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Jesse Powell

Born 1970 · Age 55

American R&B and soul singer, known for the 1999 hit 'You', four-octave vocal range, released four studio albums, Grammy nominee.

Total Events
29
Career Span
52 years
Peak Net Worth
$1,250,000

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Life & Career Timeline

1970Age 0

Raised in musical family (siblings Trina, Tamara, Jacob)

Grew up performing with siblings and in church; family active in local talent shows (established childhood musical environment).

1/1/1970Source
Confidence
85%
1970Age 0

Born in Gary, Indiana

Jesse Powell was born in Gary, Indiana.

9/12/1970Source
Confidence
95%
1988Age 18

Beginning of professional activity (years active begins)

Listed years active begin in 1988 (start of professional/music activity).

1/1/1988Source
Confidence
80%
1993Age 23

Worked with producer Carl Roland; performed at artist showcase

Attracted producer Carl Roland's attention in Kansas City and performed at an artist showcase that led to industry interest.

1/1/1993Source
Confidence
90%
1993Age 23

Discovered and signed to Silas Records imprint (Louil Silas Jr.)

Louil Silas Jr. discovered Powell at the artist showcase and signed him to his Silas Records imprint.

1/1/1993Source
Confidence
95%
1996Age 25

Released single 'Gloria' (remake)

Follow-up single was a remake of the 1976 Enchantment song 'Gloria', charting on the R&B chart.

1/1/1996Net Worth: $27,000Source
Confidence
85%
1996Age 25

Released debut single 'All I Need'

First single 'All I Need' (written by Powell, Sam Salter and Laney Stewart) released in March 1996 and charted on Billboard R&B.

3/1/1996Net Worth: $20,000Source
Confidence
70%
1996Age 25

Released debut album 'Jesse Powell'

Self-titled debut album released March 12, 1996; opened at #35 on Billboard R&B and #32 on Billboard Heatseekers.

3/12/1996Net Worth: $25,000Source
Confidence
95%
1998Age 28

Released lead single 'I Wasn't with It'

Lead single for his second album debuted in 1998; it became his first song to chart on the Billboard Hot 100.

1/1/1998Net Worth: $50,000Source
Confidence
95%
1998Age 28

Released second album 'Bout It'

Second studio album 'Bout It released Sept 8, 1998; it topped the Heatseekers chart and later charted on R&B and Billboard 200.

9/8/1998Net Worth: $120,000Source
Confidence
95%
1999Age 29

'Bout It' certified Gold by the RIAA

The album 'Bout It' was certified Gold by the RIAA (500,000 units shipped/sold) following the success of 'You'.

1/1/1999Net Worth: $500,000Source
Confidence
90%
1999Age 29

Compilation appearance: 'A Soulful Holiday' (1999)

Powell appeared on the 1999 compilation 'A Soulful Holiday'.

1/1/1999Net Worth: $520,000Source
Confidence
80%
1999Age 28

Released single 'You' (big hit)

'You' was released (single from 'Bout It') and became his signature hit, peaking at #2 on Billboard R&B and #10 on the Billboard Hot 100.

2/1/1999Net Worth: $200,000Source
Confidence
98%
2000Age 30

Grammy nomination (reported)

Powell is described in multiple sources as a Grammy nominee; specific year/category not listed in provided text (placement here corresponds with peak career era).

1/1/2000Net Worth: $300,000Source
Confidence
35%
2000Age 30

Silas Records merge into MCA; released 'If I' on MCA

Following Silas Records' merge into MCA Records, Powell's first MCA release was the single 'If I' (2000), which charted on R&B.

1/1/2000Net Worth: $550,000Source
Confidence
90%
2001Age 30

Single 'Something in the Past' released

Second single from JP, 'Something in the Past', charted on the R&B chart (#67).

1/1/2001Net Worth: $610,000Source
Confidence
90%
2001Age 30

Recognition for four-octave vocal range noted

Reviews and biographies (e.g., AllMusic) credited Powell with a rare four-octave vocal range around the time of JP's release.

1/1/2001Net Worth: $620,000Source
Confidence
90%
2001Age 30

Released third album 'JP'

Third studio album 'JP' released March 27, 2001; opened at #18 on the R&B chart and #71 on the Billboard 200.

3/27/2001Net Worth: $600,000Source
Confidence
95%
2002Age 32

Left MCA Records; signed with Riviera Records

Powell departed MCA in 2002 and signed a new deal with Riviera Records.

1/1/2002Net Worth: $650,000Source
Confidence
95%
2003Age 33

Singles 'By the Way' and 'Touching It Tonight' charted

'By the Way' peaked at #99 R&B; 'Touching It Tonight' also released as a single (charted on R&B at lower positions).

1/1/2003Net Worth: $720,000Source
Confidence
85%
2003Age 33

Retired from regular recording activity

After the release of the 2003 album 'Jesse', Powell's main years active are listed as ending in 2003; he effectively stepped back from mainstream recording.

1/1/2003Net Worth: $750,000Source
Confidence
85%
2003Age 33

Released fourth album 'Jesse' on Riviera

Fourth studio album 'Jesse' released Oct 14, 2003 on Riviera/other labels; supported by singles 'By the Way' and 'Touching It Tonight'.

10/14/2003Net Worth: $700,000Source
Confidence
90%
2004Age 34

Worked behind the scenes in television production (post-recording career)

Reports indicate Powell continued to collaborate with artists and worked behind the scenes in television production after retiring from recording.

1/1/2004Net Worth: $800,000Source
Confidence
60%
2020Age 50

Streaming longevity: 'You' continued popularity

Over the years 'You' remained a popular track, accumulating millions of streams (reported later as nearly 13M on Spotify).

1/1/2020Net Worth: $950,000Source
Confidence
75%
2022Age 52

Public tributes and family statements

Sisters Trina and Tamara announced his death on social media and shared tributes; media coverage followed (People, Ebony, etc.).

1/1/2022Net Worth: $1,250,000Source
Confidence
95%
2022Age 51

Released 'Addison Walker' (Spotify single)

Released a short instrumental single titled 'Addison Walker' on Spotify (58 seconds long).

7/1/2022Net Worth: $1,000,000Source
Confidence
80%
2022Age 52

Birthday (turned 52)

Powell's birthday; noted in media coverage because his death came a day later.

9/12/2022Net Worth: $1,000,000Source
Confidence
98%
2022Age 52

Died in Los Angeles home

Jesse Powell died on September 13, 2022, at his Los Angeles home (initial family statements said passed peacefully).

9/13/2022Net Worth: $1,250,000Source
Confidence
98%
2022Age 52

LA Medical Examiner ruled cause of death: methamphetamine overdose

On Nov 14, 2022 the LA Medical Examiner determined Powell's cause of death was methamphetamine overdose.

11/14/2022Net Worth: $1,250,000Source
Confidence
95%