Born in New Orleans, PJ Morton is a Grammy-winning R&B artist known for hits like "First Began." Collaborated with Adam Levine and Lil Wayne; became Solange's music director.
Detroit-born Althea Rene, daughter of Funk Brother Dezie McCullers, is a flutist known for soulful contemporary jazz and R&B. A former deputy sheriff, she gained fame with albums like "In the Flow," hitting No. 1 on the Billboard smooth jazz chart. She's graced stages worldwide including the North Sea Jazz Festival.
Formed in Buffalo, NY, Spyro Gyra is a pop-jazz fusion band known for hits like "Morning Dance." They blend R&B, pop, and Caribbean music, earning multiple Grammy nominations.
Incognito, founded in 1979 by Jean-Paul "Bluey" Maunick, is an influential acid jazz project from the Brit-funk scene. Notable for hits like "Always There," they've collaborated with artists like Jocelyn Brown, Maysa Leak, and Chaka Khan. Known for modernizing '70s soul and funk, they have 15 UK pop chart singles and numerous US jazz chart successes.
Mike Phillips is a critically acclaimed saxophonist known for his authentic blend of jazz, R&B, and hip-hop. Renowned for his soulful sound, he’s collaborated with top artists and continues to captivate with his originality and groove-driven style.
Patrice Rushen, a Grammy-nominated pianist and composer from Los Angeles, is renowned for her jazz, pop, and R&B fusion, with hits like "Forget Me Nots." She's collaborated with legends like Stevie Wonder and Prince and served as the first female musical director for award shows like the Grammys. A Berklee Ambassador, she promotes music education and mentorship.
Rahsaan Patterson, born in New York, is a gospel-rooted R&B artist known for his dynamic tenor and adventurous style. After starring in Kids Incorporated, he co-wrote Brandy's "Baby" and Tevin Campbell's "Back to the World." His solo debut in 1997 led to acclaimed albums like After Hours and Wines & Spirits. Collaborating with artists like Jody Watley and Lalah Hathaway, he's a staple of "grown folks R&B" tours. His 2019 album, Heroes & Gods, marked 35 years in showbiz, blending traditional R&B with modern pop touches.
New York native Bob Baldwin is a renowned jazz pianist and arranger known for his independent distribution ethos. He released smooth and straight ahead jazz albums on the same day. With over 480 compositions and global performances, his early work with Melba Moore and Tom Browne paved the way for a successful career. Baldwin's albums have charted top 15 on Billboard Jazz, including tributes to Stevie Wonder, Thom Bell, and Michael Jackson. His collaborations feature 10 soloists on one track, setting records in the jazz genre.
South African-born Jonathan Butler is renowned for blending R&B, pop, jazz fusion, and gospel. Known for hits like "Lies," his album sales and Grammy nods highlight his acclaim. Raised under apartheid, his music often subtly reflects his experiences. His collaborations include Ruby Turner and Stevie Wonder. His albums frequently top jazz charts, with notable works like Grace and Mercy. Living globally, Butler's music celebrates both spiritual and cultural roots.
Kelly Price, from Queens, NY, is a versatile contemporary gospel and R&B artist known for her powerful voice. She began as a background vocalist, notably for Mariah Carey. Her breakout solo debut, "Soul of a Woman" (1998), went platinum, featuring hits like "Friend of Mine." She collaborated with Whitney Houston on the Grammy-nominated "Heartbreak Hotel." Price has released multiple chart-topping albums, received numerous Grammy nominations, and collaborated with artists like Puff Daddy and Kanye West. Additionally, she has ventured into theater with Tyler Perry.
Born in Brooklyn, Marcus Miller is a renowned bassist known for his funky, contemporary jazz and improvisational skills. He gained fame with Miles Davis, collaborated with icons like Grover Washington Jr. and Bob James, and had hits like "M²," winning a Grammy. His albums, including "Renaissance" and "Afrodeezia," topped jazz charts. Also a film composer, Miller scored movies like "Marshall" and is a UNESCO Artist for Peace.
Born in Greenwich Village and raised in Queens, Najee is a renowned jazz and R&B saxophonist and flutist. Known for his lyrical style, he achieved fame with albums like "Najee's Theme" and "Tokyo Blue." He has collaborated with icons such as Prince, Chaka Khan, and Stanley Clarke, won two NAACP Awards, and topped jazz charts multiple times, most recently with "Center of the Heart."
