Meet Jeremy J. King | Singer & Songwriter & Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jeremy J. King and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jeremy J., what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued a career in music and media because making music and entertaining others is literally at the core of my being. I have been singing since I was 4. Over the years it has evolved and I have added even more components to it. Through my music and other mediums I want to document my progression of life. I want to explore my creativity and make music that will touch the minds and souls of others. I felt called to sing. It is something that chooses you. It was my option to listen to that calling and it has remained at the heart of my pursuit.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My story even at the age of 28 is vast. These years have been a continuum of life. My art is an imitation of my life. My songs (whether cover or original) speaks of the condition of my heart.

I am an Alternative R&B/Dance/Pop artist. I at times can be a one man band. I have been in the field for so long that I have learned so much along the way. Though I am 28 I have studied, practiced, and performed all my life. My voice, talent, and overall persona sets me apart from. I resonate with authenticity. I resonate with things everyone can enjoy and feel. My music is for everyone, from every walk of life.

I am most proud of my progress as a musician (which can be heard in my music) and the amount of music I have been able to create so far. My favorite album of mine is ‘The Age of Enlightenment’. It is my favorite because at that time in my life it had a huge effect on me. I felt I reached a higher level of mentality. It definitely was a shift.

Nothing in this business is easy. It is all about hard work and being consistent. You cannot have one without the other. I have overcome a lot of obstacles due to me knowing how to produce on my own. That cut a lot of cost that many artists simply cannot afford, especially starting out. I am a forever student. I love to pick the brains of others when I have questions. Those two things will get you to and through the doors of opportunity.

At a time I struggled with social interaction. Some of that was because of the influx of social media that began around 2011. I have to learn to not let imposter syndrome creep in and to use my platform to send messages of love and inclusion.
I want the people of this world to know you are not alone. I want the world to be encouraged and inspired by my music/art. I want people to dance to my music and let all those cares melt away.

I am excited about my future! I have new music that is due to come out in August. This album will be the best one yet. The album will be called ‘JJK’.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Some of favorite places to go would be:

Bakari Pizza and Kava Lounge, Gallery 992 , Ormby’s, Cami Cakes, Gutbusters, South City Soul Kitchen, Slutty Vegan, Tassili’s, Skilled Cheese, Triton Yards, Bar Vegan

If looking for catering Fiyah Foods is a great options.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

There have been many people along my journey that have been an anchor, light, and guide for me. There are so many that it would take a lifetime probably to mention them all.

First, I have to give thanks to my parents ( Nathaniel and Jacqueline King) and my late grandmother (Pastor Luraina Copeland). These are literally my roots. My parents gave me the tools to conquer anything. They gave me support and encouragement in my darkest hours and weaned me in the way of light and love. Without them, I would not be.

My grandmother was a pretty well known pastor in Columbus, Georgia where I am from. I grew up in the gospel tradition. She helped set a spiritual foundation in me that left me assured yet searching (in a good way). I remember seeing my mom, my aunts and other church members singing around the microphone before my grandmother would preach for radio broadcast. Little did I know these years would mean so much to me

At the age of 8 my Elementary music teacher Mrs. Dietrich selected me to audition for the Columbus Boy Choir (CBC). That choir at the time was an active and all boy international traveling choral group located in the city. I joined that choir in 2001 under the direction of Mrs. Sue Smith. I got to enjoy singing choral music and traveling around the country.

In 2006, I chose to start making music on my own. I was taught by Mrs. Lyn Pharris at that time. She taught me trumpet in my middle school years. That training and experience taught me the beautiful of practice and the beautiful of instruments of all kind. Also, Mr. Josh Dunn gave me my first opportunities to sing in front of people on a large scale. At that time he was the choir director of our school choir.

After middle school, I began to sing all around the city with various choirs, school ensembles, and for community events. Dr. Cheryl Palmour, Rachel Champ, George Cobb, Tandra Holyfield, Jennifer McCall, Heidi Platz, Bruce Getz, and my aunt Gloria Copeland were all pivotal people in my life during this time. They all collectively taught me valuable life and music skills I still use today.

After leaving high school, I attended Morehouse College. My Morehouse experience taught me not only to be a great musician/vocalist but a great person in all areas of wellbeing. Morehouse truly is the headquarters of black male excellence. At this school, I majored in Music with an emphasis in vocal performance. I was taught voice by Dr. Mel Foster. His vocal pedagogy gave my voice new legs and new possibilities. He planted seeds of wisdom and skill that now have yielded harvest. Some seeds of wisdom and expertise are still blooming within me.

Also at Morehouse, I auditioned and was selected to be in the Morehouse College Glee Club under the direction of Dr. David Morrow. These years taught me so much. I often reflect on the spoken words of Dr. Morrow and other staff of my illustrious alma mater. Some of these individuals during these years that gave me wisdom and opportunity were Dr. Etheridge, Dr. Uzee Brown, Dr. Abbington, Dr. Tanner, Mr. Chubb, Mr. Gaines, Mr. Timothy Miller, Mrs. Jackie Hollis, Rev. Stephens, Dr. Kevin Johnson, Dr. Carlos Simon, Alonzo Taylor and others.

I also would like to thank my beloved brothers of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of America Inc.

I have so many others to thank. All those who I have collaborated with through the years, I thank you. To all those who have kept me in times of need, I thank you. To all those who have given me any opportunity to spread my gift of song, I thank you. I also would like to thank the faithful few that keep me together: Auby “Trey” Legall III, Joy Kendrick, and De’Andre Donaldson.

Website: linktr.ee/thejjkoffiical

Instagram: @thejjkofficial

Twitter: @thejjkofficial

Facebook: @jjk2006

Youtube: www.youtube.com/jeremyjking

Image Credits
Kenneth Stodghill