# JoJo

> American singer and actress

**Wikidata**: [Q215219](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q215219)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JoJo_(singer))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jojo

## Summary
JoJo is an American singer, actress, and songwriter known for her versatile career spanning pop, R&B, hip-hop, and soul. Born Joanna Noëlle Blagden Levesque, she rose to fame as a teenager with her debut album and has since maintained a dedicated fan base through her dynamic performances and genre-blending style.

## Biography
- **Born**: December 20, 1990
- **Nationality**: United States
- **Known for**: Genre-blending music, early career success, and independent releases
- **Employer(s)**: Blackground Records, Universal Motown, Interscope Records, Atlantic Records, Warner Records
- **Field(s)**: Music, film, television

## Contributions
- **Debut Album**: Released self-titled debut album *JoJo* (2004) at age 13, featuring the hit single "Leave (Get Out)."
- **Songwriting**: Began writing songs at age 8, contributing to her albums and establishing herself as a singer-songwriter.
- **Independent Releases**: Funded and released mixtapes *Agápē* (2012) and *Can't Take That Away from Me* (2010) during label disputes, showcasing resilience and artistic control.
- **Acting Career**: Appeared in films like *Aquamarine* (2006) and *RV* (2006), as well as television shows such as *Smallville* and *CSI: NY*.

## FAQs
**What are JoJo's primary musical genres?**  
JoJo's music blends pop, R&B, hip-hop, and soul, reflecting her eclectic influences and vocal range.

**Which record labels has JoJo been associated with?**  
She has worked with Blackground Records, Universal Motown, Interscope Records, Atlantic Records, and Warner Records, navigating complex label relationships throughout her career.

**What are JoJo's notable acting roles?**  
JoJo has appeared in films like *Aquamarine* and *RV*, as well as television series such as *Smallville* and *CSI: NY*, demonstrating her crossover appeal in entertainment.

**How has JoJo maintained her career independence?**  
She self-funded mixtapes during label conflicts and embraced direct fan engagement, ensuring creative control and sustained relevance.

**What is JoJo's songwriting process?**  
Beginning at age 8, JoJo writes introspective and emotionally driven songs, often addressing personal growth and empowerment.

## Why They Matter
JoJo's career exemplifies resilience in the music industry, marked by early success, label challenges, and a transition to independent artistry. Her genre-blending sound and vocal versatility have influenced a generation of singers, while her transparency about industry struggles has inspired artists to advocate for creative autonomy. Without JoJo, the early 2000s pop-R&B landscape would lack a key youthful voice, and her mixtape-era independence foreshadowed modern artists' DIY approaches.

## Notable For
- **Early Success**: Debuted at age 13 with the hit single "Leave (Get Out)."
- **Genre Fusion**: Pioneered a pop-R&B sound that incorporated hip-hop and soul elements.
- **Independent Releases**: Self-funded mixtapes during label disputes, maintaining artistic integrity.
- **Vocal Range**: Recognized for her powerful, soulful vocals and technical skill.
- **Crossover Appeal**: Transitioned between music, film, and television, showcasing multifaceted talent.

## Body
### Early Life and Career Beginnings
Joanna Noëlle Blagden Levesque was born on December 20, 1990, in Brattleboro, Vermont. She began singing at age 2 and started writing songs by age 8, influenced by soul and R&B legends like Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston. Her early performances at local events and competitions caught the attention of industry professionals, leading to a record deal at age 11.

### Breakthrough and Label Journey
JoJo's self-titled debut album (2004) launched her into the spotlight with the hit single "Leave (Get Out)." The album sold over 3.8 million copies in the U.S., establishing her as a teen pop sensation. She later signed with Interscope Records and released *The High Road* (2006), featuring the Top 10 single "Too Little Too Late." However, label conflicts delayed subsequent releases, prompting JoJo to independently fund mixtapes *Can't Take That Away from Me* (2010) and *Agápē* (2012).

### Acting Career
Parallel to her music, JoJo pursued acting, appearing in films like *Aquamarine* (2006) and *RV* (2006), alongside Robin Williams. She also guest-starred in TV shows such as *Smallville* and *CSI: NY*, showcasing her versatility in entertainment.

### Artistic Evolution and Independence
JoJo's music evolved to incorporate hip-hop and electronic elements, evident in her 2016 album *Mad Love*, released after resolving label disputes. She continued advocating for artists' rights, using platforms like YouTube to share candid insights into industry challenges. Her 2020 album *Good to Know* and 2021 project *Trying Not to Think About It* further solidified her growth as a songwriter and performer.

### Legacy and Influence
JoJo's career trajectory—from teen star to independent artist—has inspired discussions about industry pressures and creative autonomy. Her vocal technique and genre-blending approach have influenced artists such as Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo, who cite her as an early inspiration. By navigating label politics and embracing DIY strategies, JoJo has carved a unique path, ensuring her relevance across shifting musical landscapes.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. datos.bne.es
3. general catalog of BnF
4. MusicBrainz
5. Virtual International Authority File
6. BnF authorities
7. [Source](https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/06/01/AR2006060102250.html)
8. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
9. [JoJo - MusicBrainz](https://musicbrainz.org/artist/ed29398b-bbf3-42a0-8eff-8631509c271d#sidebar)
10. CONOR.SI
11. Google Knowledge Graph
12. YouTube API
13. [Source](https://www.podchaser.com/creators/jojo-107aDn6lue/appearances)
14. The Movie Database