Jazz vocalist Samara Joy, now 25, has soared to success after releasing three albums and winning three Grammy Awards, selling out concerts across the U.S. and Europe. Her extraordinary musical talent has garnered her comparisons to jazz royalty, establishing her as one of the leading voices of her generation.
Joy's musical aspirations began to flourish during her college years at Purchase College, where she initially revealed her passion for jazz. She recalls, "I never wanted to regret it. I felt like I could always, even if I was in school for music, I could always get another job; I just wanted to prioritize it first." Despite only knowing one jazz song during her college audition, her dedication and talent quickly became apparent.
Raised in the Bronx, Joy grew up surrounded by music as part of the McLendon legacy, where gospel was the foundation of her family's expression. "Music is part of my family," she explained. "It's an integral part of how we express ourselves and share, you know, love for each other." Her father, Tony McLendon, has deep gospel roots, touring with gospel icon Andrae Crouch, and her grandfather, Elder Goldwire, is known for his performances with the acclaimed Savettes. This environment cultivated her passion for music from an early age.
Joy's gospel upbringing imparted her voice with emotional depth, something recognized by jazz bassist Christian McBride, who first heard her perform at a competition in 2019. "She had such a mature sound and a way of having you believe what she was singing," he remarked. "And we're like, 'Huh? Whose grandma is in this little body?"
Although Joy grew up immersed in R&B and gospel, she deliberately chose to pursue jazz, feeling at home with the genre. "If anything I kind of felt at home with jazz," she said. "I felt like I could still be myself... I could still absorb it and then apply it in my own way." She recorded her first songs with her professors' help and posted them online, which led to her securing a record deal after graduating.
Her debut album dropped just months after her graduation in 2021 and was met with acclaim. By 2022, Joy received her first Grammy nominations and, to her delight, won both, including the highly coveted Best New Artist award. "When I first got to Purchase, Ella and Sarah were the first people I listened to," Joy commented, referring to the influence of jazz legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan on her work.
Joy's most recent undertaking, her third album titled "Portrait," showcases her growth as an artist. The album reflects her ambition, as she dives deep not only by covering jazz classics but also by writing her own songs. Critics laud her interpretations, drawing parallels between her and the iconic singers who inspired her career. "Listening to her, and listening to all of these singers, allowed me to shape my idea of what my role could be as a vocalist," Joy articulated. "Not just learn the melody, sing the melody, and that's it. But you really have to think like a musician and open your ears...so you can contribute to it and interact with it."
Now, with her vibrant voice and innovative approach to jazz, Samara Joy is making waves on global stages, joining the ranks of history's jazz legends. It’s not just the accolades or sold-out concerts but her extraordinary ability to connect with audiences through the emotional depth of her music—a gift remarkable for any artist, let alone someone so early on their career path. From the Bronx to concert halls worldwide, Joy’s musical story epitomizes how passion, dedication, and rich heritage can culminate to create something truly remarkable.
