Jewel Goes Country

She's made a name for herself with her rock, pop and folk music, and now Jewel is trying her hand at country. The singer-songwriter has signed a multi-album deal with a brand-new record label in Nashville, the Valory Music Company.

"I grew up on a ranch in Alaska, and my favorite memories are of sitting around a camp fire with my father and listening to the songs he wrote and sang," Jewel said after her big announcement today. "It was pure country music, and it has made me a sincere fan of country music ever since."

Jewel is no stranger to Music City. She has cut five of her six albums there, and she recently hosted the reality talent show, 'Nashville Star.' Her first country single is scheduled for early next year, with the album expected to be released in the spring. It's being produced by John Rich of the country duo Big & Rich.