Bring the spirit and joy of Jean Baylor, into your life, come and go with her and travel through lyrics of inspiration, life, testimonies, and happiness.

Jean Baylor, formerly of the hit duo group "Zhane" is back, and she is bringing along with her some amazing vocals and rhythms that will give you those "chills" that only a song with soul and spirit can give. Her debut album is entitled "Testimony: My Life Story". This album is indeed a testimony of not only her life, but also provides vocal evidence that Jean carries a wide range of talent, with songs ranging from spiritual tones, to subtle jazz, to R&B, to pop. She has covered all the bases and we are enjoying every track. Every song is fabulous, and our absolute favorites would definitely be: Sweet, Morning Time, and Come and Go With Me.

"I've come to know that life is so much bigger than us. Each one of us has a voice, one of purpose. I hope you hear my voice as I share with you my testimony: my life story."

ymib: Your song Morning time is beautiful! Could you share with us more of your inner inspiration for writing this song?

Jean: “Morning Time” was actually derived from a musical inspiration first, while listening to a televised church service. But, the lyrics really talk about a time that comes in everyone’s life when things are not going the way you planned. But, when you have the love of God in your life, it makes life that much better. From a personal standpoint, my life truly became beautiful when I started living the way God wanted. So, I like to encourage people to not just live for themselves, but, to understand that the Lord has a purpose for your life, and when you’re submitted to Him, you can’t help but to have a blessed life!

ymib: Through the things that you have learned about yourself from the time you were Zhane to now, what are the top three things that you have learned about life that you would want another woman to know and carry with her?

Jean: Three things I’ve learned about life:

1. Make your own decisions. Don’t ever let someone else make them for you. Even if it wasn’t the best decision, at least it will have been yours.

2. Be responsible in every area of your life. No one else can do that for you.

3. Seek out wisdom, usually in older people. It’s good to learn from other people’s mistakes. You don’t have to learn the hard way.

ymib: What did you enjoy most about composing this album, and would you like to explore other genres like maybe jazz or gospel?

Jean: I enjoyed the writing process on this album because there was complete creative freedom. I also enjoyed working with my husband as a producer because he was able to push me in the right direction when I got stuck on a song. It was an amazing process not having someone tell you to write a particular kind of song because that’s what’s playing on the radio.

I would absolutely love to explore other sounds and styles of music. I was a jazz vocal performance major in college, so I definitely want to record some straight-ahead jazz in the future. But, both my husband and I grew up in church, so there’s that musical and spiritual foundation as well that I’d like to deal with. I would also love to bring in some pop, country and “alternative” styles into my music as well. At the end of the day, it’s all music. If I like it, can represent the style right, and if it can fit into what we do, then I might go for it.

ymib: If you had to describe your album into 3 words, would would they be?

Jean: Musical, Innovative, and Sincere.

ymib: How is your relationship with Renee Neufville, do you two still communicate?

Jean: Renee and I have been friends ever since we met in college in 1988 and will always be friends. There are still times when something really funny happens and I say to myself, “Wow, that was a Renee moment!” because it’s something that only she and I would get.

ymib: Where would you like to see your future take you within your career and life?

Jean: As I progress in music and business ownership, I would like to transition into other areas of entertainment. Ultimately, I want to be at a place where I can help others, especially young people who do not have many opportunities available to them.

ymib: What do you cherish most about being a wife?

Jean: What I cherish most about being a wife is probably companionship. Having someone there or being there for someone always. Having a true best friend with whom your can share all of yourself with. I’m a giving and affectionate person, so I tend to express my love in that way. I cherish having that person that I am able to give love to.

ymib: What artists would we find playing in your cd player/i-pod?

Jean: Actually, I don’t listen to a lot of music. But, some of my current favorites are: Tye Tribbett & GA (Victory Live), CeCe Winans (Purified), Sara Groves (Add To The Beauty), and Anthony Hamilton “Pass Me Over”.

ymib: To summarize, if you had to write it in the form of a statement or paragraph, what would your life testimony be?

Jean: Growing up in a Christian home with a pastor as a father, church was always a part of my life. Although it was fun, I just couldn’t wait to get to college so I could have all the freedom I could stand. So, throughout college and years after, I had the opportunity to live my life my way. Even though I had a great time doing so, I came to a place where I wanted a real connection with God. And the only way to do that was to give my life to Him, completely. So, after putting so many others first in my life, I finally began to put Jesus first and live life His way. That’s when everything else started to fall into place. Looking back at both experiences, I wouldn’t give up what I have now for anything in the world.

ymib: Favorite affirmation / inspirational quote?

Jean: On my desk, I have a beautiful copy of Nelson Mandela’s 1994 Inaugural Speech. As a person who used to “shrink so other people wouldn’t feel insecure around me,” I began to understand that there is no way I can ever fulfill my purpose in life if I cannot walk in the greatness God has designed for me. I keep it on my desk in front of me as a constant reminder that God, in fact, expects us to walk in greatness.

Purchase her album at dajams.com

jeanbaylor.com