Meet Jamal Sutton of North Carolina

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamal Sutton.

Hi Jamal, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, by an incredible single mother, Kenna Clay. I’m the youngest of three children, and music has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started singing when I was about four years old. My family always jokes that when the umbilical cord was wrapped around my neck at birth, God was just adding a little something extra to my gift because no one else in my family sings. My mom has always called me her “little songbird” because I was constantly singing around the house. It didn’t matter what genre it was—gospel, R&B, rock, pop, country—I loved it all.

For me, music became more than something I enjoyed. It became my escape. I was always shy and afraid to fully be myself, but when I was singing or listening to music, I felt free. In those moments, I could be exactly who I was created to be.

Growing up as a member of the LGBTQ+ community wasn’t easy, especially where I was raised. It wasn’t accepted the way it is in some places today. I was threatened simply for going into the restroom to use it. At home, I constantly heard that people like me were wrong or were going to hell. Even today, it can still be difficult in parts of North Carolina, but those experiences shaped me instead of stopping me.

I moved to Raleigh in 2012, but I didn’t begin taking my music seriously until 2017 when I booked my first show. Even that came with challenges. Finding a band willing to work with me wasn’t easy. By then I was fully out, and some straight musicians were hesitant because of stereotypes and misconceptions. At first, my band members kept their distance, but once they got to know me, everything changed. Today, they’re family. Some of them have even stood up for me when people have been disrespectful. That experience reminded me that real relationships are built on character, not assumptions.

The music industry has brought its own challenges as well. I’ve had producers take my money without finishing projects or disappear after promising to work with me. Others would constantly tell me they were too busy, yet somehow always had time for someone else. While I understand every producer has the right to choose who they work with, honesty goes a long way. Just say you’re not interested instead of leaving someone hanging.

There have been moments when I’ve asked myself, “Why do I keep fighting?” Every single time, I come back to the same answer: because I believe God placed something inside of me that someone in this world needs to hear. If my music only reaches one person and helps them through a difficult season, then it’s worth it. That’s enough for me to keep going.

But my biggest motivation has always been my mother. I watched her sacrifice everything for our family. There were days she didn’t eat so her children could. I remember my brother, sister, and I walking to meet her because she was walking home from work after doing everything she could to provide for us. Today, she still works just as hard while also caring for my grandmother, who is living with advanced dementia. Watching her love and sacrifice without complaining has taught me what true strength looks like.

One of my biggest dreams isn’t fame or recognition—it’s buying my mother the home she’s always deserved and giving her the opportunity to finally rest. I want her to know what it feels like to live without carrying the weight of everyone else’s needs. That dream keeps me moving forward on the days when I feel like giving up.

I’ve stopped begging people to believe in me or work with me. Instead, I’ve learned to trust God to open the right doors at the right time. And little by little, that’s exactly what He’s doing. Every opportunity reminds me that what’s meant for me doesn’t require me to chase it—it requires me to stay faithful, keep working, and be ready when God says it’s time.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but I don’t think the best stories ever are. Looking back, I realize every setback has taught me something I couldn’t have learned any other way.

One of the biggest lessons has been realizing that being a great singer isn’t enough. You also have to learn the business, protect yourself, and surround yourself with people who genuinely believe in your vision. Early on, I trusted everyone. I believed every promise, every “I’ll get to it next week,” and every “you’re next.” Over time, I learned to ask better questions, protect my work, and recognize the difference between someone who is excited about my career and someone who is simply excited about what they can get from me.

Another challenge has been balancing real life with chasing a dream. Most people only see the performance or the song that’s released. They don’t see the long workdays, the late nights writing music, saving money for studio time, or wondering if anyone will ever hear the songs the way I hear them. There have been moments where I questioned whether all the sacrifices were worth it.

I’ve also learned that everyone isn’t meant to go on every part of your journey. For a long time, I spent too much energy trying to convince people to work with me or believe in what I was building. Now I’ve learned that the right people won’t need convincing. They’ll recognize the vision because it’s meant for them to be part of it.

Today, I see those struggles differently. They didn’t stop me—they prepared me. They’ve made me more patient, more confident, and more intentional about the people I allow into my circle. Most importantly, they’ve strengthened my faith. I truly believe that what’s meant for me will never pass me by, and because of that, I can keep creating without fear, trusting that every step is leading exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a singer, songwriter, performer, and storyteller, but outside of music I currently work as a Direct Support Professional, where I assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in living more independent lives. I’m also completing my Medical Administrative Assistant degree at Ultimate Medical Academy, where I’ve gained knowledge in healthcare administration, communication, and patient care. Both my career and my education have taught me the importance of compassion, patience, and truly listening to people—qualities that naturally carry over into my music.

As an artist, I specialize in creating music that tells real stories. Whether it’s about love, healing, self-worth, faith, or overcoming life’s challenges, I want every song to come from a genuine place. I grew up listening to gospel, R&B, pop, rock, and country, so I don’t like limiting myself to one sound. I simply create music that feels honest and authentic.

One thing I’m most proud of is continuing to build my career independently while balancing work, school, and my passion for music. There have been plenty of long days where I worked, completed school assignments, and then spent my evenings writing, rehearsing, or recording. None of it has been easy, but every step has made me appreciate this journey even more.

I think what sets me apart is the way I connect with people. My experiences working in healthcare remind me every day that everyone is carrying a story that we may never see. That perspective has made me a more empathetic writer and performer. I don’t create music just to entertain—I create music to make people feel seen, understood, and hopeful. If someone leaves one of my shows or listens to one of my songs feeling a little less alone than they did before, then I’ve accomplished exactly what I set out to do.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
If I had to choose one quality that’s been most important to my success, it would be perseverance. Talent can open a door, but perseverance is what keeps you walking through it when things get difficult.

There have been plenty of moments where it would have been easier to quit. I’ve faced rejection, disappointment, and setbacks both personally and professionally, but I’ve learned that every challenge has a purpose. Instead of allowing those moments to define me, I’ve chosen to let them strengthen me. Every obstacle has taught me something that has made me a better artist, a better healthcare professional, and a better person.

I also believe empathy has played a huge role in my journey. Working in healthcare has taught me that everyone has a story, and carrying that mindset into my music has changed the way I write and perform. I want people to know they’re seen, heard, and valued. Whether I’m caring for someone at work or standing on stage, my goal is the same—to leave people better than I found them.

At the end of the day, I believe success isn’t about never falling. It’s about having the faith and determination to keep getting back up. That’s the mindset that continues to guide me every day.

Pricing:

• Live performance pricing is customized based on the event
• Private events, weddings, corporate events, and festivals are quoted individually.
• Acoustic and full-band performances are available upon request.
• Contact for booking availability and pricing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/22shadesofsutton?igsh=MXIzcXMzNm51eDM1eg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1F3g9PHiA9/?mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mrjamalsutton?si=qiYn6rrORcheXUeY
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@22shadesofsutton?_r=1&_t=ZP-989F5te2Gli