Jesse Boykins III

With each generation a new style of music emerges. While the new generation celebrates its divergence from the generation before in the shaping of its own musical identity, the older generation tends to discredit the ability of the new sound to qualify as real music. Jesse Boykins III has found a way to reconcile these differences. His music possesses a jazzy and soulful sound reminiscent of early R&B acts, but his production and writing are undeniably relevant today. Jesse was born in Chicago, moved to Jamaica at the age of 5 and four years later would spend the rest of his youth growing up in Miami. From moving around he developed a rich musical palate for Motown Classics, R&B, reggae, hip-hop and salsa. His influences include Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Donny Hathaway, Jimmy Cliff, Bob Marley, Sizzla, Bilal, DAngelo, and Musiq Soulchild. In addition to mainstream music, Jesse had reinforcement at home where most of his relatives were singers or musicians and helped develop his own musical talent. Jesse's calling for his own career came when he joined the school choir at the age of 9. He routinely began auditioning for every singing opportunity that crossed his path and soon found himself recording with many local Miami artists. In high school he was invited to perform in The Grammy Jazz Ensemble and take part in recording an entire album. His performance with The Grammy Jazz Ensemble led to recruitment at the New School University in New York City. At the New School Jesse honed his skills as a vocalist, performer, writer, arranger, and producer, studying with classical trainer Kamal Scott and Universal Music recording artist, Bilal. Although Jesse is only 21 years old, he has been singing, writing and recording for more than half of his life. His voice spans a 5-octave range and his sound draws upon his eclectic taste, creating a style that is not bound by generations or time,