Samara Joy grew up in the Bronx, surrounded by music: her father, a bass player, favored gospel, while her mother loved all things R&B. Samara found everlasting Joy in Sarah Vaughan’s “Lover Man,” and nourished that love by pursuing a Jazz Studies major at SUNY Purchase.
She was a junior when she won the 2019 Sarah Vaughan International Vocal Competition — prevailing with her honest, original approach to singing and swinging our music. Her relaxed, assured performance connected with every seat at NJPAC.
Her self-titled debut album took Samara and the spectacular guitarist Pasquale Grasso, her close collaborator, further into the spotlight. In the months ahead, it will also bring them to Italy, France, and Switzerland — along with parts closer to home, like Detroit, Chicago, and The Apollo Theater in Harlem.
At Yamaha Studio NYC, Samara and Pasquale shared conversation and musical stories with a simple but sophisticated style, guaranteed to draw you into their world.
For more information about Samara Joy, visit her website.
