By Whitney Lee
Local singer-songwriter, Jessie Ritter officially released her newest single “The Sand And The Sea” on April 9, a song written days before the nationwide quarantine to inspire healing and hope. The uplifting, beach vibe track was written with Grammy-winning writers Robin Rudy and Leslie Ellis. In the past, Rudy and Ellis have worked with names like Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Thomas Dolby and Terry Clark. The official single release celebration was held at The Village Door in The Village of Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin on April 23.
Based in both Northwest Florida and Nashville, Jessie writes, plays and performs a heartfelt brand of country-pop with a breezy, romantic feel and plenty of charm. She released her debut album, Coffee Every Morning, in 2018. Later that year, she entered the Nash Next Competition, rising from a regional Florida Panhandle win to eventually take the national prize. The victory earned her a record deal with Big Machine (home to heavy-hitters like Taylor Swift and Florida Georgia Line). She made her label debut in May 2019 with the single “Nothing But You.” She has previously joined the bill with chart-toppers Easton Corbin, Hunter Hayes, Eli Young Band and Runaway June.
While working on her new single and navigating her music career during the pandemic, Jessie’s music video for her song “Home” was featured on CMT and most recently broke into The Country Network’s Top 20 Countdown.
Back in March 2020, Jessie sat down with Rudy and Ellis for her last in-person writing session before the COVID 19 quarantine began. When asked about the feelings in the writing room, Jessie said “I think the word “pandemic” had appeared in the news for the first time that day, and we were really scared. We didn’t want to write a sad song or a song about what might happen, we were looking for hope while on the brink of fear.”
Rather than dwell on the unknown, the team came together to write a song about the healing power of the sunshine and water. Ritter found inspiration from her home on the Emerald Coast and the carefree spirit that the area inspires. While working on her new single and navigating a music career during a pandemic, Jessie’s music video for her song “Home” was featured on CMT and most recently broke into The Country Network’s Top 20 Countdown.
In addition, Jessie has also been preparing to welcome a new life into the world. On release day, Jessie will be eight months pregnant with her first child. No worries though—you’ll still see this new mom performing along the Emerald Coast this spring and summer, baby boy in tow! An inspiration for mothers pursuing their passions, she will continue releasing new music while also enjoying the adventure of motherhood.
In honor of “Sand and the Sea,” Jessie has also released special merchandise and a lyric video (https://youtu.be/EX5_hhhJ5r0) and the song is available on all streaming platforms. To purchase the upcoming single and beachy merchandise, head to www.jessieritter.com. A native of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, Jessie continues to tour heavily through the Midwest and Gulf Coast regions as well.
