Her Story
About Jodi
Jodi LaBelle is a Mississippi-based musician, artist, and songwriter whose career spans more than three decades. After raising three children and running several non-music businesses, she returned to college in her late thirties to study music, eventually relocating to Nashville, where she founded a publishing company on Music Row. Under the mentorship of industry veteran Merle Kilgore, who challenged her to think in terms of long-term legacy rather than short-term gain, LaBelle built a lasting catalog of original gospel songs, two of which were placed on hold with Whitney Houston before being returned to her collection following the singer's passing.
LaBelle's best-known work, "Freedom, Freedom, Freedom," was written in the wake of September 11th and briefly considered as a campaign theme song before being withdrawn just days before its planned debut. Rather than shelve the piece, she donated it to the U.S. military, where it was embraced for its morale-boosting message and formally recognized on the Department of Defense's tribute website. The song went on to reach service members around the world and helped establish her as a recognized voice in patriotic and gospel songwriting. Her career highlights also include a feature in Christian Times Magazine, coverage in the Tennessee Banner, an appearance in a BBC documentary alongside songwriters Kris Kristofferson and Harlan Howard, and recognition from Marquis Who's Who and Who's Who in America.
Beyond her music, LaBelle is guided by a strong sense of faith and service, values reflected in her volunteer work with hospice patients, where she brings comfort to individuals and their families during life's final transitions. After a period of retirement, she returned to songwriting six years ago following what she describes as a spiritual calling, and she continues to write, record, and produce new material from her home studio in Mississippi, releasing projects independently through her own YouTube channel and remaining as committed as ever to crafting music that carries lasting meaning.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Jodi
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to determination, hard work, and never giving up. I've stayed self-motivated and goal-driven throughout my career, while always striving to remain open, honest, and respectful toward others.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best advice I've ever received is that obstacles are what make you strong and help you grow — that's how you truly learn. The more you come to know, the more you continue to grow.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would tell them to be proud of every accomplishment and to never let anything stand in the way of their happiness. Find your passion, always give your best work, and strive to make a difference every day.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Over the past 30-plus years, I've written gospel songs in a style that is uniquely my own — songs that mean a great deal to me and that I'm honored to share with the world. These are among my greatest achievements: songs that invite reflection and continue to resonate with listeners long after the final chord fades.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, honesty, and transparency guide me both professionally and personally. I strive to navigate everyday life by making the best choices I can and leading by example.
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