Karen Jacobsen's songs have infectious melodies and powerful vocals. Her piano based adult contemporary pop is dynamic, polished and poised for breakout success. Karen has shared the stage with Norah Jones, Jars of Clay, Christopher Cross and her song "Supposed To Say" was on the Dawson's Creek DVD. She recently returned from Zambia, Africa where she performed a concert at the Children International center in Kanyama for children and families living in extreme poverty.
Latest News
My brand new show reel is ready - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yP1YJKUrTk - and a bunch of other new videos including a pilot for the Strong Woman TV show and a holiday song - Silent Night 2009.
Karen Jacobsen Bio
"Be prepared to lose your heart to Jacobsen, or at the very least, leave singing her lovely, melody-driven songs." New York Press, February 2005
Australian born, New York based Pop Piano Singer and Songwriter Karen Jacobsen has a mission to create an extraordinary life. Whether performing a sold out show at NYC’s The Duplex, to a crowd of 80,000 at Giants Stadium, or in the intimacy of a House Concert setting, a profound love of music, and a desire to connect with others through her songs is at the core of her purpose.
"Here In My Heart" was released on Karen's label Kurly Queen in 2004. A collection of melody-driven songs with Karen's distinctively passionate vocals, the pop production of Here In My Heart proudly maintains the integrity of the Singer-Songwriter. Mixed by the in-demand Andy Zulla (Jessica Simpson/Backstreet Boys), and with tracks produced by Andy, Julian Harris and Karen, guest musicians include Shawn Pelton (Sheryl Crow/SNL), Ben Butler (Rod Stewart), Richard Hammond (Jonatha Brooke/Shannon Noll) and Max Surla (The Corrs). To celebrate the release of Here In My Heart, Karen was invited to perform at Australia House in London, and a series of private concerts in Germany.
Amazingly for an Aussie, Karen has performed The Star Spangled Banner at Madison Square Garden, Dodger Stadium and Fenway Park, and at a New York Jets game to a capacity crowd of 80,000 at Giants Stadium. She has appeared on the main stage at Los Angeles, Jersey City, Delaware & Ottawa Pride Festivals and her many awards include the Songwriters Hall of Fame's Abe Olman Award for Excellence in Songwriting, in the Billboard, John Lennon, UK, Unisong and USA Song Contests, and as runner up in the Kauai Music Festival.
She has shared the stage with Norah Jones, Christopher Cross, Cyndi Lauper , Deborah Cox, and along with Uncle Kracker and Jars of Clay, made her U.S. Network Television Debut on the NBC-TV Special Dare To Dream, filmed at Mohegan Sun Arena.
Originally from Mackay near Australia's Great Barrier Reef, Karen wrote her first song “Kurly Queen” at the age of 7 (now the name of her record label), studied piano, at high school played Dorothy in The Wiz and idolized Olivia Newton-John. Following her music studies in Brisbane, she established her career in Sydney as a regular performer on national television shows including Good Morning Australia, and touring to Malaysia and Thailand. Aussies may also know her as ‘Speechify Karen’ – the speaking voice of Telstra’s Talking Text.
Leaving Australia with only one suitcase, she arrived in Manhattan to carve her own niche, thriving on the energy of the city, releasing two acoustic piano/vocal records, As I Am and Being Brave, and touring through the US. Her song Supposed To Say was included on the WB's Dawson's Creek DVD; and the Australian Consulate in New York City hosted an event in her honor - the Consul-General himself introducing Karen to the invitation only crowd.
Karen’s songs appear on a number of compilation CDs, including the ‘Home’ CD benefiting Children International. Her ongoing work with that organization and their child sponsorship program has led to a project called To Zambia With Love, and a concert performance in Lusaka, Zambia in August 2006. For more information and to sponsor a child, please visit www.tozambiawithlove.com