Hailing from New York City and now a longtime resident of Philadelphia, Jeff Washington is a dynamic force in the world of blues and beyond. With a career forged through years of dedication, he's a true triple threat: an exceptional guitarist, a compelling vocalist, and a prolific songwriter.
Jeff's masterful guitar work effortlessly navigates a diverse musical landscape, showcasing his prowess in Funk, Blues, Jazz, Rock, and R&B. His talents extend to keyboards and songwriting, creating a truly dynamic package that's evident in every performance.
He honed his formidable guitar technique and theory under the tutelage of legendary guru Dennis Sandole, whose esteemed alumni also include Pat Martino and Mike Sembello.
His extensive resume speaks volumes, boasting concert and tour appearances with an impressive roster of iconic artists such as Melba Moore, Albert King, Chaka Khan, Freddie Jackson, Mary Wells, and Dee Dee Bridgewater, among many others.
Jeff has also graced national television screens, with appearances on shows like All My Children, One Life to Live, Showtime at the Apollo, The Pat Sajak Show, David Letterman, and The Arsenio Hall Show. His musical contributions further extend to the silver screen, with songs featured in the independent film The Life and Times of Charlie Putz.
Most recently, Jeff Washington continues to captivate audiences with his latest single, "Two Dollar Bill," further solidifying his place as a vital contemporary blues artist.
Basic Band Info
Band Name:
Jeff Washington
Album Name:
Two Dollar Bill
Year Released:
Email Address:
info@dehtyme.com
Website:
Music Style:
Blues
Influences:
B.B. King
We Sound Like:
Performing Rights Society:
BMI (USA)
Label Affiliation:
Independent Label
Geographic
Hometown:
Philadelphia
Country:
Touring your Region?:
Yes
Band Description
Good old fashion Blues. Give it a listen. If you are a fan of the Blues you will not be disappointed.
MARVIA JEAN – “THE MODERN MAHALIA” RETURNS WITH A SOUL CRY FOR AMERICA
August 27, 2025 – Crawford, Mississippi / Chicago, Illinois — The sacred sound of gospel has found its modern echo in Marvia Jean, the powerhouse vocalist affectionately known as “The Modern Mahalia.” After years away from the spotlight, this Mississippi-born, Chicago-raised legend returns with her most urgent and spirit-filled release yet — “America, I Can’t Breathe.”
Written by her niece Sandra Anderson (O’Neal) and produced by 2x Grammy Award-winner Jonathan “Jon-John” Robinson (Babyface, Diana Ross, TLC), the single is a thunderous outcry wrapped in reverence — a modern-day spiritual that bridges the sorrow of protest with the hope of deliverance.
“Because the world needs a sound that can still heal,” Marvia shares. “I was called for this moment. This song is the sound of the season.”
With a voice that trembles the soul and testifies to the heavens, Marvia Jean’s music is a bridge between generations — carrying the fire of Mahalia Jackson, the conviction of the Civil Rights Movement, and the heart of a woman who has walked through both pain and praise. Her performance of “America, I Can’t Breathe” is more than music; it’s ministry, message, and movement combined — a divine lament and a declaration of hope in a wounded world.
Born in the red clay of Crawford, Mississippi, raised on 300 acres of family land, and seasoned by the gospel traditions of Chicago’s South Side, Marvia Jean Brooks has lived her message. A prodigy who first sang at age five in Shotbag Elementary, she grew into a nationally celebrated church soloist and civic honoree, recognized for both her Mahalia-like tone and her lifelong service to community and faith.
Having turned down multiple record deals over the years, Marvia Jean is not chasing fame — she’s answering purpose. Her return marks not a comeback, but a calling fulfilled.
“When she sings,” says producer Jon-John Robinson, “it’s not performance — it’s prophecy. You feel history, healing, and heaven all at once.”
Offstage, Marvia’s warmth and humor are as magnetic as her music — a family matriarch, passionate bowler, and steadfast believer in giving life through love. Her personal mantra, “If you want to live, give life,” defines both her art and her impact.
“America, I Can’t Breathe” is now available on all major streaming platforms.
About Marvia Jean
Marvia Jean Brooks, known professionally as Marvia Jean, is a gospel vocalist, songwriter, and community leader whose voice has been hailed as one of the most authentic heirs to Mahalia Jackson’s legacy. Blending traditional gospel, soul, and social consciousness, she embodies the heart of spiritual music in the modern era.
Media Contact
Arkadia Music Group
press@arkadiamusicgroup.com
(682) 205-2622
Marvia Jean – The Modern Mahalia Returns
Marvia Jean Brooks, professionally known as Marvia Jean, is a once-in-a-generation gospel powerhouse whose voice echoes through time like a sacred ancestral drumbeat. Born in the rich red soil of Crawford, Mississippi, raised on 300 acres of Southern tradition, and sharpened in the cultural fire of Chicago’s South Side, her life is a testimony in motion — sung in full voice, wrapped in reverence, and delivered with divine purpose.
From the moment she opened her mouth as a five-year-old in Shotbag Elementary, there was no denying it: this little girl carried something holy. Her grandfather heard it first, when she would hum hymns to herself in the still of the night. What followed was not just a music career — but a lifelong calling.
Coined affectionately as the Modern Mahalia Jackson, Marvia Jean isn’t just keeping tradition alive — she’s breathing fire into it. With a thunderous vibrato, soul-deep storytelling, and a voice that can both soothe and shake a room, she has become one of the most revered unsung legends in gospel music. Her style is raw, regal, and righteously rooted in the spirituals and protest anthems that shaped America’s soul.
After turning down multiple label deals in the past, and earning honors from churches and civic organizations for her Mahalia-like sound and service, Marvia Jean is stepping back into the spotlight with fire in her bones. Her forthcoming release, “America, I Can’t Breathe,” isn’t just a song — it’s a soul cry for justice, a spiritual battle hymn for the modern age. Written by her niece, Sandra Anderson (O’Neal), and produced by 2x Grammy Award-winner Jonathan “Jon-John” Robinson (Babyface, Diana Ross, TLC), this record is positioned to become an anthem for a nation on its knees.
Why now? “Because the world needs a sound that can still heal,” she says. “I was called for this moment. This song is the sound of the season.”
Her music is a cross-generational bridge — rooted in the Black church, infused with Civil Rights conviction, and rising up with the soulful edge of R&B and old-school gospel fire. Whether singing “Trouble of the World” or igniting a crowd with brand new messages, she commands the stage like a prophet in pearls.
Offstage, Marvia is unexpectedly fun — a passionate bowler, a nurturer of family, and a woman whose joy is as contagious as her music is powerful. Her personal mantra, drawn from the golden rule, says it all: “If you want to live, give life.”
To the dreamers, the faithful, the weary, and the rising generation — Marvia Jean is proof that it’s never too late to lift your voice and shift the atmosphere.
This is not a comeback. This is a calling fulfilled.
Basic Band Info
Band Name:
Marvia Jean
Album Name:
America, I Can't Breathe
Year Released:
2023
Email Address:
admin@arkadiamusicgroup.com
Website:
Music Style:
Soul/R&B
Influences:
Marvin Gaye
We Sound Like:
Performing Rights Society:
SESAC (USA)
Label Affiliation:
Independent Label
Geographic
Hometown:
Chicago
Country:
United States
Touring your Region?:
No
Band Description
Marvia Jean Brooks, professionally known as Marvia Jean, is a once-in-a-generation gospel powerhouse whose voice echoes through time like a sacred ancestral drumbeat. Born in the rich red soil of Crawford, Mississippi, raised on 300 acres of Southern
Thank you to those of you that uploaded your music already.
I wanted to extend this radio playlist to you. I own HardcoreJamz and HardcoreMix Radio, we have a dedicated audience that appreciates diverse and cutting-edge sounds, and we have been around since 2006. I want to invite you to submit your music to us. I have two stations.
Here's why you should consider sending your music to us:
Exposure: Being featured on HardcoreJamz or HardcoreMix Radio would expose your music to a wide audience of music enthusiasts, potentially leading to increased visibility and new fans.
Networking Opportunities: Our stations are frequented by industry professionals, DJs, and fellow musicians. Being part of our rotation could open doors to exciting collaboration and networking opportunities.
Promotion: We actively promote the artists we feature on our stations through our social media channels and website, giving your music additional exposure.
Supportive Community: HardcoreJamz and HardcoreMix Radio have built a supportive community of listeners who appreciate and celebrate underground and independent artists. Your music would be welcomed with open arms.
It is easy to submit your music, it takes like 5 minutes. Just click the "submit music" link on either site.
We do not engage in any scammy stuff and trust is important to us and any artist or band we associate with.
So, please check out our sites and get on our playlists.
We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Deshawn Visionz a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Deshawn , thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
A meaningful project to me would be both of my full length projects to be honest. The first one is titled “Soulstice” and that is meaningful because it was the intro to me making my transition from California to Atlanta in 2021. I felt like the world was against me at the time with one bad thing happening after another.
On top of that I moved out here alone & didn’t have many friends. This project was me deciding to not let it get to me & put it all into my art. The second project “Home, What’s Home?” was me identifying that I was far from home and I was way past the point of return. By now I had a lot of doors opened for me musically & I didn’t come out to Atlanta to waste time so I had to stay focused.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers
My name is Deshawn Visionz & I am a hip hop artist/Rapper from Sacramento, California. I got into the industry from trying to motivate a friend to face his fears & put his music out. On the other half of that I was inspired by an artist named Saba when I went to one of his shows. For a solid second, it felt like him & I switched positions & he was in the crowd while I was rapping to him.
After that I knew I was destined to create music. I would say my super power is my vulnerability. I’’m not afraid to get hella vulnerable & talk about whatever I am going through or went through in my life. It’s therapy for real.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn is that people can “put you on” if they have a level of success. I have a lot of friends that are doing pretty good in the industry & there’s not too much they can do for me besides give light to what I can do. At the end of the day it’s your own talent & hard work that gets you where you want to be.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
One of my main goals honestly is to show people I grew up with that no matter who you are if you want something in life it’s possible. It may take a month, a year, or 10 but if you have the passion for it and drive to keep elevating you’ll succeed. I wholeheartedly believe that.
