Today we’d like to introduce you to J. Marie Jones, Director of Communications for Playing For Change.
J. Marie, we appreciate you taking the time to share Playing For Change’s story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Our co-founder Mark Johnson best explains the moment that sparked Playing For Change: “About 20 years ago, I had an experience in NYC that opened my eyes to the power of music. I was on my way to work at a recording studio, and in the subway station, I witnessed two robed monks painted all in white. One of them was playing guitar while the other monk was singing in a language I didn’t understand. I witnessed a subway platform full of people so captivated listening to this music that no one got on the train. Some people were smiling while others were crying but everyone was connected through this music. I got on the train and headed to work and I thought to myself the greatest music I had ever heard was on the way to the studio and not in the studio.” This was the birth of the idea to bring the studio to the musicians in their natural environments all over the world.
Sharing the belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people, Mark and co-founder Whitney Kroenke Silverstein joined forces in 2002 to hit the streets of the USA with a mobile recording studio and cameras in search of inspiration and the heartbeat of the people. This musical journey resulted in the award-winning documentary “A Cinematic Discovery of Street Music,” followed by the documentary “Peace Through Music.”
In 2005, Mark was at the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica, California, when he heard the voice of Roger Ridley singing “Stand By Me.” Roger had so much soul and conviction in his voice that Mark was inspired to approach him about performing “Stand By Me” as the first Song Around The World—a concept created by Playing For Change that unites musicians from different countries and cultures to perform on the same track. Ever since that day, the Playing For Change crew has traveled the world recording and filming musicians, creating Songs Around The World, and building a global family. To date, “Stand By Me” has accumulated more than 165 million online views in more than 195 countries with Playing For Change’s YouTube channel accumulating more than 1 billion views.
Playing For Change continues to spread our positive message for humanity to millions of people through inspiring multicultural music videos such as Songs Around The World, the PFC Band—a live global touring band comprised of musicians met along their journey and the Playing For Change Foundation—a separate 501(c)3 organization supporting music education around the world.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
When traveling around the world to film and record musicians live outside there can be challenges such as language/cultural differences, being in areas considered to be dangerous, or even a sudden change in weather, however, all of the challenges we’ve experienced throughout our journey have been experiences of growth. Music is such a powerful force that it breaks down those barriers and opens doors to new possibilities in every direction.
Appreciate you sharing that. Can you tell us a little about yourself?
My involvement in music/entertainment spans my entire life but professionally for more than 15 years. I was raised in a musical family with a singer/jazz pianist for a grandmother and a real-life “Jackson 5” type family band featuring my father and his four sisters called “The Honey B’s.” My mother joined the band when she married my father. They toured internationally, released an album, and had a very successful career. I got my start as a professional musician while in high school as a member of my parent’s band “4-U.” Since then, I have released two independent albums, have had songs featured in various movies and streaming series, and formed my own band, The Color Different, that performs around the Los Angeles area. I’m also a member of Kanye West’s Sunday Service Collective.
I always knew that no matter what, I had to be a part of the music business in some capacity but at the same time, I wanted to make a positive impact with whatever I was doing and that desire is what led me to Playing For Change where I currently serve as the director of communications and a producer. Additionally, I’m a co-founder of the creative branding agency Brainstorm Collective and run my own entertainment and lifestyle brand, Rebel Fuse.
In my former roles in television, artist management, A&R, and music publishing, I’ve worked with artists and public figures such as Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Aretha Franklin, Jamie Foxx, Alicia Keys, Musiq Soulchild, Jill Scott, Bobby Brown, Linda Perry, James Blunt, Roland Martin, and MC Lyte, to name a few.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
My advice for those just starting out is to TRUST YOURSELF! This applies to all facets of life, whether it’s a career, family, romantic relationships, etc. You have to remain true to yourself and trust in that inner voice that we all have.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://playingforchange.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/playing4change
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/playingforchange
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/playing4change
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/playingforchange
Image Credits:
Plying For Change Sandra Selva Vinicius Grosbelli
