Jessy J

Jessica Arellano, known professionally as Jessy J, was born on December 20, 1982, in Portland, Oregon, and grew up in Hemet, California. Her musical journey began at age four with piano lessons. By 15, she won the Piano State Championship at the Béla Bartók Festival and played saxophone in prestigious ensembles like the Grammy Band, performing at international events such as the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. She earned a scholarship to the University of Southern California (USC), where she pursued a degree in jazz studies and was recognized as the “Most Outstanding Jazz Student.” While at USC, Jessy J was selected for Disney’s All-American College Band for two consecutive years, gaining experience in leadership and teamwork. In 2010, she was inducted into Disney’s Magic Music Days Hall of Fame.

Following her graduation, Jessy J became a session musician and touring artist. She worked in the studio with Michael Bublé and toured with artists including The Temptations, Jessica Simpson, Michael Bolton, and Seal. She has also performed or recorded with Taylor Swift, Chance the Rapper, Robin Thicke, Andra Day, Maxwell, Joe Sample, Harvey Mason, and Ray Parker, Jr. Jessy J performed on the Henry Mancini Jazz Orchestra’s twice Grammy-nominated album, “Elevation.” Her television appearances include performances on “American Idol,” “The Voice,” and “Dancing With the Stars.” Prior to her solo career, she performed as a saxophonist, singer, actress, and dancer in Mason Entertainment Group’s Off-Broadway shows, touring across the US, the United Kingdom, and Japan.

Jessy J’s recording career began after producer Paul Brown discovered her. Her debut album, “Tequila Moon” (2008), featured the title track which reached number one on the Billboard Jazz chart. Her song “Tropical Rain” (2009) also achieved top positions on the Groove Jazz Music and Billboard Jazz charts. In 2008, she was named “Debut Artist of the Year” by Radio & Records and received the “Contemporary Jazz Song of the Year” award for “Tequila Moon.” Her 2011 album, “Hot Sauce,” debuted at number one on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart and featured collaborations with jazz legends.