BIOGRAPHY

Jackie Jones, delivers a brand of performance excellence and professionalism that places her among an elite category of vocalists of exceptional caliber and unsurpassed capability. 

Her presence on the greater Newark/New Brunswick/New York Metro jazz scene is nothing short of prolific – it speaks volumes about what she has achieved since her emergence in the late 70’s and early 80’s — a musical journey that has carried her to destinations near and afar. 

A product of the Jazz program at Rutgers University – she studied with a coalition of legendary talents led by bassist Dr. Larry Ridley, pianist Kenny Barron, alto saxophonist James Spaulding, vibraphonist Steve Nelson and drummer Keith Copeland who established a program of world renown during the late 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, Jackie received a solid foundation in composition and performance at the Mason Gross School of the Arts while earning a degree in psychology. A Newark native, she is a graduate of the fabled Arts High School where she studied flute and vocals – her fellow alumnus, a few decades her senior, is none other than the legendary vocalist Sarah Vaughan. 

Among her career achievements, Jackie has been blessed to establish musical associations with many noteworthy talents including: appearing as the opening act for Lou Rawls, as well as performing with a host of jazz luminaries such as — saxophonist Houston Person, vibraphonist Roy Ayers, pianist Nat Adderley, guitarist Jimmy Ponder, Bassist Christian McBride and drummers Winard Harper and Cecil Brooks, III. Her abundant talents have carried her overseas to perform at festivals in Russia, Berlin and Switzerland while at home, she makes regular appearances at local music festivals. 

Jackie is imbued with a generosity of spirit that evokes humility, grace and poise – she shares a mutual affection and cordiality for her audience who respond in – kind to her seasoned — well – balanced repertoire – she brings to her artistry a constantly refreshing youthful vitality – simply put, she has established an intimate rapport with audiences and is poised to soar to greater heights of acclaim and wider recognition. 

 Jackie has earned her place among the ranking vocalists of the day — it is precisely because her music informs and empowers — engaging and elevating the listener with her warm, charismatic, spirited delivery – her fresh interpretations of standard, popular and original material enthralls audiences and leave them eager for more – Her signature tune “My Funny Valentine” speaks to a singer willing to bear her soul without reservation —  she’s a “singer’s singer” whose heartfelt treatments of jazz and popular songbooks – echoes  upon the legacies of the legendary constellation of vocal royalty — her artistry commands the listener’s attention and establishes her art as uniquely ubiquitous and distinctive. 

Jackie Jones independently produced CD “Part of Me” which is available on her website www.jackiejones.com.