*Jesse “JTJazz” Thompson’s musical odyssey is as captivating as his compositions. Born in Dayton, Ohio—affectionately known as “The Land Of Funk“—Jesse’s early life was steeped in a rich musical heritage. His father was a professional drummer, and his mother was a church organist/pianist. This familial orchestra was further amplified by his brother, Marvyn Wheatley, who recorded and played with iconic bands Parliament and Slave. Add to this the profound influence of Ohio’s soul/funk legends such as The Ohio Players, Lakeside, and Zapp featuring Roger Troutman, and it’s no wonder that Thompson was driven to create his unique musical legacy.

Determined to honor his roots, Jesse joined the renowned Columbus-based R&B/Jazz group NexLevel. His tenure saw the ensemble release two albums and multiple singles, cementing their reputation as a formidable force in the music scene. The group’s shared stages with numerous noteworthy artists also helped shape Thompson’s versatility and stage presence.

The year 2021 proved to be a turning point. Amidst the global pandemic, Thompson channeled his introspective creativity into the uplifting track “Weekend Groove,” featuring Althea Rene. The track’s infectious melody and feel-good vibes resonated widely, amassing close to 200K streams on Spotify and establishing Thompson as a solo artist.

Building on this momentum, Thompson released a 7-song EP in 2022 titled “The Inauguration of JTJazz.” Each track was a testament to his evolution, spawning several successful singles and igniting anticipation for his future projects.

Fast forward to 2024, a leap year symbolizing inspiration, Thompson continues to elevate his artistry. Collaborating with renowned Producer/Guitarist Adam Hawley and celebrated Saxophonist Judah Sealy, he released the evocative mid-tempo track “Late Nite” on April 1, 2024. This musical synergy has positioned Thompson on the brink of greater heights.