Biography
Saxophonist Jackiem Joyner also works as a composer and arranger, shaping a contemporary jazz sound rooted in his gospel-church background and his longstanding affinity for modern R&B. After establishing himself as a sideman during the early 2000s, he cultivated a dedicated audience and chart presence through his own polished releases, among them the 2007 album Babysoul, the 2012 project Church Boy, and 2017’s Main Street Beat.
Joyner entered the world in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1980. His bassist father provided his earliest musical exposure, and he later supported the gospel choir at his church by playing drums. During his teenage years the family settled in Syracuse, New York, where he took up the saxophone and performed with a local band. While still in high school he entered the NAACP’s Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO), claiming first place three consecutive years in Instrumental Contemporary, Composition, and Classical Music. Upon graduation he returned to Virginia and became music director at World Harvest Outreach Ministries in Newport News under Bishop Michael Patterson. That role accelerated his development, and at age 21 he joined keyboardist Marcus Johnson’s ensemble, touring with the group from 2001 through 2004.
Joyner relocated to Los Angeles in 2003 to concentrate on his own career; two years afterward he issued his first solo recording, the independently produced This Time Around. The project raised his visibility, prompting a 2007 signing with trumpeter Rick Braun’s ARTizen Music Group and the subsequent release of his second album, Babysoul. Following a 2009 label acquisition, he transferred to Mack Avenue Records, where he delivered the 2010 self-titled Jackiem Joyner and the 2012 set Church Boy, which included contributions from Kirk Whalum and Jonathan Butler.
Two years later he unveiled Evolve, his fifth studio album and third for Mack Avenue—an exploratory blend of smooth jazz and gospel on which he wrote, arranged, and produced every track, with guest appearances by Gerald Albright and Keiko Matsui. In 2017 he marked a decade of recording activity with Main Street Beat, featuring covers of Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling” and Bruno Mars’ “Treasure.” The romantic Touch followed in 2019 and showcased collaborations with Najee and Peter White.
Joyner entered the world in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1980. His bassist father provided his earliest musical exposure, and he later supported the gospel choir at his church by playing drums. During his teenage years the family settled in Syracuse, New York, where he took up the saxophone and performed with a local band. While still in high school he entered the NAACP’s Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO), claiming first place three consecutive years in Instrumental Contemporary, Composition, and Classical Music. Upon graduation he returned to Virginia and became music director at World Harvest Outreach Ministries in Newport News under Bishop Michael Patterson. That role accelerated his development, and at age 21 he joined keyboardist Marcus Johnson’s ensemble, touring with the group from 2001 through 2004.
Joyner relocated to Los Angeles in 2003 to concentrate on his own career; two years afterward he issued his first solo recording, the independently produced This Time Around. The project raised his visibility, prompting a 2007 signing with trumpeter Rick Braun’s ARTizen Music Group and the subsequent release of his second album, Babysoul. Following a 2009 label acquisition, he transferred to Mack Avenue Records, where he delivered the 2010 self-titled Jackiem Joyner and the 2012 set Church Boy, which included contributions from Kirk Whalum and Jonathan Butler.
Two years later he unveiled Evolve, his fifth studio album and third for Mack Avenue—an exploratory blend of smooth jazz and gospel on which he wrote, arranged, and produced every track, with guest appearances by Gerald Albright and Keiko Matsui. In 2017 he marked a decade of recording activity with Main Street Beat, featuring covers of Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling” and Bruno Mars’ “Treasure.” The romantic Touch followed in 2019 and showcased collaborations with Najee and Peter White.