A native of Indiana, Jearlyn relocated to Minnesota where she discovered her destiny. After much encouragement, she ventured out singing in churches, community centers and niteclubs. This eventually led her to theater where she has performed at such venues as Penumbra Theater of St. Paul, the Old Log Theater in Excelsior, The Historical State Theater in downtown Minneapolis, the famous Ordway Center for the Performing Arts in St. Paul, and the world renowned Guthrie Theater. Over a decade ago, Jearlyn, along with her siblings, The Steeles, began a successful run of the pop/gospel musical "Gospel At Colonus" which made its way to Broadway in 1988 and finally to Carnegie Hall. After Colonus, Jearlyn could be found in the studio recording national and local commercials for companies such as Wilson Leather, Marshall Fields, Slumberland, Aveda, Target and many more. Her voice can be heard on various CDs for national artists like George Clinton, Mavis Staples and Prince, with whom she has toured and recorded a duet, entitled "Race". Look for Jearlyn in the upcoming Robert Altman movie entitled "A Prairie Home Companion, The Movie" in theaters soon.

She has been a frequent special guest on the prestigious A Prairie Home Companion radio show and has served as an entertainment reporter for various shows at KTCA Public Television Minnesota. Among her honors are; Newsmaker of the Year 1998 by the MN Women's Press, The William (Billy) Griffin Award by the Hallie Q. Brown Center, Beautiful Strong Woman 2002, and Honorary Member of the Gustavus Library Association. Jearlyn has also written and produced radio commercials. Currently, she host a radio show at the CBS affiliate WCCO Radio 830 AM where her talk show, Steele Talkin', can be heard every Sunday night from 7pm to 11pm in approximately thirty states nationwide and twelve territories.

Jearlyn Steele is a featured motivational singer at national award conferences for corporations such as Wells Fargo Bank, American Express Financial Services, and Carlson Wagonlit just to name a few. This has led her into another genre, public speaking where she refers to herself as the singing speaker! Companies like G&K Companies, Executive Women's International St. Paul Chapter, Health Partners Professional & Support Staff Conference, and Northwest Agra Dealers are now incorporating her message on Balancing Life's Choices. From the former Soviet Union to parts of Asia, Jearlyn has shared her voice with elated audiences around the world.

A mother of two, Jearlyn has branched out to become more involved in creating ways to affect women and children's lives in a positive way through music and public speaking. She has served on boards for the Ordway Circle of Stars and Chrysalis, a center for women. She is a member of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artist (AFTRA), Screen Actors Guild (SAG), and Actor's Equity.