JESSE YAWN

BIG JESSE YAWN

Blues Singer Extraordinaire, Jesse H. Yawn has been a fixture in the Baltimore / Washington area blues scene for 24 years. A personable Gentle Giant of a man, Jesse has enjoyed a huge loyal following wherever he appears. Born in Florida, September 4, 1937, he cut his teeth on Gospel music and was recruited by National touring acts such as The Violinaires and The Trumpets of Joy. Jesse moved to Rochester, NY in the early 50s to join the Traveling Six Spiritual group and later formed his own group, The Flower City Gospelaires. Turning to the blues gig, Jesse worked with giants Jack McDuff, George Benson, Grant Green, and Albert King at such clubs as The Pithod Club, Lee's Hotel, Club Mr. Wonderful & VIP Lounge. Drafted in 1962, he served the military in Oklahoma and earned the spot with the 77th Army Band as lead vocalist entertaining at military and civilian functions. He later recorded demos for Golden World Studios in Detroit and Chess Records in Chicago. In the 1960's he performed as lead singer for Bill Doggett, Bill Black Combo and the Ohio Players. Moving to Baltimore in 1971, Jesse brought with him a successful construction business and blues took a back seat until he was re-discovered by Bobby Parker and Larry Benicewicz of the Baltimore Blues Society at club 8X10. He was zapped back into the main stream music scene full time in 1989. Jesse went on to help form the Soul Provider's Group and won the D.C. Blues Society's Best Artist Competition. Jesse was sent to represent the Mid Atlantic Region in Memphis, Tennessee at the National Finals of the Blues Foundation. Jesse Yawn has already established his name on the local music scene and his popularity as sent him to various venues throughout the United States, including shows for President Clinton's Inaugural Events. His distinction for the blues has brought about engagements in Italy and Germany.