"Ring the bells that still can ring, Forget your perfect offering. 
There is a crack in everything, That's how the light gets in."
~Leonard Cohen

Jill Dawson is a Chicago based Singer/Songwriter. She has released 2 full length CDs, and various singles. Her music has been distributed nationally via Midwest based record label, Emphasis Music, as well as across Europe via PeopleSound. Her songs have been played on public and college radio stations, from east to west coast, and in a multitude of European countries, including Spain, Germany, France, and Russia. She also topped the Adult Contemporary chart on Australia's MP3.com while she resided there.

Her live performances have captivated audiences, featured as a performer at Midwest Artist Network's Songwriter Spotlight, Folk Alliance via CRM Management's lineup, as well as a multitude of Midwest venues and songwriter showcases. Jill also founded FAB Chicago, a networking organization for female musicians which hosted sold-out performances at the legendary Heartland Cafe in Rogers Park. 

After a 5 year break from music to start a family, she recently returned with a catalog of new songs infused with jazz, blues, and soul influences. Since then, her music has been featured on WGN, Seventeen Magazine's Peace Body Blog, and endorsed by Dove's Self Esteem Fund's Global Ambassador, Jess Weiner as empowering for women and girls. In 2010, her song "Never Home" (co-written with Chicago songwriter Greg Steele) was recorded by the winner of the Midwest Artist Search, Gaia Galvan. 

Jill recently launched an endeavor called the MELODY FOR CHANGE PROJECT to generate positive social change and empower youth through music. The effort was kicked off with the release of "WHEN I DREAM", an acoustic anthem encouraging girls to be bold, unique, and dream big. The tune is currently the theme for empowering apparel company Pigtail Pals. Jill also partnered with nonprofit  LeaderSpark, writing a theme for their fall 2010 fundraising campaign called "Change Our World Together." In 2011, she wrote and produced the online music for the teen-focused Halo Award winning organization, We Stop Hate. 

• • • Lynne
    • Cali
    • Jan 12, 2012 @ 11:40 AM

  • "Deep Breaths and Forgiveness" => Awesome! ... Magical musical poetry. Love this! Yes, be good to each other. Thank you for sharing this with the world!

• • • Sandra
    • Chicago
    • Jan 3, 2012 @ 9:36 AM

  • Your voice gives me the warm fuzzies...so beautiful and charming. XXOO

• • • Todd
    • Elgin
    • Nov 3, 2011 @ 5:50 PM

  • Jill, this is a spectacular song and performance (Song of Blue). I'm blown away!

• • • Dave
    • Reno, NV
    • Oct 12, 2011 @ 4:10 PM

  • Love your music! Onward Into Forever.....

• • • Phil
    • Burlington, WI
    • Sep 22, 2011 @ 8:11 AM

  • I Love your energy, Positive, Loving, Caring feelings that you are sending out into the Universe!!!

• • • Tim
    • Portsmouth, England
    • Sep 19, 2011 @ 7:03 PM

  • You sound great!

• • • Chica Circle
    • Sep 16, 2011 @ 12:48 PM

  • Your magical voice is awesome with your latest song post (Little Star)! Looking to the stars now!

• • • Jill Dawson
    • Chicago
    • Sep 9, 2011 @ 12:57 PM

  • Your welcome! Thanks for the support, and please come back soon!

• • • Laura
    • Frisco, TX
    • Sep 1, 2011 @ 12:51 PM

  • Thank you.

• • • Tim "Atari"
    • Illinois
    • Jun 6, 2011 @ 9:32 PM

  • Hey Jill nice to meet you. I love the your music, very nice to relax to.

    -Atari

 Click CD images to listen and download tracks.