- The memoir covers JoJo’s life, including her rise to fame as a child star, her legal battles with her record label, and her experiences with addiction and depression.
- JoJo wrote the book without a co-author, penning close to 200,000 words.
- The book explores themes of addiction, trauma, fame, lies, love, resilience, and spirituality.
Newsypeople- JoJo, whose real name is Joanna Noëlle Levesque, is a multifaceted American entertainer known for her work as a singer, songwriter, actress, and record producer.
Born on December 20, 1990, in Brattleboro, Vermont, she grew up in Keene, New Hampshire, and Foxborough, Massachusetts. JoJo began her career in entertainment at a young age, participating in singing competitions and local talent shows.
Her breakthrough came in 2003 when Vincent Herbert discovered her on the television show “America’s Most Talented Kids” and offered her a recording contract with Blackground Records.
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JoJo Announces The Release Of Her First Memoir, ‘Over The Influence’
JoJo, the American singer-songwriter, has announced the release of her debut memoir, “Over the Influence,” which is set to hit shelves on September 17, 2023, via Hachette Books.
The book is a raw and revealing account of her experiences in the spotlight and beyond, covering topics such as addiction, generational trauma, the impact of fame on a developing brain, lies, love, resilience, and spirituality.
JoJo began working on the memoir nearly two years ago, as she approached the 20th anniversary of her debut album, “JoJo,” which featured the hit single “Leave (Get Out).” The book is a cautionary tale that she wants to share, highlighting both the challenges she faced and the unbelievable blessings she has encountered along the way.
Born Joanna Levesque, JoJo started her entertainment career at the age of six with appearances on shows like “Kids Say the Darndest Things” and “Destination Stardom.”
She quickly rose to fame after landing a recording contract with Blackground Records and Da Family Entertainment at 12. However, her journey was not without challenges.
After the release of her second album, “The High Road,” in 2006, she encountered numerous legal battles with her record labels, which lasted for over six years.
Despite these challenges, JoJo has continued to make strides in her career. Since then, she has released several new projects, including “Mad Love” in 2016, “Good to Know” in 2020, “December Baby,” and “Trying Not to Think About It” in 2021. She also made her Broadway debut in “Moulin Rouge The Musical” in 2022.
JoJo was raised and managed by her mother, Diana, following her parents’ divorce when she was a child. Her father, Joel, struggled with addiction and passed away in 2015 due to drug-related complications. JoJo has been open about her father’s struggles and the impact they had on her life.
In her statement, JoJo shared her evolving definition of success.
“Today, success is about happiness and connection,”
she wrote.
“It’s about being a part of things that make me proud and allow me to earn a good living. Making memories and sharing wins with loved ones. Having a calm nervous system. Believing in community. Not being in survival mode. Growth.”
JoJo expressed her apprehension about sharing her life story in such an intimate and raw way.
“I’m normally writing three-minute songs,” she told Bustle. “I’m in a season of life where I want to say and do things that scare me a little bit.”
The memoir is available for pre-order in hardcover, ebook, and audiobook formats. It promises to be a compelling narrative that will resonate with fans and readers alike, offering a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of navigating the music industry and the impact of fame on a young life.
JoJo’s Inspiration For Writing Her Memoir
JoJo’s inspiration for writing her memoir, “Over the Influence,” stems from her desire to share her life story in her own words and to connect with others who have experienced similar challenges.
She was motivated by her experiences as a child star, her struggles with addiction and depression, and her journey towards self-discovery and redemption.
JoJo’s writing process was marked by her determination to be honest and raw in her storytelling. She drew from her journals and reflected on her past experiences, often writing in public places like parks and coffee shops.
She also sought guidance from her uncle, Scott Blagden, a published author, who advised her to write every day without editing herself.
JoJo’s favorite memoirs, which inspired her own writing, include those by Rick James, Jessica Simpson, Matthew McConaughey, Mariah Carey, and Jennette McCurdy.
She was particularly drawn to the way these authors infused their voices into their stories and shared their experiences in a candid manner.
JoJo’s memoir is a cautionary tale that she hopes will help readers avoid the mistakes she made. She aims to inspire others by sharing her story of resilience and growth, particularly in the context of her experiences in the music industry and her struggles with addiction.
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