Born in Lorain, Bradley began performing as a toddler. She later earned a degree in opera and is a board-certified music therapist. She became a hit in The Netherlands and Ireland, where she performed country, pop, and folk rock. She was showcased on Ireland’s Got Talent and The Voice of Holland. Her music has been featured on TLC, Bravo, MTV, VH1 and HGTV. After returning home to Northeast Ohio, she released a single, “Hometown,” about Lorain, but it’s one just about anyone can relate to: I searched the world over for gold and turned around to find it in my hometown.
In September, she released “Love Like It’s 1983,” a nostalgic, country-tinged tune reminiscent of early Taylor Swift or LeAnn Rimes. Nashville Universe, a promotion company with ties to the Country Music Association, asked to perform it on stage at one of Nashville’s newest venues, The Green Light.
“We love what Jaclyn is doing with her music therapy and we really look forward to hearing her on a Nashville stage,” says Michael Kay, president of Nashville Universe.
She says the honor “feels like a manifestation of what I dreamed of as a child.” The performance in Nashville even fell on the 10-year anniversary of her landmark music therapy study.
“I remember traveling to Nashville at 8 years old and attending the Grand Ole Opry,” she says. “To have a modern day version of that take interest in me feels like a manifestation of what I once observed and dreamed as a child.”
Even as she focuses on her music, Bradley finds time to sing with cancer patients at Mercy Hospital in Lorain. She’s also furthered her life of service with Rock Town Music Academy in Lorain. She offers private music instruction for students K-12.
“It’s a place for the creative soul,” she says.
In July, she saw music heal in a different way. She was asked to write a song in honor of fallen Lorain Police officer Phillip Wagner and for injured officers Peter Gale and Brent Wayne. In July, Wagner, Gale and Wayne were ambushed and shot by a suspect, who was killed when officers returned fire.
“To be able to use my voice to remember and honor such heroes is the greatest use of my talents,” says Bradley. “Serving others is why I sing.”
Now in her 40s, Bradley continues to look forward to bigger things. Major artists like Jelly Roll and Stephan Wilson Jr. being nominated for best new artist awards in their 40s reminds her to keep on dreaming.
“The only limits are the ones I give myself,” she says. “I am loving this decade of my life best so far, and I believe that everyone should believe that the best days are always ahead.