Tenley Westbrook, the oldest of six children, traveled the world as an Army brat until she was 12 years old. When her dad retired, her parents moved to New Hampshire where she still resides. She began playing the piano at seven years of age and singing in her teens, though her mom will tell you that she came into the world singing!

Tenley received a degree in Music Education from the University of Massachusetts and she has spent many years, performing at weddings, functions, concerts, churches, Christian retreats and coffee houses throughout New England, while she and her husband raised their two children. “Truly blessed” is how she describes herself when it comes to the talented musicians she has shared the stage with over the years.

In 2005, a series of life-changing and traumatic events, including a difficult divorce, the tragic death of her (former) husband just months later, and other losses helped to bring Tenley closer to God. Just two and a half years later, Tenley also lost a man whom she loved very much when he died in car accident on May 8, 2008. Tenley often says that without her faith, her family and the friends and programs that God has brought into her life, she would never have made it through these last few years.

In the fall of 2006, Tenley began working on her debut album of Contemporary Christian music. Her producer, co-writer and friend, John Paul (www.myspace.com/johnpaulproductions) has helped her to create a powerful and versatile collection of songs which showcases her talent as a singer and songwriter/composer. The album, titled I Believe, portrays Tenley’s passion for God, her compassion for people and includes nine songs that she wrote, or co-wrote with producer John Paul. Tenley wrote the title track shortly after her husband passed away. Tracks like “Inside Your Arms” and “The Only Way” are Tenley’s response to her relationship with God and all He has done in her life.

Her newfound love is expressed in “Leavin’ This Love” and later in “Soar”, written soon after his death. I Believe also features Tenley’s take on two popular songs from the ‘60s and ‘70s that she and John have redefined in their own unique way (I Can See Clearly Now/Song In My Heart and Get Together).

Tenley has had the privilege of working with some very talented musicians on I Believe, including John Paul, Ray Greene, Dave Ayotte, Steve Aubert, a children’s choir made up of her nieces, nephew and friends, and in her debut performance, Christina Bowie. Jon Chase and Toby Mountain added their expertise to the CD project in the final stages of editing and mastering. In addition, Jeff Johnson (art design and illustrations), Derek Drinon (photography) and Beth Stone Hancock (hair and make-up) each offered their special gifts to the CD. Tenley expresses, “The gratitude I feel to all these people for their contribution to the album is beyond words!”

Giving back to the community is very important to Tenley as she frequently shares her talents with organizations such as The Pease Greeters, The Rotary Club of Portsmouth, The Piscataqua Maritime Foundation, and many other charitable and non-profit organizations as well as at several Seacoast area churches, where she is a worship leader.

Tenley has been blessed with the gift of music and now has the opportunity to do what she loves most and do it with a purpose. She has an amazing testimony of triumph over pain and loss that she shares openly and honestly. Her love for God and people resonates with her audience through stories and songs. If you have the opportunity to speak with her or hear her sing, you will find that Tenley Westbrook will touch your heart with her authenticity, and the light of God that shines in her. Her faith and her life is summed up in the title of her album, “I Believe!”