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Jewel (singer)

Jewel Kilcher, known professionally as Jewel, is an American singer-songwriter, actress, author, and poet.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jewel Kilcher (born May 23, 1974), known professionally as Jewel, is an American singer-songwriter, actress, author, and poet. She was born in Payson, Utah, and raised in Homer, Alaska, where she began performing and yodelling with her father. She rose to prominence in the 1990s with her debut album *Pieces of You* and has since sold over 30 million albums worldwide.

Early life

Jewel Kilcher was born in Payson, Utah, and grew up in Homer, Alaska. She began performing at a young age, including singing and yodelling with her father.

Music career

Jewel rose to prominence with her 1995 debut album *Pieces of You*, which produced several widely known singles such as "Who Will Save Your Soul", "You Were Meant for Me", and "Foolish Games". Later albums and tours established her as a lasting figure in folk-pop and mainstream adult contemporary music.

Other work

Beyond recording, Jewel has acted in film and television and has also published books, including poetry and memoir. Her public image has often emphasized writing, creativity, and personal reflection.

Recognition and influence

Jewel has been described as a major 1990s singer-songwriter and has received multiple Grammy nominations. Biographical sources report sales of over 30 million albums worldwide.

Key facts

  • Jewel is known professionally by her first name only.
  • Her debut album *Pieces of You* brought her mainstream success in 1995.
  • She has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide.
  • She has received four Grammy Award nominations.
  • Her career also includes acting, poetry, and memoir writing.
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Canadian context

Jewel has toured in Canada and remains familiar to Canadian audiences through 1990s radio hits, folk-pop airplay, and cross-border North American music culture.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jewel?
Jewel is the professional name of Jewel Kilcher, an American singer-songwriter, actress, author, and poet.
When was Jewel born?
She was born on May 23, 1974.
Where did Jewel grow up?
She was raised in Homer, Alaska.
What was Jewel’s breakout album?
Her breakthrough album was *Pieces of You*, released in 1995.
What are Jewel’s best-known songs?
Her best-known songs include "Who Will Save Your Soul", "You Were Meant for Me", and "Foolish Games".
How many Grammy nominations has Jewel received?
She has received four Grammy Award nominations.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewel_(singer)
    Supports: Birth name, early life in Alaska, and general biography
  2. Biography.comhttps://www.biography.com/musicians/jewel
    Supports: Birth date, upbringing, debut album, career overview, and sales claims
  3. Last.fmhttps://www.last.fm/music/Jewel/+wiki
    Supports: Birth date, occupations, and Grammy nomination count
  4. Encyclopedia.comhttps://www.encyclopedia.com/people/literature-and-arts/music-popular-and-jazz-biographies/jewel
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, genre, and hit songs
  5. Horatio Alger Associationhttps://horatioalger.org/members/detail/jewel-kilcher/
    Supports: Sales figures, background, and general career profile