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After winning vocalist of the year at the 2020 Jazz FM awards, Judi Jackson has continued to put her world-class talent in the spotlight. Last year saw her sell out a prestigious show at London’s Jazz Café, while her growing reputation was augmented as BBC Radio 2 playlisted her track ‘River’. Jackson grew up in Roanoke, Virginia, playing piano and singing in the church choir.
Her career started to take shape in her teens. At 16 she opened for Mavis Staples, and two years later she teamed with jazz fusionists Snarky Puppy. When she moved to London, she channelled influences such as Joni Mitchell, Sade and Erykah Badu into her acclaimed EP Blame It On My Youth. Last year she released her full-length debut album Grace. Jackson’s American Songbook live show includes her own interpretations of songs from jazz greats such as Nina Simone, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald along with her original soul-infused music to create an unforgettable performance. ‘My main objective is to spread love to any and all willing to receive it,’ Jackson says.