Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
July 27, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Music Box • Musician

Jewel (singer)

Jewel Kilcher, known professionally as Jewel, is an American singer-songwriter, actress, author, and poet.

Updated July 27, 20261 min readCited sources

Jewel is an American singer-songwriter known for her 1990s folk-pop hits. She rose to fame with her debut album *Pieces of You* and has sold over 30 million albums worldwide.

What it is

Jewel Kilcher, known professionally as Jewel, is a singer-songwriter, actress, author, and poet. Born in Utah and raised in Alaska, she began performing and yodelling with her father at a young age. Her breakthrough came in 1995 with *Pieces of You*, which produced enduring singles like "Who Will Save Your Soul" and "You Were Meant for Me."

Key details

Jewel has released multiple albums spanning folk, pop, country, and rock. She has received four Grammy nominations and sold over 30 million albums worldwide. Beyond music, she has acted in film and television and published poetry and a memoir. Her public image emphasizes creativity and personal reflection.

Why it matters

Jewel remains a defining figure of 1990s singer-songwriter culture, with cross-border appeal in Canada through radio hits and tours. Her multi-genre work and artistic range have influenced later folk-pop artists. She continues to perform and write, maintaining relevance decades after her debut.

In short

  • Known professionally by her first name only.
  • Breakthrough album *Pieces of You* released in 1995.
  • Sold over 30 million albums worldwide.
  • Received four Grammy Award nominations.
Canadian angle

Jewel has toured in Canada and remains familiar to Canadian audiences through 1990s radio hits, folk-pop airplay, and cross-border North American music culture.

Quick questions

Who is Jewel?
Jewel is the professional name of Jewel Kilcher, an American singer-songwriter, actress, author, and poet.
When was Jewel born?
She was born on May 23, 1974.
What are Jewel’s best-known songs?
Her best-known songs include "Who Will Save Your Soul", "You Were Meant for Me", and "Foolish Games".

Sources

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewel_(singer)
    Supports: Birth name, early life in Alaska, and general biography
  2. Biography.comhttps://www.biography.com/musicians/jewel
    Supports: Birth date, upbringing, debut album, career overview, and sales claims
  3. Last.fmhttps://www.last.fm/music/Jewel/+wiki
    Supports: Birth date, occupations, and Grammy nomination count
  4. Encyclopedia.comhttps://www.encyclopedia.com/people/literature-and-arts/music-popular-and-jazz-biographies/jewel
    Supports: Birth name, birth date, genre, and hit songs
  5. Horatio Alger Associationhttps://horatioalger.org/members/detail/jewel-kilcher/
    Supports: Sales figures, background, and general career profile