Today we’d like to introduce you to Jackiem Joyner.
Hi Jackiem, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I was born in Norfolk, Virginia, but grew up in Syracuse, New York. I started playing saxophone at the age of 14. My music teacher, Mr. Adams, had me playing in different groups in high school, and that’s where I built my foundation on the horn.
After high school, I moved back to Virginia. I was grinding — sessions, clubs, different gigs, whatever it took to stay sharp and keep moving. That’s where I started figuring out my sound and what kind of artist I wanted to be.
In 2003, I moved to Los Angeles and put out my first album, Babysoul. That was the beginning. From there, I just kept building — album after album, tour after tour.
I’ve worked with legends like George Duke, Najee, Angela Bofill, Jean Carne, Peter White, Keiko Matsui, and many others.
I’ve had three Billboard #1 hit songs, a #1 album on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart, and I’ve toured in over 30 countries. I’ve put out 9 albums now. And writing music is just as much of a passion as performing it.
But the accolades were never the goal. Evolution was. I’ve always refused to stay in one lane.
I write science fiction and suspense thriller novels. I love to put pen to paper when I’m not touring. It’s another passion of mine. I produce my music. I play multiple instruments. And honestly, I don’t fit neatly into a box, and I’m good with that.
‘Every Part of Me’ is the most honest representation of who I am as an artist and as a man. It’s my debut album with Shanachie Entertainment, and it’s the first time I’ve been this transparent in my music. I wrote it, produced it, and played most of it myself because I needed full control over what I was saying.
This album is about opening up and letting people see all of me — not just the polished version. The artist, the father, the man still becoming. That’s where I am today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No. It hasn’t been smooth.
This business doesn’t hand you anything. And it shouldn’t. I’ve had to fight for every opportunity, every stage, every album. There were years where I was grinding hard and didn’t know if it was going to pay off. Playing gigs that didn’t pay much. Wondering if people would ever really hear what I was trying to say with my music. But the risk is what makes it all worth it. I love the adventure.
I’ve spent years on the road — constantly moving, living out of hotels, missing moments at home. That’s the sacrifice you make when you’re committed to bringing your music to the world.
On a personal level, the last few years tested me in ways I didn’t see coming. That shaped this album.
Every Part of Me came out of that period. It’s honest. It’s about stepping into who you’re supposed to be, even when it’s uncomfortable.
The struggles didn’t break me. They sharpened me. Made me more focused. More intentional about what I create and why I create it. I don’t take shortcuts anymore. I don’t make music to fit in. I make what needs to be made.
So no, it hasn’t been smooth. But I wouldn’t trade the journey. It made me who I am.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a contemporary jazz saxophonist, but I don’t limit myself to one thing. I write, produce, arrange, and play multiple instruments. I also write science fiction novels. I’ve never been the kind of artist who stays in one lane, and I’m not trying to be.
I’m known for my tone on the saxophone — specifically on alto and soprano. People recognize my sound. When they hear the first few notes, they know it’s me. That’s not something you can manufacture. It comes from years of finding your voice and being honest with what you’re putting out there.
I specialize in blending influences. I pull from funk, soul, R&B, hip-hop, and jazz, and I layer them in ways that feel modern but still respect where the music came from. I’m not trying to reinvent the wheel. I’m just making what feels right to me.
What sets me apart? I produce my own records. I play most of the instruments. I control the narrative. And I’m not afraid to be vulnerable when the music calls for it.
Every Part of Me is the clearest example of that. It’s the most honest album I’ve ever made, and it’s entirely mine — from the writing to the production to the performance. That’s what I do. I create on my own terms.
I’m really proud that I’ve been able to write songs that resonate with people. I’m grateful that commercial radio has been playing my music for so many years and that my own original songs have gone to #1
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
What I’d like readers to know is that growth doesn’t come from staying comfortable. It comes from being willing to evolve, even when it costs you familiarity or approval. I’ve learned that the work doesn’t stop when the music is finished or the show is over—that’s just one part of the process. What matters just as much is intention, consistency, and being honest about who you are becoming.
I’m still learning, still refining, still building. Every Part of Me reflects that mindset. It’s not about perfection—it’s about truth. If there’s anything I hope people take away, it’s permission to own all of who they are, stay curious, and keep moving forward without waiting for validation. That’s where real momentum lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jackiemjoyner.com
- Instagram: @jackiemjoyner
- Facebook: jackiemjoyner
- Twitter: jackiemjoyner
- Other: https://jackiemjoyner.store
Image Credits
Photography by Raj Naik
