About the Author

Multi-faceted, a consummate entertainer and a true song stylist, Stella has touched audiences worldwide not only through her music, but her stage, television and film presence as well. Stella began her entertainment career at an early age singing gospel music with her family - in church and on television and radio. Her first two albums, which included several original compositions, reflected that early influence and delivered that same sincerity and honesty which is felt in her music today. Relocating to Nashville, Stella wrote and recorded her first hit single, "I Want To Hold You In My Dreams Tonight", launching her career in country music. She has since recorded 31 chart singles, 25 albums and garnered numerous awards and nominations, including multiple ASCAP Awards and ACM and Music City News Award nominations. Not to feel fenced in by creative boundaries, Stella took on the rigors of the theatre, starring in four New York touring productions, including "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers", "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas", "Pump Boys and Dinettes" and "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes". Stella has been featured in such films as Cloud Dancer (1980), The Loner (1988) (TV) and Country Gold (1982) (TV). Her work in television has included "The Dukes of Hazzard" (1979) and the CBS-TV move, The Color of Love: Jacey's Story (2000) (TV), co-starring Lou Gossett Jr. and Gena Rowlands. Named Honorary Ambassador of Country Music in New Zealand, she also holds this honor stateside in Kentucky, Louisiana, and Pennsylvania. She was awarded the Female Vocalist of the Year trophy in 2004 by the Christian Country Music Association (CCMA), Mainstream Country Artist of the Year in 2002 by the Christian Country Music Association (CCMA), Alabama Country Music Hall of Fame 2006 Entertainer of the Year and American Country Music Hall of Fame 2006. Stella's philanthropic side includes speaking up against and volunteering time to help raise awareness of issues of poverty and domestic violence.