"To me, the 'delicious surprise' in life is the dreaming, getting there, without limits, without putting up boundaries, just having faith and working hard. Dreams are meant to be followed and if your heart speaks it, then it doesn't matter how farfetched it seems. You have to believe." — Jo Dee Messina

Messina understands the importance of following and realizing her dreams. She is already an award-winning, multi-platinum recording artist who has eight #1 singles, Grammys and several honors from The Academy of Country Music and The Country Music Association. She is also the first female country artist to score three multiple-week #1 songs all from the same album. Now, Messina can add Yamaha artist to her list of accomplishments as she joins a legendary cast of Yamaha artists who appreciate quality and success.

She was born in Holliston, Massachussetts, listening to her earliest country music influences like Alabama, Hank Williams, Jr, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire and Loretta Lynn. Her first public performance occurred when she was just six years old and from then on she was hooked. Messina moved to Nashville, Tenn., when she was 19 and in 1996 she released her self-titled debut album. The album scored two top 10 hits and gave her the momentum to create her next album, "I'm Alright," which let to three #1 singles.

Messina recently began working with Yamaha on her album, "Delicious Surprise," and on future live performances and videos. She uses a Yamaha P250 and an S90 while writing and performing music from her album.

Messina has several albums that feature songs about her previous experiences and relate a musical message of her own optimism, strength and hopes for the future. All of her music has more than just a little of Messina in every song, including references to her own fair share of adversities and the twists and turns on her path to success.

"Music has always been an enormous part of my life," said Jo Dee. "It's not just something I do, it's part of who I am. Songwriting to me is my refuge, a safe place to me where I can go to spell out my emotions, especially when dealing with tough situations. It helps me to gain perspective. You could say that songwriting gives me emotional freedom."

For more information on Yamaha Corporation of America's Artist Affairs division, please contact Tiffany Napper at tnapper@yamaha.com or 615-599-0800. Yamaha's ever-growing list of artists can be viewed at www.yamahaartists.com.