Jacqueline "Ms. Jackie" LaPonza (born February 12, 1984) is an American singer best known for her work with Mushroomhead. She became prominent as the lead singer for Unsaid Fate in her early 20s. Her vocal style in Unsaid Fate was more aligned with typical hard rock aesthetics, however in Mushroomhead she is considered to be a continuation of Jeffrey Nothing's doom-influenced style.[1] She has assumed many costumes throughout her career with the band, with elements from Victorian, industrial and typical Mushroomhead aesthetics.

Jackie LaPonza
Performing with Mushroomhead in 2016
Performing with Mushroomhead in 2016
Background information
Born (1984-02-12) February 12, 1984 (age 40)
Cleveland, Ohio
Occupations
  • Singer
  • musician
Years active2007–present
Member ofMushroomhead
Formerly ofUnsaid Fate
PartnerSteve Felton (2014–2021)

Early life

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LaPonza was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1984. She has five brothers. She originally founded Unsaid Fate with her brother Mike in 2011, after performing at bars since LaPonza she was aged 10 under her first name. Mike served as the drummer, Don DeBiase as guitarist Luke Fockler on rhythm and John Calo as bassist.[2] At the time, she would state her influences to be Pat Benatar, No Doubt, Pink, Heart, and Green Day.[3]

Career

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She then began dating Mushroomhead drummer and visual director Steve "Skinny" Felton in 2014. Skinny proposed within 30 days of the relationship and LaPonza had a guest appearance on 'We are the Truth' from Mushroomhead's 2014 release The Righteous & the Butterfly.[4] Unsaid Fate toured extensively with Mushroomhead until the release of lead single 'Seen it All' from 2020's A Wonderful Life.[5] Despite not appearing vocally, she could be observed in the background of the music video, and would appear in rotation with the other vocalists throughout the album.[6]

Unsaid Fate have not resumed making music or touring since the 2021 COVID-19 lockdowns. In 2022, Skinny sought to mend bridges with various former members of the band, such as Dave "Gravy" Felton, with LaPonza making a return to the tour. She is confirmed to appear on the 2024 release Call the Devil.[7][8]

References

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  1. ^ Epting, Chris EptingChris (2014-07-30). "Mushroomhead's Skinny on Family, Legacy + More". Loudwire. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
  2. ^ The Russell Reed Show (2014-05-14). Russell Reed - UnSaid Fate Interview (made with Spreaker). Retrieved 2024-06-19 – via YouTube.
  3. ^ "Marty Conn Entertainment - Jackie LaPonza". www.martyconnentertainment.com. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
  4. ^ "Dumb Blonde: 51: Rock and Roll Star Jackie LaPonza talks Unsaid Fate, Tour Life, and Relationships". dumbblonde.libsyn.com. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
  5. ^ MetalSucks (2020-04-21). "Mushroomhead Return With New Head of Mushrooms". MetalSucks. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
  6. ^ Addict, Podcast. "Dumb Blonde - 51: Rock and Roll Star Jackie LaPonza talks Unsaid Fate, Tour Life, and Relationships". Podcast Addict. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
  7. ^ "Hear MUSHROOMHEAD's groove-heavy new single "Fall in Line"". Revolver. 2024-06-13. Retrieved 2024-06-19.
  8. ^ Blabbermouth (2024-06-13). "MUSHROOMHEAD Announces New Album 'Call The Devil', Shares 'Fall In Line' Single". BLABBERMOUTH.NET. Retrieved 2024-06-19.