It's no secret to Juice Newton fans, that Juice has always been an avid rider. When she took her first horse ride, she decided that this was for her. Juice Newton was equally decisive about her music. It was a passion she devoted herself to as a teenager, sneaking out at night to work in the clubs that would give Juice Newton an opportunity to express herself the best way she knew how, by singing.

Unlike riders who take to the open spaces, follow trails or ride just for the fun of it, Juice Newton chose a tough equestrian path: jumping fences, racing against the clock, as well as scoring points on the polo field. She has chosen the same path with her music. Riding her talent to the top of the charts, over hurdles, keeping her direction while playing by others' rules. It hasn't always been easy for Juice Newton, but it has always been challenging and rewarding.

"I got into music for the immense sense of personal joy I received from putting a thought or emotion across to people. It's how I communicate best, most comfortably," said Juice Newton when asked about what keeps her going in an ever-changing business. "I've had my share of rewards, in the sense of awards and honors, which are great, and I'd like to have more, but the rewards I get personally from the music itself are the reason I can fly or drive to a new town every night, get on stage, and love what I'm doing."

It is very evident on stage that Juice Newton loves what she's doing. The Grammy Award winner is always in motion, displaying physical dynamics seldom seen in other performers. A music critic said it best, "Newton remains one of the most riveting performers in country music, rocking on stage and playing each emotion for what it's worth." Juice Newton credits her enthusiastic performances to the philosophy of owing your audience more than just going through the motions, " I go out there wanting to have a good time and making sure the audience does too."

The audience does indeed have a good time. Juice Newton takes them on an emotion filled ride from the stirring stillness of her country-pop hit "The Sweetest Thing," to the rollicking "Love's Been A Little Bit Hard on Me." Of course, there is a generous dose of other Juice Newton favorites: "Angel of the Morning," "Hurt," "Queen of Hearts," "Tell Me True." Songs that made Juice Newton's recent "Greatest Hits" album sell over a half of a million copies, adding to her collection of gold and platinum albums.

Juice Newton keeps her shows varied with the energy of her top-notch touring band and the featuring of her folk-oriented beginnings through an acoustic trio performance. Musician/songwriter Otha Young, Juice's longtime partner and writer of her classic hit, "The Sweetest Thing," said, " We started out in the clubs of Northern California in the early 70's, with an acoustic trio, 'Silver Spur.' We wanted to re-discover the purity of that kind of music, so we decided to include it in our show to give the audience the entire spectrum of Juice's music." The trio formation performs midway through a concert, or does entire concerts in more intimate settings. They have taken the trio to unique locations such as wineries tucked away in the California mountains, or re-furbished historic theaters in inner cities.

Juice Newton is also adding one more musical twist to her repertoire; children's music. Juice Newton singing kid's songs? Yes. Let's just say it was a necessity, or two... her children: Jessica, five years old, and Tyler, two. Juice Newton recalls, " I get such a kick out of seeing my kids sing MY songs. I try and travel with them when possible. Often, they'll sing and dance backstage while I'm performing. I was singing at the Las Vegas Hilton, and during one of my songs, I just had to laugh, because I could hear their little voices singing 'Queen of Hearts' with all of their might. I thought, 'You know, I should do some music just for them.' Her kids have now taken over as pint-sized record executives, telling their Mom what's good and what's not!

Juice Newton's children have been a changing influence in her life. "Anyone who has kids will tell you how they alter everything. I guess I've mellowed out personally. You learn to take things as they happen, nothing's predictable. Jessica and Tyler have brought a new dimension into my life, my music.There's much more to focus on."

Focus. It is what enables Juice Newton to do it all: career, family, oh, yes, and the horses. Sometimes it all works together. Juice Newton is married to professional polo player, Tom Goodspeed. When Juice Newton isn't recording or on the road she and the kids are often at the polo grounds Tom manages in San Diego. Juice Newton donates much of her time to charity work, including performing and playing in celebrity polo matches. Sometimes it all works, but not together. Juice Newton must pack up the guitar, put up the saddle, and hug the family good-bye."The hardest part of leaving is seeing the kids with tears in their eyes," Juice Newton adds with a loving smile, "I really miss 'em out there. It's a good thing music is my constant companion."

And her fans couldn't agree more!