Born in Waco, Texas and raised in Richardson, Texas, Ashlee Simpson began studying classical ballet at the age of three.  And was accepted to join the School of American Ballet at age eleven in New York City.  The family moved to Los Angeles when Ashlee's sister, Jessica, signed her first record deal.

Ashlee Simpson

I don't really mind what people say about my love life or anything like that, but the one thing is that, yes, I do sing and write all my own music. That is something that I hold really dear. And yeah, I made a fool of myself in front of the world, but it was also great to pick myself back up and go on tour.

Starting Out

Born in Waco, Texas and raised in Richardson, Texas, Ashlee Simpson began studying classical ballet at the age of three.  And was accepted to join the School of American Ballet at age eleven in New York City.  The family moved to Los Angeles when Ashlee's sister, Jessica, signed her first record deal.  Ashlee began taking roles in television commercials.

When Jessica recorded her first album, Ashlee started working as one her backup singers. She recorded a song in 2002, entitled Christmas Past, Present, and Future,  for the holiday album, School's out! Christmas.  It was later re-released in 2004, and again in 2005, on Radio Disney Jingle Jams.  Simpson was later offered a recording contract with Geffen Records.

Building Her Own Career

In 2004, Ashlee Simpson released her debut album, Autobiography.  The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and certified triple platinum.  The first single released was Pieces of Me, which peaked at #5 on the Billboard Top 100 and was later featured on the video game, Karaoke Revolution Party.  To support the album, Simpson embarked on her Autobiography Tour.

Her second album, I Am Me, was released in 2005.  The album debuted at #1 on the Top 200 and produced two hit singles:  Boyfriend and L.O.V.E.  By December of that year, the album had certified platinum.  Simpson began a concert tour to promote the album later that year and appeared on an episode of Saturday Night Live.  She announced after her 2005 tour that she would be taking a break before releasing a third album.  During that time, Ashlee Simpson took the role of Violet Foster on the television show, Melrose Place.  

Here and Now

Simpson's fourth album, Bittersweet World, was released in 2008.  The album is described as a “fun, party album.”  Simpson aggressively promoted the album, performing in clubs and even making in-person appearances at Wal-Mart stores to meet her fans.  Digital singles were released on line prior to the physical release of the album.  She performed on Nickelodean's Kids' Choice Live, Total Request Live, The Today Show, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

In November of 2009, Ashlee Simpson began playing Roxie Hart in the Broadway performance of Chicago, a part she had played in London in 2005.  She is planning to release her next album in late 2010 after her Broadway run.

Did you know . . .

1. Ashlee Simpson performed during the halftime show at the 2005 Orange Bowl.  The crowds booed after the performance; Simpson received multitudes of supportive mail from her fans after the incident.

2. In 2008, Simpson married Pete Wentz, lyricist and bassist for the band, Fall Out Boy.

3. Simpson has had parts in two films:  2002's The Hot Chick and 2005's Undiscovered.

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