Today we’d like to introduce you to Gracie Jay.
Hi Gracie , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Music has always been a part of my life. Both of my parents were part-time musicians who regularly gigged around the Detroit area. They were incredible mentors and unwavering supporters of my musical journey—especially when I decided to leave home and attend Berklee College of Music. By then, I had already been writing my own songs and performing in a band—two passions I continued to pursue throughout my undergraduate years.
At Berklee, I met an extraordinary community of talented musicians, mentors, and industry leaders who helped shape my artistic and professional outlook. After completing my studies, I traveled extensively, exploring new musical opportunities that eventually led me to where I was meant to be—New Orleans.
During my travels, I met Jesse Ogle, founder of iAM Music and bandleader of J-Calvin, where I acted as the lead singer. iAM Music, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Durango, Colorado, promotes creativity and community through music. I’ve been fortunate to contribute as a visiting artist, teaching private lessons and instructing student bands. J-Calvin also gave me my first real taste of touring—we performed across the Four Corners region and earned a slot at the Telluride Jazz Festival in 2018. Jesse taught me invaluable lessons about the business side of being a musician. Much of my professional approach today stems from his mentorship and example.
I spent four unforgettable years living in New Orleans—a period that deeply shaped my identity and sound as a musician. I was constantly surrounded by excellence, from artists like Jamison Ross, Cyrille Aimée, and the Marsalis family, to visiting icons such as Herbie Hancock and Cécile McLorin Salvant. During this time, I also became involved with the Second Line Arts Collective, another 501(c)(3) nonprofit that hosts a two-week summer workshop for high school and college students, helping them hone their craft while learning how to navigate the music industry.
I once thought I would live in New Orleans forever. But when my husband accepted a job in Washington, D.C., we decided to take a leap of faith. At first, we were skeptical—what could possibly top New Orleans? Yet, over the past two and a half years, D.C. has truly surprised me. I’m gigging almost every night, booking shows for other musicians, and building a new creative community. I’ve performed at DC Jazz Fest and play at venues and events throughout the DMV area.
What I’m most grateful for, though, is the chance to serve both myself and my community. Working as a full-time musician can sometimes feel self-centered—constantly promoting yourself, asking for gigs, proving your worth. But helping other talented musicians find their own opportunities has brought me a deeper sense of purpose. Supporting this vibrant musical ecosystem feels like the natural next chapter in my journey.
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?
The artistic path is anything but smooth—and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve made countless mistakes, balanced by a generous handful of successes. Working in the music industry and being part of a creative community has taught me that growth only comes through trial and error. Mistakes and failures aren’t just inevitable; they’re essential. I’ve lost a small fortune on tours, hired the wrong musicians, made poor decisions as a bandleader, and faced judgment and lack of support simply for being a woman. That last part remains an ongoing challenge, but it’s also been one of my greatest teachers. Every setback, especially the tough ones, has thickened my skin and strengthened my confidence.
Today, I have a much clearer sense of what I want from my music and who I want to collaborate with. It’s no longer a guessing game—and that clarity makes working in this industry not only easier, but far more fulfilling.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Currently, I’m a vocalist, bandleader, songwriter, arranger, and booker. My performances range from jazz, R&B, and pop, and no two weeks ever look the same. On weekdays, you’ll usually find me singing jazz duos or trios at local venues—sometimes with a series or festival appearance sprinkled in. Weekends are for corporate gigs (the ones that actually pay the bills), usually wrapping up with a Sunday brunch performance.
People often say things like, “Wow, it must be nice to have your days free and just work a few hours at night!” Oh, how mistaken they are. My days are packed with booking, scheduling, taxes, logistics—and, of course, practicing. D.C. also offers plenty of daytime performance opportunities, so between all of that, I stay plenty busy.
In addition to performing, I also book other musicians for venues and events around the city. This side of my work allows me to stay connected to the local scene in a deeper way—helping talented players find new opportunities while curating live music experiences that fit each event’s unique vibe. It’s incredibly rewarding to advocate for fellow artists and help build a thriving community where everyone has a chance to shine.
I’m often recognized for the range of music I perform. My foundation is in jazz, but I also write and perform R&B and pop with a separate band. On top of that, I do a lot of solo work using a loop pedal, creating full arrangements using only my voice—no guitar, no piano, just layers of sound built from the most primitive human instrument. That versatility is what I believe sets me apart as a vocalist. I can move between musical worlds and still perform at my highest level.
My life is organized chaos—in the best way. One night I’m singing jazz standards to a half-engaged crowd in a cozy venue, the next I’m performing my original music for an audience hanging on every word, and two nights later I’m belting “RESPECT” at a wedding. I have a lot of respect for people who work 9-5 jobs because this is something I am not able to do. I need variety, and I’m proud to have built a life and career that gives me exactly that.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I’ve learned countless lessons throughout my career, but one of the most important is the value of asking questions and surrounding myself with people who know more than I do. Who you are professionally drawn to matters deeply—and for me, it’s always been kind, wise, and knowledgeable people. In every city I’ve lived, I’ve made it a priority to immerse myself in a community that’s open to sharing ideas and experiences.
We grow as musicians by listening to the music that came before us and by engaging with the artists around us today. Understanding both our musical roots and our contemporary landscape is essential. That’s why mentorship is so important—especially from those who’ve walked this path longer and have insight we can learn from.
When it comes to networking, there’s really only one way to do it in this industry—and it’s not through Instagram. It’s through genuine engagement with your community: showing up at jam sessions, supporting musicians you admire, collaborating on projects, and being present. The face-to-face connection is everything. The pandemic made this more clear than ever. During COVID, musicians were forced to rely on online interactions, and while it kept us connected in some ways, it could never replace the energy of creating and communicating in person. Music is, and always will be, a language best exchanged face to face.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.graciejaymusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/missgraciejay
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@graciejaymusic
