Today we’d like to introduce you to Justking Jones.
Hi Justking, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am from New Jersey and was raised in a Jamaican Household, my musical journey began when I was two years old and would go to NYC on Tuesday’s and Saturday’s with my parents to their choir practice. That is where I first was exposed to Gospel Music and began singing while watching my parents rehearse. I picked up the Saxophone at age eight and had a classical training while also playing in the church. I continued playing saxophone throughout my childhood and was exposed to playing Jazz. I learned how to play Clarinet, Flute, Piano and Produce in programs like Garageband and FL Studio as a teenager. It was clear that I wanted to pursue music professionally so I decided to study music, I spent two years at Rutger’s University and Ultimately graduated from William Paterson University with my Bachelors in Jazz Studies. Eager to continue learning, I got accepted into Manhattan School of Music to pursue a Master’s Degree but during that summer, my phone started ringing for all the opportunities you would study for. Instead, I started touring with groups like Blackstar a duo of Yasiin Bey aka Mos Def and Talib Kweli & Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, that brought me to many countries and international stages very quickly. During that time, I also started teaching at Jazz House Kids and NJPAC as a teaching Artist. Since then, I began to focus on leading my own group and releasing music which has been an amazing experience, I am about to release my second album which features me not only as a saxophonist & songwriter but as a producer, flautist, clarinetist and overall creative director. I have many special guests on this project and can’t wait to announce the project. I recently moved to Los Angeles and it has been a warm welcome by so many incredible artists I have been working with. I just accepted a teaching position at the Herbie Hancock Institute at UCLA and am also modeling and acting as well.
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?
It has not always been a smooth road, but anyone that knows me well can say I have the Spirit of Persistence and Focus. Some of the struggles I faced dealt with my physical and emotional health. I am grateful to always bounce back from a personal struggle and have a great support system around me.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Saxophonist, Producer, Model, Educator and Entrepreneur. I live my life to push and build others. I am a Child of God, Unconditionally Loved, Abundantly Blessed, Poised & Prepared to do good works. I am proud of having Faith to go after everything God has put inside of me. Recognizing the king in me has set me apart, a king is someone that creates and inspires creativity in others, He blesses the lives of others, He leaves a legacy. We are servant Kings & Queens, we serve the world with our God-given gifts.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
1. You must know your source.
2. You must know your purpose.
3. You must understand your resources.
4. You must workout your potential.
5. You must cultivate your potential.
6. You must guard your potential.
7. You must share your potential.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.justkingjones.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/justkingjones
- Facebook: facebook.com/justkingjones
Image Credits
Quan Brinson & Tameka Jacobs
