Today we’d like to introduce you to Jazz Kelley.
Jazz, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started playing drums when I was about five years old. I started out in a small southern church called Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Carrollton, Georgia. My story is interesting because I started out telling people I could play the drums and in reality had NEVER touched a drum in my life. It all began when I saw my cousin do a simple beat after choir rehearsal on Saturday and I said to myself I can do that! Well, that stuck with me. From that point on, I was going around telling everyone I knew I could play drums! My parents thought I was insane and insisted I stop telling lies. Which to them, I can see how it would seem that way. Back then, I had no idea God was speaking to me and through me in those ways, but I had a strong knowing that I could actually play.
Eventually, my great aunt got tired of hearing the “lie” lol, and she said you need to stop saying that and you can not play the drums. I looked at her and told her I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! I’m guessing you can assume she was pretty pissed at that point because it was kind of witty, but it was true! Two weeks later, there was an anniversary celebration at the church and they didn’t have a drummer. I was itching to get up there and play, but we all know that wasn’t flying with my aunt. Strangely the organist, whom I had never met a day in my life looks up and eyes me to come up and play. Weird right? God’s so intentional with his communication. I looked at my aunt and I was like he signaled me to come. My other aunt who sat directly behind her started fussing “Oh Brenda, let the girl go up there! You see the man called her up!” She wasn’t budging. Well, giving time had approached and I knew that was my breakaway moment!
So, as I put my money in the bin, I literally took off while saying really fast and jumbled “I’m going to speak to the organist real quick, I’ll be back” Well, I got over there and that’s where it all started. I played my first service and that was THE FIRST time I had touched a drum before and I played that night and got a solo. The funny thing was no one could see me over the wall because I was little. So, the energy in the church was high, but they couldn’t see. So, I stood up after it was all over and that’s how the journey began. One of the best parts of that moment was when I stood up and my godfather realized it was me. He immediately started yelling “that’s my baby!” Oh and let’s not forget about my great aunt when she realized I wasn’t crazy, haha.
That was the beginning of my future that I would have never guessed would lead me to where I am today! I graduated from The Unsinkable Albany State University with a degree in music education and performance. I was the first female drummer to graduate with that degree. Little did I know, that I would continue to keep that title as I showed Atlanta what a woman on the drum looks like for the NBA’s Atlanta Hawk’s Atlanta Boom Drumline. I didn’t know this back then, but I realized that my journey from a young girl was paving the way for me into my adulthood and to help generations of women and young girls to thrive above what society thinks we should be doing and instead of doing what God has called them to! It was tough to endure at times, but it all makes sense now and I would not trade any of the training, late nights, tears, and hard work for what is harvesting now. It is all worth it when I think about the new generation!
Great, 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! My first year of college was awful!!! Originally, I wasn’t classified as a music major. You have to audition to get into the program and I auditioned and did not make it because I couldn’t read music well. I got told I was good enough to be in the marching band, but not a music major. I didn’t take that well and wanted to quit obviously, but I didn’t. One of my instructors Jessie “Doc” Walker said: “Don’t you start feeling sorry for yourself! Go study! Work your behind off! Come back and get into this program, because you know you’re supposed to be here!” His words changed my world and I could never say thank you enough. May he rest in peace! I later got connected with Jillian Baxter who was the percussion instructor at the time. She worked with me privately to teach me how to read and play literature correctly. That next semester I auditioned again and got accepted into the program. While all of that was going on, I forgot to mention my financial aid was messed up and I wasn’t even sure how I was going to stay in school as well. I got kicked out of housing so much I was a professional. So, everything that could go wrong then was going wrong! It was a hot mess! haha But, it all worked out for my good!
Jazz Bean – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I currently give private drum lessons in the Atlanta area. I also teach at Guitar Center Atlanta & Gwinette. I also independently contract to do studio sessions, live drums, touring, and other various gigs that engage the live experience. I’m most proud to be able to have an impact on the community and the younger generation in their musical journey. That’s a big deal and it’s an honor to work with each student because they’re all different. They always remind me of why I do what I do. The thing that sets me apart I believe is just me being me. No matter how I or anyone else tries to be like someone else, they never will be them because they were uniquely created to be themselves with a custom print to leave on the world that can’t be erased or changed and I understand that and have accepted that. That is what attracts people to you when you understand your identity and really know who you are.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Graduating from college and being able to serve at World Changers Church International.
Pricing:
- Private 30 min. Express Lesson with Bean $50
- Available for recording sessions, touring, & live shows.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.JazzBeanMusic.com
- Phone: 404-330-7215
- Email: jazzbeanmusic@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jazz_bean/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jazz.kelley.1
Image Credit:
Andria Chapman
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