I wasn't raised listening to country, but Jo Dee Messina was one of the artists which had drawn me to this genre. I love a handful of her songs, and for me that is quite a bit; considering she resides outside the realm of Mariah Carey. The spirit in some of her music is perhaps what I find the most appealing. I first heard Jo Dee while visiting my aunt Melissa way back before my pre-teen years; I am 20 right now and I still listen to her and continue to enjoy her as much as I ever did! If you are curious about her, I recommend "Stand Beside Me" and "Heads Carolina, Tails California" to get a feel for her.