Jami Jackson came to the Big Apple with a mission, plan, and a mantra. Her mantra is “live for today, hope for tomorrow, and never look back on the past.” With this dedication, Jackson graduated from Columbia University and scored a prestigious research coordinator position in Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. She also dedicates a multitude of hours each day pursuing her passion – music. The word determination comes to mind, however, that would still be an inadequate description for a 23 year old on a mission.
The native of Durham, North Carolina, began to dabble with the piano at the tender age of 5. Jackson is classically trained, as well as a student of Jazz and Gospel music. Her family knew she had a gift and encouraged her to express herself by writing and taking lessons. At first she penned poems, which became lyrics and then added music with her love of instruments. “I like to describe my music as a soulful blend of rock, R&B, and pop that delivers a live and engaging message,“ says the renaissance singer/songwriter, who counts among her musical favorites a diverse range of artists – from Alicia Keys and Coldplay to Etta James and The Killers.
By night, this gifted singer is performing around the Big Apple at such notable venues as The Apollo Theatre, the Nuyorican Poet’s Café, Ashford and Simpson’s Sugar Bar, The Bitter End, and Don’t Tell Mama, among others. Jackson books her schedule months in advance and relies on her Blackberry PDA to keep her punctual and prepared. “I am so blessed to be in-demand for live gigs given the economy, says Jackson, and that’s why I always want to give my all.” Her talent is undeniable and her powerful declaration of love and motivational songs have Jackson solidly booked for weddings, churches, corporate events and social causes, such as, LIFEbeat, (an HIV/AIDS advocacy group).
Already a media darling - featured and profiled in such prestigious national media outlets as: MTV, BET, New York Times, Seventeen, NY Daily News, numerous regional print outlets, and, major radio stations in Top markets such as: Detroit, North Carolina and Baltimore. Ms. Jackson also became a reality documentary star, with the airing of Are You Positive?, which was seen by 5.1 million people on World AIDS Day, on the popular Black Entertainment Television (BET), sponsored by the Kaiser Foundation. "Jami had just what we were looking for, someone down-to-earth yet extraordinary. Here was a young sister, from the South, working hard on a 9-to-5 in New York City yet still finding time to offer her amazing talent to the fight against HIV/AIDS. That's inspiring,” says Grant Clark, producer/director of BET Networks.
Set to release a new ‘peppered’ sound and direction, Jackson is ecstatic with her latest song, “Keep Walkin’ On.” Jackson flexed her muscle as co-writer/composer, with songwriter, Sandra Jackson, and producer, Tommy Faragher, the celebrated Grammy nominated producer who worked with such artists as Al Green, The O’Jays, and Taylor Dayne. Ms. Jackson says, “This song will be an anthem for those facing hard times, looking for hope, and a clear message to keep chasing your dream.” She’s beams with pride that the song will also be used to inspire and educate many about HIV/AIDS awareness as she donates all of her proceeds from the song to the upcoming AIDS Walk in New York City on May 17th.
Currently, you can spot Jackson in the subways of New York – performing, that is. She was one of the few selected to participate in the city’s legendary “Music Under New York,” concert series in which entertainers perform at the various subway stops. Jackson has been wowing commuters with her performance and selling many CDs along the way.
In 2007, Jackson released her immensely popular debut CD, Call My Name, available at www.jamijackson.net, on the independent label, Blacque Records. The album faired very well on the Internet, coupled with her breakout singles, “I’ll Let You Go,” and “Sista Girl,” which became a popular performance video on YouTube. The album featured a collection of 10 original songs exploring a range of emotions, from lost love to spiritual inspiration. Contributing her talent to a compilation CD for LifeBeat, with an original song called “Love At First Sight,” as a way to uplift the residents at LIFEbeat was her way of giving back to an amazing organization. “I believe it’s important to stand for a cause. HIV/AIDS is impacting my generation at an alarming rate and I simply want to do my part,” says Jackson. Erika Banks of LIFEbeat says, “Jami is a phenomenal young performer. She is not only a powerhouse on the stage, but she is a pleasure to work with. I know I can always count on her to show up on time and ready to rock the room! She is a stellar member of the LIFEbeat family.”
From the Internet to the television airwaves, and the subways of New York City, Jami Jackson is strategically carving out a musical path of passion and relevance. “Nothing can compare to singing and performing, to writing songs. I love using my voice to connect with people, “says Jackson. “I want to make a difference in someone’s life.”
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ur welcome, it was good to seeing you this weekend, I enjoyed your performance, I've been listening to your cd this whole weekend I like your song sista girl and god's fingerprints, keep in touch
Been a minute since i checked in on you. Took today off due to the weather so I figured I'd stop by and say hello. How have you been? I also got a facebook now. Hit me up. ttyl Enjoy your week. :)
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