about
Music
Bio
Jenn Wertz is a singer-songwriter perhaps best known as an original member of Pittsburgh-based multi- platinum roots rock band Rusted Root, and secondly for fronting many iterations of the Jenn Wertz band over decades. She is also a successful mixed media artist, Quantum Healing Practitioner, and a budding author. *
“I stay healthy by staying creative,” says Wertz. ”It’s my meditation. If I’m not working on something, I lose my emotional and spiritual grounding.”
Wertz began her career with Rusted Root in1990, amid the budding arts movement in post-industrial Pittsburgh, PA.“When I joined Rusted Root in the beginning, I found I had something unique to offer to the project, both musically and interpersonally. I had a natural comfort onstage and with improvisation, and that was a strength that I found early on.”
After years of touring and recording, Jenn left the band in 2008. "Music is like the friend you never totally lose touch with", Wertz laughs, "but also all of these layers develop. My creative expressions were informing one another all along. So, even if I’m dormant as a songwriter, it’s all connected— When I expand in the painting or in my inner world, it all translates over to the songwriting. I’m very grateful for that tapestry."
*To learn more about Jenn's Art, Quantum Healing, or the 2nd Floor Portal Art & Healing space explore the site tabs header or click here for Quantum Healing, here for Portal and here for Art
Projects and Discography
Jenn Wertz Band 2019-present
Rusted Root from 1990-1995, and from 2000-2008.
Lovechild 1996-1999
Isabella from 2000-2003
1990- Cruel Sun, Rusted Root/ Independent
1994- When I Woke, Rusted Root / Mercury Records
1997- Lovechild, Lovechild/ Independent
2003- Welcome to My Party, Rusted Root/ Island DefJam
2004- Jenn Wertz Acoustic, /Independent
2006- Live, Rusted Root
2019- Take 'em as They Come, Independent
Rusted Root
Rusted Root was a Roots Rock band started in 1990 in Pittsburgh, PA. The band's 1994 release "When I Woke" (Island Def Jam) is a multiplatinum full length album featuring the hit "Send Me on my Way," which has been featured in many feature films, TV shows and commercials.
The band, known for their high energy, sweaty live shows toured for many years to sold out crowds across North America, sharing billing with classic acts like The Allman Brothers Band, The Grateful Dead, Santana, Page and Plant, and the Dave Matthews Band, among others.