Jessica Harp quits recording for writing

Her delayed solo disc, "A Woman Needs," finally will be available as a digital download on March 16.

Harp wrote on her web site, "If someone had told me a couple years ago that I'd be sitting here writing you this letter I would've laughed. But as I've been through so much personally and professionally those last couple of years, and the older I get, I realize more and more how quickly time flies. How short life really is. And most of all, that change is ok, and sometimes for the best."

"I'm writing to you with news that I'm certain you're not expecting, and will most likely be very surprised by. After reading through your responses to my last post, I had a good long cry being the sap I am, knowing how wonderful you are and that I would be having to share with you something so unexpected. My hope is that you will understand and support what I'm about to tell you, just as you have lovingly and tirelessly supported me for so long."

Last week I announced to those in my professional world a decision that I only recently made in certainty. It's a decision that began as a 'what if?' out of preparation, then slowly turned into 'what if?' out of personal necessity. It's a decision that was long thought about, long discussed with those closest to me, long soul searched and prayed about. It wasn't easy...until it came to feel right in one's search for fulfillment and happiness. Until I realized a change of heart."

"It's with the certainty of choice, but the heavy heart of a woman who will mourn the closing of a very long chapter in her life that I tell you...I have decided at this point to stop pursuing my career as a recording artist and focus on songwriting full time."

"The decision wasn't easy and less easy to tell you guys. You, who have stood by me through the ups, downs and in betweens. Some who have supported me since I was just an independent singer/songwriter trying to follow my dream. Many who followed me through a blessings of success in a duo with my friend. Now through the rollercoaster that has been the transition from duo to solo artist, waiting patiently for songs to be written, a record to be made, songs and videos to be released. And that all elusive record with many assured timeframes of release followed by many pushes back."

"The people in this community are the reason that I've loved doing my job. The people who have encouraged me continually through battles as well as achievements. The people at my shows, singing every word at the top of your lungs. YOU are why this career has been fulfilling to me. So for that, I can only tell you again - THANK YOU. I've appreciated you more than you'll ever know, and have come to care so much for you. And the only regret I have in this decision is letting you down. Because you've never let me down."

"I love music so much and I can't imagine it not being a part of my life. And moving forward as a songwriter, I will hopefully be able to share my music through the voices of artists who DO have their hearts in what they're doing. Of course I'll miss being the one on stage seeing those smiling faces and always will. But I have memories to last a lifetime, and I'm at a point where I feel anything's possible. I don't think I've stepped on my last stage. But I know the stage is better left for others at this time. I also realized I've had other passions and intrigues, some for a long time, others more recent. And I'll have the opportunity to explore those now as well. It's a new chapter for me. It's not the end of the book, it's just a new chapter. And it feels so nice to feel inspiration again."

Harp enjoyed success with Michelle Branch as The Wreckers. They released "Stand Still, Look Pretty" in 2006 and had a number one hit with Leave the Pieces. Branch has since returned to her own solo career.