “Hey, I can chase my dreams, too. I can be a songwriter. I can make a difference in the world.”
Thank you for your music. It pushed me forward to say, “I don’t have to stay where I am. I can do something different.”
It took me years to get there—to actually get past the shame, secrets, and self-sabotage and start chasing my dreams. But the fire in my heart never died. And when I walked out of the pit of the past and said, “I’m done talking about chasing my dreams; now I’m ready to build them,” her songs were still there to inspire me to keep building.
As I drove to Nashville, knowing I would meet Terri Clark, I listened to every album on the seven-hour drive, thinking about the different stages of life I was in during each album release. And I cried a little—okay, I cried a lot.
And then I got to her latest album, Terri Clark: Take Two, and I smiled through the tears. Because this stage of life is really, really good.
Because I’m not just dreaming about being a songwriter; I am a songwriter.
Because everything I’d used music to hide from is no longer sitting in the darkness. God has pulled me out of the pit and set me free.
Because I’m no longer living life afraid.
Before the meet-and-greet, she did an intimate 45-minute set, and before she sang “No Fear,” I swear she was reading my mail as she spoke because she said something along the lines of, “It’s never too late to chase your dreams.” Words I needed to hear.
So, I guess as I stood there and met one of my musical heroes, nothing else needed to be said. Just a simple yet profound “Thank you.”
Then, I started the seven-hour trek back to Branson. And I put Terri’s music on again and cried a little—okay, I cried a lot. Tears of joy. Tears of gratefulness. Tears that turned into prayers, thanking God for putting me on this musical journey as a songwriter.
I used to hit every wall there was / I used to run away from love / All I ever wanted was right here / But I had to reach way down inside / I had to have faith I’d find / No fear.
Thank you, Terri. Your music matters. Never forget it.
One day my sweet friend Billy Cook looked at me and said, “I bet I can teach you to play the banjo in less than a minute.” I told him he was crazy. You don’t just learn the banjo in 60 seconds.
“You wanna bet?” He asked. So we made a wager right there in church (neither of us was struck by lightning).
Then he pulled out a 6-string banjo and said, “Here ya go. I win!” I didn’t even know a 6-string banjo existed. You can play it just like a guitar. It’s seriously the coolest thing since Betty White. And for the first time in my life, I played the banjo. It was so cool! He let me take it home for a few weeks and play around with it. We always talked about shopping for one but never made it happen.
When he went to be with Jesus in May, my heart was broken. I was on vacation and didn’t get the opportunity to give him a last farewell. It felt a lot like losing another grandpa. But man, are we gonna jam out in heaven one day.
I loved playing music with him at church. He would always make sure I had a place to sit next to him so I could watch his fingers. Playing with a bunch of guys who’ve been playing music longer than I’ve been alive ain’t for the faint of heart.
Someone would say, “Let’s play this the key of C,” and I’d look at Billy like a deer in headlights. He’d say, “Put your capo here and just follow my fingers.” And so I would, and sure enough, I could keep up with the best of them.
One of my greatest desires was to have that banjo, and the Lord graciously answered my prayer. I picked it up this weekend while in Belle, and it will forever be one of my most prized possessions.
When I opened the case, I found a few handwritten lyrics Billy had written down so he could play some songs at church. I wanted to weep at the sight but held it back since I was getting ready to do a show and didn’t want to smear my mascara.
I will forever treasure this banjo, and I will forever treasure his handwritten devotion to spreading the Gospel through music.
‘Til we meet again, Billy, I’ll take good care of it.
As a passionate singer/songwriter based in Branson, Missouri, I am thrilled to invite you to join me on a unique musical journey that goes beyond the stage. On September 12, I’m launching my Patreon, and I can’t wait to share with you the amazing experiences and exclusive content that await!
Introducing the Tiers:
🎤 Songbird Supporter: Early access to captivating content, including my latest music releases and videos. Get a front-row seat to my creative process! Plus, gain access to the Members Only Facebook Group where we’ll connect and discuss all things music, life, and more.
🎸 Soulful Seeker: For those who want to dive even deeper into the music and connect on a personal level, this tier is perfect for you. Join me for our monthly Zoom hangouts on the 2nd Sunday of each month. We’ll chat about life, music, faith, and everything in between. It’s like grabbing a cup of virtual coffee together, and you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about my daily life and musical journey.
🎵 Songsmith Sanctuary (Songwriters Only): Calling all fellow songwriters! Join me on a journey through The Songwriting Chronicles, my exclusive podcast dedicated to songwriting. Gain invaluable insights, tips, and tricks as I share my personal experiences and interview industry professionals. As a member, you’ll enjoy episodes a day early and without ads, empowering you to refine your craft and make strides in your songwriting journey.
But Wait, There’s More!
Early access to new music and videos: Be the first to hear my latest songs and see new videos before they’re released to the public.
Behind-the-scenes videos: Get an insider’s view of my songwriting and studio days.
Exclusive pre-show parties: Join me for Patreon-exclusive pre-show gatherings before my performances.
Voting rights and polls: Have your say in upcoming song choices and cover art decisions.
Discounts and perks: Enjoy a 10% discount on all merchandise, exclusive merchandise, and discounts on upcoming courses.
By becoming a patron, you’re not only gaining access to a world of music and moments but also joining a community of fellow music enthusiasts and songwriters. Your support directly fuels my creative process, allowing me to continue producing music that resonates with you.
Mark your calendars for September 12, and let’s embark on this exciting journey together. Your support means the world to me, and I can’t wait to create, collaborate, and connect with you through my Patreon.
Stay tuned for more updates and sneak peeks as we count down to the big day!
Branson-based singer and songwriter Sundi Jo, is set to captivate listeners with the release of her latest single, Everything’ll Be Alright. The soulful and heartfelt blues-style song promises to uplift spirits and inspire hope in the face of life’s trials.
With thought-provoking lyrics and a voice reminiscent of a blend of musical legends like Lucinda Williams, Iris Dement, Anne Wilson, and Zach Williams, Sundi Jo’s “Everything’ll Be Alright” tugs at heartstrings while offering a glimmer of optimism. The single is a stirring reflection on the struggles faced in a world seemingly falling apart, where hurt and walls divide us. However, through the powerful medium of music, Sundi Jo reminds us to persevere, to sing, love, and pray anyway, for someday everything will be alright.
“I wrote this song in 2020 when the world had flipped upside down,” said Sundi Jo. Everyone seemed to be at each other’s throats. There was so much animosity and such little joy. I wrote this song as a reminder that despite the chaos, everything’ll be alright.”
Originally from a small town in Missouri but calling Branson her home, Sundi Jo is a gifted Americana/Roots Gospel recording artist, singer, and songwriter. With an exceptional voice and a penchant for crafting songs from the heart, Sundi Jo’s music delves deep into the essence of human emotions, sparking a sense of vulnerability and hope in her listeners. Her soulful style and meaningful compositions set her apart as a true artist driven by a passion to connect with her audience.
Inspired by her unwavering belief in the power of vulnerability and hope, Sundi Jo strives to create music that resonates deeply with people from all walks of life. Her mission is to provide faith and encouragement through her songs, filling the world with more understanding and compassion.
In her own words, Sundi Jo shares, “I want to write and perform songs that people can resonate with, really feel. The world needs more vulnerability, and so does the church. I hope to provide that, along with some hope.”
“Everything’ll Be Alright” is just the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary journey for Sundi Jo as she continues to make her mark in the music industry as a songwriter.
