Jessie Clark Funk is an inspirational vocalist, motivational youth speaker, author, and Executive Director of the Non-Profit organization, The Ivy Girl Academy. She was raised in Provo, Utah in a supportive Latter-Day Saint family. She began performing at the age of six, and has enjoyed performing for audiences in different venues around the world.
She discovered success in the music industry at a young age. At the age of 15, she signed a recording contract which took her to Orlando, Florida. However, the financial success that she was able to achieve, did not translate into happiness, as being in a new environment left her feeling empty. She eventually returned home with the feeling that she would have to sacrifice her music career for her personal happiness. Nevertheless, she continued to put her trust in the Lord that He would guide her footsteps as long as she remained on the path that He had laid out for her to follow.
Through her faithfulness, she learned that her days of performing music were far from being over. New doors of opportunity to share her talent began to open, and she soon began recording her own music. At the age of 16, she was hired to be a part of a themed compilation CD. Soon after, she began working with the Sounds of Zion Company.
Her albums “Clay in His Hands” and “You Know Better Than I” earned her 8 FCMA Peal Awards. Her other albums include “Everything Speaks His Name” (2007), and “Be Thou an Example: 2009 Songs for Youth” (2008).
The album “Be Thou an Example: 2009 Songs for Youth” was recorded for Especially for Youth (EFY), a church-initiated five-day overnight program of classes, socials, and devotionals, held in locations throughout the United States and abroad, intended to fortify Latter-day Saint (LDS) Youth and friends of other faiths who wish to participate by building character and a strong testimony of Jesus Christ. Jessie enjoyed its compilation, and remarked, “I was able to work with my husband Jim and his partner Barry Gibbons on a brand new CD perfect for youth, Be Thou an Example: 2009, Songs for Youth. The CD was inspired by the 2009 theme for the Young Women and Young Men program of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.”
Jessie is content in knowing that by remaining on the straight and narrow path in life, she has been kept from a lifestyle that so many Hollywood artists have chosen. She knows how to keep her priorities in order by placing her family and faith first in her life, with her music career being next on the list. She is an exemplary role model to many youth, who live through a turbulent time, but who are also equipping themselves with gospel power through Christ-centered lives as they strive to walk in faith and purity daily, repenting and growing. Her strength and testimony are evident in the lyrics of each song she sings, including the chorus of the song “True Believers”:
We are a beacon for all believers in word, in spirit, in faith and purity. We know the truth and we’ll live it, embracing virtue as we serve the King of Kings. We are true believers. He gave us eyes to see the truth and ears to hear and a heart to feel the cries of those in need. We can reach and rescue others when He is our guide. And show the world by how we live our lives. As the storm rages on, we will be strong.
Jessie has been teaching and mentoring students for over a decade. She holds a leadership certification from Notre Dame University and a degree in Psychology. She loves to speak in High School assemblies, leadership conferences, and student events, adding a special angle with her music. She and her songwriter-producer, studio-owner husband, Jim, are raising their two kids in Centerville, Utah. She considers herself first of all to be a motivational speaker, but with 5 award-winning albums under her belt, calling her a professional singer seems somehow justifiable. She has also authored 5 books (one of which is specifically for teens).
Website
For more information about Jessie and her music, visit JessieFunk.com.
