Daily Inspiration: Meet B. Thompson

Today we’d like to introduce you to B. Thompson.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Sharing my origin story is always interesting because most people assume I come from a musical background, and that’s actually not the case. I was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, and my family is of Jamaican descent, so music was always around me, but nothing in particular inspired me to play it. It wasn’t until I was 9 years old that I decided to pick up the saxophone, after years of listening to smooth jazz and R&B on the radio. Those were the genres I was exposed to most growing up, and I think that can do something to a kid who’s curious about everything. In fact, the only musician in my family didn’t get back into music until after I had already started playing. Fast-forward through 20 years of practicing, playing, and performing, and life is bound to create pathways for you to go down and explore within that discipline.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t think any of us are exempt from challenges, and I certainly haven’t been. Some are things you can’t change, like having sensorineural hearing loss in my right ear. Others come from navigating an industry that can feel oversaturated and leave you fighting for your dreams while standing in quicksand. One of the hardest things to do is live comfortably and chase your dreams at the same time (especially in LA). Usually, you have to sacrifice one or the other. Perhaps my biggest challenge is not allowing the symptoms of a challenging industry to diagnose my future, because I still have so much more I’d like to do and experience.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a saxophonist, keyboardist, singer, songwriter, and performer working in R&B and jazz. For the past three years, I toured as part of Babyface’s band, playing sax, singing, and dancing, and I’ve shared the stage with artists like Toni Braxton, Johnny Gill, Mario, Jordin Sparks, Kirk Whalum, and Kenny Lattimore. Many people also know me from my appearance on Season 19 of America’s Got Talent. Now I’m focused on my solo career, releasing my own music and headlining my own shows.

What I’m most proud of is simple: I stuck with it. I’ve been playing the saxophone for 20 years, and there were plenty of moments when the conditions said I should quit. The industry is crowded, the path isn’t guaranteed, and chasing a dream often means giving up comfort. I didn’t let any of that make the decision for me. Twenty years later, I’m still here, still growing, and still hungry.

What sets me apart would be that I’m more than just a saxophonist. My heart is in songwriting, playing keyboards, creating visual concepts and telling stories without words. I don’t want people simply to be entertained by me, but I want them to experience who I am.

What makes you happy?
Honestly? Seeing people enjoy themselves, whether that’s from the stage or just being out and about and seeing people come together over a common interest. I really find joy in that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bthompsononline.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bthompsonmusic?xtok=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bryanthompsonofficial?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@bryanthompson?si=2Bc7Wrr-w2Y_VAzS