On The Cover: In Charge 2010

the Jane Dear girls (Danelle Leverett, Susie Brown)

Label: Reprise Records/Warner Music Nashville
Current Single/Video: “Wildflower”
Current Producer: John Rich
Hometown: Danelle: Amarillo, TX; Susie: Alpine, UT
Management: Turner & Nichols Management
Booking: William Morris Endeavor
Birthdate: Danelle: 8/15/83; Susie: 3/14/84

Interesting Facts: Danelle: I majored in Psychology with an emphasis in Math at Abilene Christian University, and when I moved to Nashville I tutored high school Algebra I students working for a learning lab. I played sports my whole life, until I broke my wrist in a pole-vaulting accident when I was 17. I had to take some time off because of my injury, so it lead me to learn how to play the guitar and start songwriting. I don’t have a TV and I hate to shop!
Susie: I was born at home in my mother’s bedroom and I am the youngest of seven children. I started playing the fiddle when I was four and also picked up the mandolin, guitar, bass, and accordion before I turned 14. I grew up playing with my family in the The Charley Brown Family Band, named in my mother’s honor because her nickname was Charley (check out www.youtube.com/thejanedeargirls for the video). I was voted Homecoming Queen in High School. After moving to Nashville I was fortunate enough to land a slot as a backup singer and instrumentalist for several artists including Trisha Yearwood.

Outside Interests: Danelle: I love to dance, especially swing dancing! I also love to go running and walking with my Boston Terrier Dixie. Traveling is a passion of mine, especially in South America. I lived in Montevideo, Uruguay for three months and fell in love with their friendly and vibrant culture. My new favorite hobby is making up silly rap songs with the band on the bus. Sunday is my favorite day of the week because I love going to church and listening to Pastor Jim speak.
Susie: Country and Salsa Dancing, shopping, seeing a movie at the movie theater, 4-wheeling, hiking in the Rocky Mountains, horseback riding, Rummikube, hanging out with friends and family.

Musical Influences: Danelle: My brother Carson, The Beatles (My Dad only let me listen to The Beatles for the first ten years of my life!), Keith Urban, Sheryl Crow, Nirvana, Brad Paisley, Erin McCarley, Willie Nelson, Death Cab for Cutie, and The Judds
Susie: Shania Twain, Pat Benatar, The Judds, Rascal Flatts, Alison Krauss, Keith Urban, Michael Jackson, Mark O’Connor, U2, Journey, Barbara Mandrell, Rihanna, Patsy Cline, Mariah Carey.

Favorite Record(s): Danelle: Thriller by Michael Jackson, Jagged Little Pill by Alanis Morissette, Songs About Jane by Maroon 5, Golden Road by Keith Urban, and Love Save The Empty by Erin McCarley
Susie: I love a lot of different records but some of my favorite songs are Shania Twain “The Woman In Me” and “Man, I Feel Like A Woman;” Tim McGraw’s “Don’t Take The Girl;” Rascal Flatts’ “What Hurts the Most;” The Temptations’ “My Girl;” No Doubt’s “Just a Girl;” Bobby McFerrin’s “Don’t Worry Be Happy;” Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel” and “You Rock My World;” Alicia Keys’ “If I Ain’t Got You;” Elvis Presley’s “Can’t Help Falling In Love;” John Denver’s “Annie’s Song;” Lenny Kravitz’s “American Woman;” Pat Benatar’s “Hit Me With Your Best Shot;” Martina McBride’s “In My Daughter’s Eyes;” Sheryl Crow’s “Soak Up The Sun;” The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Fishing In The Dark;” U2’s “With Or Without You,” “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” and “Sweetest Thing;” Mariah Carey’s “My All;” Keith Urban’s “Somebody Like You;” Alison Krauss’ “When You Say Nothing At All;” and there’s a whole lot more…