Jessica Rose James was born April 12, 1988 on a military base in Vicenza, Italy, James relocated to central Georgia during the 1990s. She made weekly trips to Nashville to hone her songwriting amidst likeminded musicians. Her demo recordings soon made their way to David Massey, president of the rejuvenated Mercury Records, who subsequently brought her to the attention of Def Jam chairman L.A. Reid. James soon inked a contract with Mercury, and the label partnered her with songwriter Kara DioGuardi to help craft material for a debut album.

Jessie James' first single called "Wanted" was released in April 12th, 2009 in stations from U.S. and on May 12th, 2009 on United States and Canada iTunes. Her song, "Blue Jeans" was featured on Confessions of a Shopaholic soundtrack. In June, 2009 she toured with Jonas Brothers. Her debut album, Jessie James, was released on August 11th, 2009, for Mercury Records. She opened up for Thriving Ivory on July 4th in Mobile, AL at The Soul Kitchen.