Experience an unforgettable night of soul, blues, and R&B as legendary voices and rising stars take the stage at I’ll Play the Blues: Southern Soul Festival. Headlined by Willie Clayton—one of the last great soul men whose career spans more than four decades—the evening also features powerhouse performances by Southern Soul diva Kandy Janai, trailblazing hitmaker Magic One, soulful crooner J-Wonn, and the “Kang of Trailride Blues,” Jeter Jones. Together, these dynamic performers bring grit, passion, and timeless music that bridges generations, offering an electrifying celebration of rhythm, love, and soul you won’t want to miss.Willie Clayton
Willie Clayton is a singer-songwriter and producer. Like many other black singer/songwriters, he began performing gospel music in church settings as a youngster and then moved into the secular field as a lyricist, producer, and singer. An active recording artist since the 1970s, Clayton’s career has endured almost 40 years and has spanned a repertoire in the styles of R&B, soul, and gospel. Birthed into an era of soul and R&B legends, a time when music was pure, lyrics had meaning, and artists had pronounceable names, Willie Clayton is now one of the few working artists of his contemporaries. Since the 1970’s he’s been crooning with the likes of Ron Isley, Bobby Womack, Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye, yet now he stands nearly alone, facing a new generation.
Born in the Deep South (Indianola, Mississippi) during the days of segregation, Clayton, unable to find proper management or the success he sought moved to Chicago in 1971. Like many other African American artists in the 1970’s, the young singer ended up contracted to Hi Records in Memphis, where he worked with producer Willie Mitchell and the vaunted Hi rhythm section. Hi issued a series of fine Clayton efforts on its Pawn subsidiary, including “I Must Be Losin’ You,” “It’s Time You Made Up Your Mind,” and “Baby You’re Ready,” but none of them hit. Finally, in 1984, Clayton enjoyed a taste of soul success when his “Tell Me” (produced by General Crook) and “What a Way to Put It”, scored on to the R&B charts. Let’s Get Together, Clayton’s 1993 album for Johnny Vincent’s Ace record label, was a smooth soul-blues hybrid dominated by originals but titled after Al Green’s immortal hit.
Simply back on the scene after the mainstream success of Clayton’s “Boom Boom Boom and “A Woman Knows”, which landed on Billboard album and airplay charts. Clayton is prepared to teach a new generation the right way to love. Self classified as an all-encompassing singer, he refuses to be pigeonholed in one genre of music. “There aren’t many real gritty R&B singers. Bobby Womack, Charlie Wilson and I are the last of that generation.
I keep up with the music because I keep changing with the times. Where Levert left off, I am picking it up, and like him my music is relatable across the generations.”
In 2009 Clayton made what is known as one of the all time fan favorites with the project entitled Love, Romance and Respect which featured two back to back Top 25 Urban Adult Contemporary Airplay Billboard Singles Charts with “Dance The Nite Away” and “We Both Grown” featuring Dave Hollister.Love, Romance and Respect is truly a classic R&B album the world over. Working with young musicians and producers, (none over the age of 30) has allowed Clayton to speak the language of love to modern rhythm and blues. Grateful for the young energy, the expertise and perspective, he feels this album is full of timeless music. “It’s not a one single album, it’s grown and sexy. It’s about bringing romance, love, respect and sensuality back in the house.”
In 2011 the multi-talented singer, songwriter, producer released two separate projects in one physical year. “That’s work”, said Clayton. The projects included The Voice which featured the hit single “Tonight” and The Tribute: One Man, One Voice, which featured the hit single “Be With Me”. Both singles were Top 25 records on the Urban Adult Contemporary airplay chart. Clayton continues to not just release music but quality projects that satisfy his fans and keep him entertaining fans all over the world. With multiple releases throughout his career, even in 2012 Clayton is confident in his newest offering to the world, even reaching generation next, by building an Internet presence and bridging the generational gap. “Mood music has no age limits, this album reminds you how good it is to be in love, or shows you how sweet it can be!”
Considered by critics and fans alike to be one of the last great “Soul” men, Clayton continues to record and perform and has maintained a devoted following throughout the world. With his new album “UNTAMABLE” featuring “Girl I Want Your Body”, Mr. Clayton has once again laid claim to that famed title. For those who have yet to partake of the Willie Clayton experience, please do so hurriedly, because this awesome wonder is just getting started.
Kandy Janai
The southern soul award winning diva, Hailing out of Quincy Florida, by way of Jackson Mississippi , known by Kandy Janai the southern soul diva. Ms das my kitty.. Ms roll it and pat it.. new to the Southern soul scene but coming in hard.. she is bad to the bone, bringing soul mixed with style and sex appeal. She has won several awards Amg southern soul award next best female entertainner of the year, and radio records awards female southern soul artist of the year. She was the first southern soul artist be booked by Hollywood celeb and travel to Hollywood for performance of Song hit single das my kitty. She also was her music featured in movies and will continue to do her thing in the southern soul genre. Kandy Janai who was born Kandace Gordon in Tallahassee Florida on April 8,1987 to her mother Kayotris Bethea Thomas and her late father (Robert). Kandy Janai was raised by her parents Kayotris and Sedric Thomas. She attended Gadsden county Florida public schools where she always was at the top percent academics while in school and varsity cheerleading captain. She graduated and joined the United States Navy as a military police and later became a civilian deputy sheriff & agent after her military duties and . Kandy Janai is now pursuing her music, fashion business and accepting clients for styling. As a child Kandy Janai was very involved in sports, theater, but she was also involved at her church in the youth choir. Kandy Janai is a Christian and as a child she attended Beulah hill missionary Baptist church in Gretna Florida, Where she then picked up her musical skills. Kandy Janai is a mother of two.. Journi 13 Kaylep 9. Kandy Janai motto is that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me and most of all Faith over fear; which she wears on her necklace she personally designed to remind her the God is with her always.. She is the currently working on her On new EP dropping 2025 Stay tuned for more hits, videos, shows, and more from her. She definitely making her mark as the southern soul diva.
Magic One
Magic One is a trailblazing, Southern Soul artist, writer, & producer, introduced to Southern Soul as the protege of T.K.Soul.
Hailing from the small town of Ruston, Louisiana, Magic One, Duane Harris, has been in the music industry for 25 plus years, working in Hip-Hop, Gospel, & R&B.
His claim to fame came with his hits: “It’s The Weekend”, “High Heels & Jeans”, and “Tha Baddest” from his 1st album, “Magic Show”!! Magic One’s sophomore album, “Magic Show II”, has topped charts with more fire hits : “Nose Wide Open”, “Mind Made Up”, & “Turn It Up”, just a few! This album has that MAGIC touch with something for everyone: young & old!! The Magic Show time continues with the release of “Magic Show III”; his third and most recent collection of music! The third time is a charmer with his new women’s anthem “Super Fine”, “Hen Pecked”, and a beautiful collaboration: “Sumn Gotta Shake”, with Southern Soul songstress, Lacee! This album continues with Magic One’s unique sound, strong vocals, & creative writings!
He’s also known for adding heat to some hot collaborations with various artists, such as: “Still Learning How To Love;” with Wendell B; and “High Heels & Jeans Remix” with Wendell B, again, Avail Hollywood, Vick Allen, & LJ Echols; just to name a few.
He has not only written some of his own music but for other Southern Soul artists, sharing his magic wonder. Magic One aspires to make good music that inspires , encourages, and most importantly makes you move and groove!
J Wonn
With his infectious smile, soulful melodies, smooth vocals, and heartfelt lyrics, J- Wonn has quickly become one of the most exciting voices in Southern Soul. In a recent interview with The Fleet Mag reporter, Dr. Marsha, the Mississippi native opened up about his musical journey, his creative inspirations, and his unwavering faith that has guided his path.
J-Wonn started out in a high school band, honing his talents in a more blues-infused style. He released the single “I Got This Record” in 2013 which helped boost his recognition and popularity. According to research prior to our sit down, he is also known for hosting the J-Wonn’s Blues Cruise which featured performances by Sweet Angel and Kirby Smooth. This guy is an entrepreneur to the core. Please check out his ‘merch” on his website. He built himself a state of the art home studio and he has his own label that he records under.
He credits his mom and grandma with introducing him to the Southern Soul genre he’s become known for. He said, “I used to wake up on Sunday mornings listening to Mom’s Apple Pie”. Learning from them and his musical heroes, he realized that the road to success isn’t about going viral, but about the strength of consistent hard work. He has put in the work. He started in the music industry while in high school and has been going strong ever since. His advice to aspiring artists, “find your audience, “and “once you find your audience, just feed them.” That’s how you build your tribe
Whether he is writing or producing, J-Wonn often brings a fully-formed idea to the table. He finds real joy in collaborating and has worked with artists like Lenny Williams and Nellie Tiger Travis. His key piece of advice is to approach any collaboration with something valuable to offer, not simply an ask.
Having an in-home studio has been a game-changer for J-Wonn, allowing him to create at his leisure. He stresses the importance for independent artists to copyright their work before sharing it with the world and he provides a list of key resources to any Indie artist at the beginning of their journeys:
A music publishing account
A copyright registration
A Google Adsense account
Full control of your YouTube channel
Looking ahead, J-Wonn has a new single dropping– so mark your calendars! His dream collaborations include the legendary Bobby Rush, as well as icons Fantasia and Jazmine Sullivan. It’s clear that this hardworking artist has a bright future in music and I believe he is going to make it happen.
-Wonn embodies the idea that success should be used to support and uplift others. He has his own fragrance line and also runs ‘The Man Behind the Pen‘ website, through which he provides songwriting resources. Additionally, he heads the ‘Skull and Gloves Foundation’, a heartwarming initiative that supplies elementary school children with winter necessities.
J -Wonn embodies the idea that success should be used to support and uplift others. He has his own fragrance line and also runs ‘The Man Behind the Pen‘ website, through which he provides songwriting resources. Additionally, he heads the ‘Skull and Gloves Foundation’, a heartwarming initiative that supplies elementary school children with winter necessities.
Jeter Jones
Jeter Jones is a decorated military veteran and an acclaimed Southern soul blues artist known as “The Kang of Trailride Blues,” celebrated for his unique blend of blues, R&B, and hip-hop.
Jeter Jones, born Gary C. Jones, hails from Mansfield, Louisiana. He grew up in a musical family, influenced by gospel music, which laid the foundation for his future career. After the September 11 attacks, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and later served in the U.S. Army, completing a total of 20 years of military service. He was deployed in combat zones, including Iraq and Afghanistan, earning several decorations for his service before retiring at the rank of Sergeant First Class.
In 2013, while still in the military, Jeter began pursuing his passion for music, recording original blues and trailride music. His debut albums, including “Da GQ Country Boy” (2015) and “Trailride Certified” (2016), marked significant milestones in his career. He has since released several albums, such as “Dhis Him” (2018) and “Mufassa” (2020), showcasing his evolution as an artist.
Jeter Jones has made a significant impact on the Southern soul music scene, earning the title of “Hometown Hero” in his community. He is actively involved in local projects, including supporting school bands and participating in church activities as the Youth Director at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Naborton, Louisiana. His album “2 Kings” reached number 11 on the Billboard Blues Albums Chart, further solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the genre.
Despite his success, Jeter remains deeply connected to his roots and community. He continues to inspire others through his music and service, embodying the spirit of resilience and artistry that defines his journey from military service to musical acclaim.
Jeter Jones’s story is one of dedication, talent, and a commitment to uplifting his community through the power of music. His contributions to the Southern soul genre and his military service make him a remarkable figure in both fields.
Event Venue
410 S Main St, Elkhart, IN, United States, Indiana 46516
Tickets
