Country Pop Bites: Jo Dee Messina – April 20

Did you know that on this day in Country Music History in 2011 Jo Dee Messina sang the national anthem before a Nashville Predators playoff game at Bridgestone Arena?

It’s true! The visiting Anaheim Ducks won, 6-3. Check out this Jo Dee Messina video!

Here are 5 little known facts about Jo Dee Messina.

• She was born on August 25, 1970, in Framingham, Massachusetts to Vincent and Mary Messina.
• Her musical influences growing up were Patsy Cline, Reba McEntire, and The Judds.
• By age 16 she was playing local clubs, singing while her brother and one sister provided backup on drums and guitar. The group continued performing until she graduated from high school.
• She worked various temp jobs, including computer programming and accounting while trying to make it in Nashville.
• She became involved with the Special Olympics after stumbling across an event while jogging. She has become an ambassador and performs at Special Olympics events in order to increase attendance.