We’re looking forward to introducing you to Jenni Dale Lord. Check out our conversation below.
Jenni Dale, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I start the day with a cup of coffee and sit drinking it in bed until I feel my engine rev up. Next, I spend 10 minutes practicing “object writing” which is an exercise recommended from a book I’m currently reading, “Writing Better Lyrics: The Essential Guide to Powerful Songwriting” by Pat Pattinson. I’m supposed to do that for six weeks or more. I literally set a timer for 10 minutes and write. Then, if they are days when I’m not on the road, I pick up my mom and work out at the gym for an hour or so. That’s pretty much it. It fluctuates when I’m out of town, but that’s how I prefer to start the day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Jenni Dale Lord. I’m an award-winning singer-songwriter whose style seamlessly blends elements of country, rock, and blues, creating a unique sound that resonates with a wide audience.
From an early age, I displayed a deep passion for music, taking my first piano lesson at four years old and writing my first song by the age of eight. At 11, I began learning guitar with an unwavering dedication to my craft.
Forming the Jenni Dale Lord Band, I assembled a group of talented musicians, including Jay Saldana on drums, Aaron Dick on keys, Sean Frankhouser on bass, and guitarists Dustin Garrett and Cale Richardson. Our collective efforts have led to the release of several successful albums, with multiple singles charting on Texas radio. Notably, the band has collaborated with esteemed artists such as Joe Ely, Kenny Maines, Darrin Morris, and Billie Jo Jones.
In October 2024, I released my eighth studio album, “A Million Moments,” recorded at Amusement Park Studio in Lubbock under the direction of gold-record producer Scott Faris. The album features collaborations with Grammy-winner Sunny Sauceda and Texas Country star Jerrod Medulla. I am currently working on my 9th album set to release in December 2026.
My contributions to music have been recognized by the Texas Regional Radio Music Association, earning me multiple nominations. I also secured the Female Artist of the Year award from the Texas Internet Radio Chart, Song of the Year in 2025, and Lubbock’s LHUCA William D. Kerns Award for the Performing Arts.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My mom taught me the most about work. For the majority of my life, she’s been my main influence. My parents divorced when I was little, and my mother was the sole bread-winner for my family. I watched her work a full-time job, pursue higher-education degrees at the same time, put dinner on the table for me and my brother, take us to school, extra-curricular activities, and she never missed a thing. She maintained our house and the yard, all with the soul of a perfectionist who never half-assed anything. Her work ethic is unwavering.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Many times. More than I can count. The music business is not for the faint of heart. I’ve cried, I’ve fretted, I’ve questioned if I’m doing the things I should be doing. Am I too old, not skinny enough, too this or not enough that — these are all thoughts I fight daily. But then I remember the jobs I had before, where I started, and how far I’ve come. On my worst days, I’m still making music for a living, and that’s the dream. I’ve never loved anything more than that. And the good days are fire! So is it worth the heartache? I think so.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I hope they’d say the people I love… and cooking. They know music and touring is a big part of my life, but when I’m not on the road, I’m preparing meals for my friends and family. Cooking is my love-language, and it’s my support system that keeps me going. If I have any free time, I am with them eating, drinking a cocktail, playing cards, and enjoying the time we get to spend together. And my kitties. Can’t forget them.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
“She made the world a better place. She loved everyone and loved hard. She tried to spread that love around the world through music, food, and fellowship. She never knew a stranger, and she gave the best hugs.”
I hope the legacy I leave is one of positivity. I want people to laugh at my nerdiness, drink to my ultra-sensitivity, smile when they think of me, and to take that legacy of love and continue it. This world needs a lot of love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jennidalelord.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennidale
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JDLmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/guitargirljdl
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0TsJrm3NDVHsxy5MuEpC1g?si=Nck1ljMDRyixIb8QIfVwzA
Image Credits
Julia Hatfield
Carley du Menil
