Second Cup Cafe: Diane Birch

When singer/songwriter Diane Birch sings to the heavens above with her unique blend of soul, rock gospel and old pop, it's on her own terms.

Birch, who received praise for her critically acclaimed debut album, "Bible Belt," once felt confined by her strict religious upbringing, but now realizes it was her faith that ultimately inspired her music.

"The idea of 'Bible Belt' has a layered kind of meaning for me," Birch said on her official Web site. "Because my dad was a preacher, the very religious upbringing I had made a huge impact on my life, in a very restraining and constricting way.

"I'm constantly talking about heaven, angels, and forgiveness. I'm hugely inspired by church hymns -- their chord structures, their colors. It was a form of constraint for me as a child but now I see that it has fueled my creative fire."

Birch stopped by "The Early Show Saturday Edition"'s "Second Cup Cafe" to sing "Nothing But A Miracle" and "Valentino." It was also her morning television debut.

The Michigan-born, piano-playing preacher's daughter spent a lot of her life in transition. Her father's missionary responsibilities led to her family being moved to Zimbabwe, Australia, and, finally, Portland, Oregon.

Birch started out performing at hotels and restaurants in Los Angeles, but had no idea what was in store for her. Prince took notice of her talents while she was playing at the Beverly Hills Hotel and invited her to perform at his house with other notable performers.

"Bible Belt" was released on June 2, debuting on the Billboard top 200. It also landed on the Top Ten Album chart on iTunes.