Lisa Jo, the resilient singer-songwriter whose music emerges from the depths of profound loss and unyielding spirit, releases her deeply personal album “Hood Rats.” This collection of tracks channels raw emotion, pain, and anger into powerful anthems across multiple genres, marking a transformative chapter in her life. Born from a moment of despair turned inspiration, “Hood Rats” stands as a testament to music’s healing power, showcasing Lisa Jo‘s authentic voice and lyrical prowess that has already garnered over 180,000 followers across social media in just five months.
Lisa Jo‘s journey is one of extraordinary perseverance. A former nurse supervisor at the New York State Department of Health, she balanced a demanding career with raising her family until a battle with blood/bone marrow cancer forced her into early retirement two years ago. Compounded by the unexpected loss of her husband, father, sister, brother, best friend, and mother—all within the past two years—she found herself caring for her remaining family: a blind sister with cerebral palsy and an epileptic sister, while grappling with her own health. In her darkest hour, contemplating giving up, Lisa Jo heard a song that mirrored her soul: “God, don’t give up on me yet… I know I’m not your best bet, but I’m trying.” This pivotal moment breathed new life into her, igniting a creative fire that led to over 50 songs released in a matter of months.
“Music has been the fuel that keeps my fire burning my entire life,” shares Lisa Jo. “It has held me through trauma, loss, pain, and hardships most can’t even imagine. I wrote and published my life story, ‘The Hands That Held Me,’ which was #1 new release for six months and a bestseller for three years. But after losing everything, music literally saved my life. I wake each day, write lyrics, create music, and let the rest take care of itself. The sky is the limit, and I feel so blessed for the love and support.”
“Hood Rats” delves into themes of survival, resilience, and self-discovery, drawing from Lisa Jo‘s lived experiences. The album blends genres seamlessly, reflecting her eclectic influences and emotional depth. As she prepares for a mandatory, high-risk surgery in the coming weeks to address a buildup of harmful cells in her throat, vocal cords, and larynx—under the care of specialists at South Florida University Hospital—Lisa Jo shares this work with urgency and hope. The procedure carries real dangers, including potential loss of life or voice, but her music remains her legacy of strength.
Currently in discussions with promoters, publishers, managers, and sync managers for what promises to be a groundbreaking sync publishing deal, Lisa Jo‘s momentum is unstoppable. “Hood Rats” is now available on all major streaming platforms, inviting listeners to connect with her story and find their own healing.
About Lisa Jo
Lisa Jo is a singer-songwriter whose music transforms personal pain into universal anthems of hope and resilience. Author of the bestselling memoir “The Hands That Held Me,” she has released over 50 songs in multiple genres, amassing a dedicated following of over 180,000 on social media. Rooted in her experiences as a survivor of cancer, profound loss, and hardship, her work celebrates the power of music to heal and inspire. Music is nothing without ears to hear it and hearts to love it.