Talking with country western singer Jo Dee Messina is as real and comfortable as wearing a pair of well-worn blue jeans.

"I don't wear fancy clothes; I am not a product of the industry," said the singer during a telephone conversation from Nashville, Tenn. "You either like me or you don't."

Born in Massachusetts, Messina was influenced by the music of Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, and Reba McEntire. Inspired, at 19 years of age she loaded a car and headed to Nashville and has never looked back.

Messina - who has sold more than five million albums - is the first female country artist to score three multiple week number one songs from the same album.  She has had nine number one single hits, including "My Give A Damn's Busted," "Alright," and "Bring on the Rain."

For the service members serving at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Messina bears a deep and lasting respect for their service.

"I'm a military kid; my dad served in the Navy in Korea and Vietnam," explained Messina.

On Oct. 24, the Broadway Center for the Performing Arts will host Messina at the Pantages Theater in what is billed as a "Welcome Home Heroes" event. Her appearance in Tacoma is part of her cross-country "Music Room Series Tour." During her appearance at the Pantages, Messina will take audience requests, talk about the song writing process and answer questions.

Jo Dee Messina

Sunday, Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m., $34-$64
Pantages Theater, 901 Broadway, Tacoma
253.591.5894