Sometimes the stories with the ability to inspire others are the ones we keep locked inside out of fear or insecurity. If we could find the key to those private places, unlocking our anxiety and realizing we are not alone, it would lead us to greater things in this world. It would allow us to be comforted, while also encouraging those around us. When it comes to powerhouse vocalist Jaime Thietten, there are many threads woven throughout her story. Regardless of the subject matter she’s singing about, encouragement, inspiration and motivating hope are her strongest themes. While she’s still a fresh face to the world of Christian music, the Idaho-born/Nashville-trained/Salt Lake City-based performer has already recorded four studio CDs and a Christmas collection independently, but thanks to an increased concert schedule and pair of recent signature songs, she’s sure to become a dynamic voice for the power of love and the significance of sharing.
Much of Thietten’s relatability comes in her exciting and emotional journey which first found her singing at age two, performing solos publicly by 13 and touring regionally throughout the 2000s (sharing the stage with Jay Leno, The Gaithers, Michael English, Phillips, Craig & Dean, and Avalon to name a few). No matter what the audience, her messages are grounded in the Gospel, specifically themes of hope, forgiveness, resilience and perseverance, all wound around a deep caring for the world around her.
“We need to appreciate and respect life at all costs, from the unborn, to the elderly, to the disabled and the homeless,” urges Thietten. “We need to reach out and help those around us, despite our differences, and I feel it’s my mission to remind people of that and to do something to make a difference. You don’t have to look very far for someone in need, and the world can change in a moment with a simple smile or a thank you. Reach out to those closest to you, friends, family, neighbors because affecting one person’s life at a time is very important. There’s so much to be done in each of our homes and neighborhoods, so let’s start there.”
Thietten’s vision for such outreach stems from her latest single “Love’s Work Is Never Done,” which follows the tradition of Josh Groban’s “You Raise Me Up” or “Because You Love Me” by Celine Dion (whom she’s often compared to) in terms of its anthemic balladry and universal appeal. Thus far, the track has been a concert cornerstone that propels audiences to make a difference in their communities, while at the same time encouraging the weary.
“It’s such a timeless song and really encapsulates the idea of being put on this earth with a purpose and serving others along the way. It’s even ministered to me in seeing how God has formulated His plan for my life and has prepared us for each step in this ministry,” enthuses Thietten.
One specific example of the true calling on her life comes as a result of another single called “My Chance,” a pro-life song written by Rick Shadrick and JT Tallent. “I wasn’t very educated on the topic at first, but seeing my nephew being born was a big turning point for me,” she remembers. “It changed my whole outlook on the miracle of life and I knew I had to get involved, so I started by ordering a bunch of literature for my merch table during the early part of my career. It eventually ran out and I didn’t reorder it because there was so much to carry around as it was. After my move to Nashville I did a lot of praying about my career because things had sort of come to a halt. I learned that night that God will definitely answer sincere prayers because as soon as I had prayed, as clear as if He were sitting in the room with me, I heard God say ‘I want you to be a voice for the unborn.’ I almost fell out of my chair, because I wasn’t sure if I had heard him right, but a few days later I got an email from a friend of a friend who had no clue that God and I had that talk and it turned out to be the lyrics to ‘My Chance.’ It literally had me in tears and the song has since led to tours of New Zealand and Canada and has opened more doors than I ever thought possible.”
Even though the song speaks of a young woman who chooses abortion, her eventual regret of the decision steers those on the fence towards adoption which resonates especially close to home for Thietten and her husband, youth minister Pete Espil. “My husband and I have been trying for 10 years and have been unable to conceive up to this point, so when I first heard the song, it really stirred up a lot of emotions," she relates. “It strengthened my belief of how important it is to protect life and that there is no such thing as an 'unwanted child’. And knowing how good my husband is with kids makes it even more heart wrenching. Pete has worked with kids for 14 years and I have seen how God has used him in leading youth groups of over 200 kids. We know that God’s plan and timing are perfect, so whether we adopt or are able to have our own baby, we've left it in His hands. ‘My Chance’ is just another reminder of how sacred life is. And I hope those hearing it, who are facing this choice, will know how beneficial adoption can be for everyone involved."
Thietten's commitment to using her music as a ministry platform comes from a series of situations she faced earlier in life, starting with her marriage. She and her husband Pete have been married for 12 years and while they love each other deeply, marriage hasn't always been a "rose garden" for them. For the first 7 years of their marriage, Pete battled alcoholism. "He was an alcoholic from the get go and us girls always think we can change our guys," recalls Thietten. "He was pretty absent in those first few years (of marriage) emotionally and that made a lot of responsibilities fall on me. Now, he’s been sober since 2005, which has made our marriage feel like a honeymoon all over again. I had to let go of the resentment I'd built up and apply the hope, forgiveness and love I'm always singing about to my marriage, which has helped rebuild it beyond my wildest dreams." In fact, Pete has since then contributed to Jaime's career by putting his pen to musical paper to write the lyrics for “Yesterday’s News,” an emotionally charged song about the homeless, written from an experience he and Jaime had while walking in downtown Boise, Idaho one night. "I love the message and I am so glad Pete sat down and wrote such a beautiful song," says Jaime. "He's such a great writer." It has rapidly become another concert favorite, and encourages audiences to make a difference by seeking out and helping the weary, marginalized and forgotten in their communities.
Just as things started heading in the right direction for Jaime and Pete, Jaime's parents, after 37 years of marriage, announced their divorce. The trauma was overwhelming and caused Jaime to seek out additional help from support groups. In time she learned how to cope with this tragedy and was comforted in knowing that what she was feeling wasn't crazy or immature, that she wasn’t alone and that it would just take time to heal. "Yet again, I had the opportunity to work through and apply those wonderful gifts of hope, forgiveness and love," to which she added, “it wasn't always easy."
As Thietten readies her latest season on the road, the family is also in the midst of another change, this time stemming from their move from Music City to Salt Lake City, Utah to be closer to Pete's family following his father's unexpected stroke. Although Jaime isn't ready to leave Nashville, she stays positive, saying "After everything that we've been through, I know that God has us covered. Family comes first. And when it comes to my performances and music career, planes make the world a small place."
Anyone who catches Thietten on stage is sure to see her personal beliefs and relate to the idea of picking herself back up and leaning on the Lord with every unplanned road block. And as long as she’s reaching a single soul along the way, it’s been worth all the pain she’s ever had to endure. “I’m trying to do the best with what God has given me and use the experiences I’ve gone through to encourage others to do the same,” she summarizes. There is no question that she will continue to perform and record her music with the purpose of inspiring others for as long as God allows her this privilege. Her message of hope, forgiveness and service may be just the thing to comfort such a pressured world. And there is no question that her music, ministry, marriage and life will continue to be led by prayer and filled with service to others. “I may fail at times, but that’s where forgiveness comes in. His Word says ‘love is patient, love is kind, and love never fails,’ which is something I hold close my heart every day, and I will never forget that ‘Love’s Work Is Never Done.’” |
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Mission Statement
To embrace, in Forgiveness, those who have fallen and to nurture them back, in Hope to the body of Christ. Through this ministry and through her music, Jaime hopes to promote a stronger sense of unity among believers by reminding us to love and respect each other regardless of our diverse backgrounds, struggles and failings.
Others are saying great things about Jaime.
Dave Platel, a management professional who represents Celine Dion, raved, "Jaime is great... fabulous voice... beautiful interpretations!"
"This is one true talent that our readers in 64 countries should not pass up. She is at the top of the musical food chain and demands attention. It doesn’t get any better than this." JJ Rocks, St Croix Music Magazine.
A pastor in Chattanooga, Tenn., commented, "I just sat there with my mouth open and my hands lifted to the Father."
Fact Sheet
Discography
- My Chance - released in 2008
- Christmas - released in 2006
- Jaime Thietten - released in 2005
- Remember - released in 2004
- Once Again - released in 2003
- Anywhere - released in 2000
Career Highlights
- Appearance on TBN’s nationally televised Michael English Show
- Featured performer at the Starkey Hearing Foundation Gala Awards honoring Goldie Hawn
- Featured performer for the Caring Awards hosted by former Senator Bob Dole in Wash, D.C.
- Featured performer for National Right To Life 2010 convention.
- 10 day tour of New Zealand in October 2009.
- "Backstage" Artist Spotlight Feature on EWTN network.
- Featured Artist on EWTN’s “Life On The Rock”
Radio Singles
- Because You Loved Me – reached #2 at 94.1 The Fish Nashville TN
- I’m Right Here – reached #18 CRW International AC charts
- My Chance – reached #14 CRW International AC charts
Awards
- 2009 - “Song of the Year” for My Chance at the IndieHeaven Momentum Awards
- 2007 - "Song of the Year" for Reckless Love at the IndieHeaven Momentum Awards
- 2007 - "Female Vocalist of the Year" at IndieHeaven’s Momentum Awards
- 2003 - Excellence in Media's Angel Award for the album Remember
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