Juice Newton
Journey of Juice Newton: The Angel of Country Music
Early Beginnings and Breakthrough
Born Judith Kaye Newton in Lakehurst, New Jersey, Juice Newton embarked on her musical journey in the late 1960s as a folk singer. After relocating to Los Angeles, she caught the attention of Capitol Records, who signed her in 1975. Her self-titled debut album, released in 1977, garnered moderate success.
However, it was her sophomore album, "After Dark," released in 1979, that propelled her into the limelight. The album featured her iconic rendition of "Angel of the Morning," a song originally written and performed by Merrilee Rush in 1968. Newton's haunting and ethereal vocals transformed the song into a country-pop classic, reaching the Top 10 on both the Billboard Top 100 and Adult Contemporary charts.
Commercial Success and Challenges
Throughout the 1980s, Juice Newton continued to release critically acclaimed albums, including "Quiet Lies" (1982), "Can't Wait All Night" (1984), and "Emotion" (1986). She enjoyed numerous hit singles, such as "Queen of Hearts," "The Sweetest Thing (I've Ever Known)," and "Break It to Me Gently." However, despite her commercial success, Newton faced challenges in the later part of the decade as her music became less popular with the changing music landscape.
Controversies and Personal Struggles
In 1989, Juice Newton's personal life made headlines when she filed for divorce from her husband, Ozzie Newton. The couple had been married for 14 years and had two children together. The divorce proceedings were contentious and dragged on for several years, attracting media attention.
Additionally, Newton struggled with substance abuse during this period. She entered rehab in 1995 and has since maintained her sobriety.
Recent Years and Legacy
Despite the challenges she faced, Juice Newton's music continues to resonate with audiences. She has released several albums in recent years, including "Sweet, Sweet Smile" (2009) and "The Very Best of Juice Newton" (2016). Newton has also embarked on various tours and performed at numerous festivals.
Throughout her career, Juice Newton has sold over 14 million records worldwide and received numerous awards, including a Grammy Award, two Academy of Country Music Awards, and a People's Choice Award. Her signature song, "Angel of the Morning," remains a timeless classic and has been covered by countless artists.
Band Members
Juice Newton has had a rotating lineup of band members throughout her career. Notable musicians who have played with her include:
* Billy Payne (keyboards)
* Michael Landau (guitar)
* John McFee (guitar)
* Phil Jones (bass)
* John Hartman (drums)
Discography
* Juice Newton (1977)
* After Dark (1979)
* Quiet Lies (1982)
* Can't Wait All Night (1984)
* Emotion (1986)
* Ain't Gonna Cry (1988)
* Old Flame (1994)
* Sweet, Sweet Smile (2009)
* The Very Best of Juice Newton (2016)
Early Beginnings and Breakthrough
Born Judith Kaye Newton in Lakehurst, New Jersey, Juice Newton embarked on her musical journey in the late 1960s as a folk singer. After relocating to Los Angeles, she caught the attention of Capitol Records, who signed her in 1975. Her self-titled debut album, released in 1977, garnered moderate success.
However, it was her sophomore album, "After Dark," released in 1979, that propelled her into the limelight. The album featured her iconic rendition of "Angel of the Morning," a song originally written and performed by Merrilee Rush in 1968. Newton's haunting and ethereal vocals transformed the song into a country-pop classic, reaching the Top 10 on both the Billboard Top 100 and Adult Contemporary charts.
Commercial Success and Challenges
Throughout the 1980s, Juice Newton continued to release critically acclaimed albums, including "Quiet Lies" (1982), "Can't Wait All Night" (1984), and "Emotion" (1986). She enjoyed numerous hit singles, such as "Queen of Hearts," "The Sweetest Thing (I've Ever Known)," and "Break It to Me Gently." However, despite her commercial success, Newton faced challenges in the later part of the decade as her music became less popular with the changing music landscape.
Controversies and Personal Struggles
In 1989, Juice Newton's personal life made headlines when she filed for divorce from her husband, Ozzie Newton. The couple had been married for 14 years and had two children together. The divorce proceedings were contentious and dragged on for several years, attracting media attention.
Additionally, Newton struggled with substance abuse during this period. She entered rehab in 1995 and has since maintained her sobriety.
Recent Years and Legacy
Despite the challenges she faced, Juice Newton's music continues to resonate with audiences. She has released several albums in recent years, including "Sweet, Sweet Smile" (2009) and "The Very Best of Juice Newton" (2016). Newton has also embarked on various tours and performed at numerous festivals.
Throughout her career, Juice Newton has sold over 14 million records worldwide and received numerous awards, including a Grammy Award, two Academy of Country Music Awards, and a People's Choice Award. Her signature song, "Angel of the Morning," remains a timeless classic and has been covered by countless artists.
Band Members
Juice Newton has had a rotating lineup of band members throughout her career. Notable musicians who have played with her include:
* Billy Payne (keyboards)
* Michael Landau (guitar)
* John McFee (guitar)
* Phil Jones (bass)
* John Hartman (drums)
Discography
* Juice Newton (1977)
* After Dark (1979)
* Quiet Lies (1982)
* Can't Wait All Night (1984)
* Emotion (1986)
* Ain't Gonna Cry (1988)
* Old Flame (1994)
* Sweet, Sweet Smile (2009)
* The Very Best of Juice Newton (2016)