EXAudio Magazine
June 15, 2004

Story - Bob Gray
Art - Mark Flatt

When I first heard Stephanie Urbina Jones sing at a small club in Kerrville, Texas, last year I was struck by her energy, empathy, and most obvious, inner steel. Her song, “God Loves it When We Dance,” is perhaps the most wonderful philosophical expression I’ve ever heard in song lyrics. Not only that happiness - joy - fun – is important to life, but why it's important. Consider these lyrics:

“This is not a dress rehearsal… we don’t get a second chance,
So get on up, jump on in,
Havin’ fun is not a sin.
In fact, God loves it when we dance.”

Truth is, these words thrill me every time I hear them. Alone on the back cover of the CD liner notes stands: “This album is dedicated to those who came before…their hopes and dreams for a better life have made mine possible. Your Spirit lives on.” Just so.

In two years Stephanie has accomplished more than most of us will in a lifetime. And this was no “overnight success”, nor merely being in the right place at the right time. This is more like being everywhere all the time. In 2002 she made up her mind to do what it takes – producing the CD was the easy part. Getting it played – now that’s a job. Driving over 20,000 miles in six weeks, visiting every radio station in Texas that could be remotely considered a venue for her musical style, she made her way onto the air.

Since then: she’s placed three songs in the top ten of the Texas Music Charts. First independent female ever to occupy the number one spot. Played at Willie Nelson’s July 4th birthday bash, and recorded a duet with Johnny Bush. Made radio and TV commercials for Honda. Was recently elected to the Board of Directors for the Texas Heritage Music Foundation. She now runs a number of retail enterprises. The view of life expressed in the song quoted above is obviously a personal goal she’s reached.

That all of this comes together now, while she is pregnant with her first child (due in September), is testament to that inner steel mentioned above. Current plans include touring through June, writing and producing her next album, then resuming performing again in October – which will include appearing with the San Antonio Symphony on the 23rd to sing the official song of San Antonio at the Inaugural San Antonio Founders Day Celebration.

That she is willing to work so hard tells you where her head is. That she considers the new family addition to be the most important thing in her life tells you where her heart is. And that she does not neglect her family and friends (even minor know-nothing writers like me) while accomplishing all this hints at the deep spring of kinetic energy that powers this woman.

She has definitely been shaking things up in the Texas music world. I want to see that continue – no farewell tours for at least another twenty-five years. New life, new success – yes, God loves it when we dance. And He obviously loves Stephanie Urbina Jones.