Johnaye Kendrick

Johnaye Kendrick is a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, and educator. She received a Bachelor of Music from Western Michigan University, a Master of Music from Loyola University and an Artist Diploma from the prestigious Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz. After graduating from the Institute, Johnaye was immediately hired by trumpeter Nicholas Payton, who raves “Johnaye has the potential to be a vocalist of the highest order; the likes of which we have seen seldom since the grande dames of the golden era of jazz roamed about the earth. She’s got IT!” Johnaye was also featured with the Ellis Marsalis Quartet and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra.

In 2014, she founded her johnygirl record label in efforts to release honest music representative of her world. On this label she has recorded, produced, and released two albums: HERE, a collection of heartfelt originals and FLYING a collection of original works and thoughtful arrangements of Jazz Standards and contemporary works. A dedicated mentor and educator, Johnaye serves as Professor of Music at the Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, Washington.