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.
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Life & Career Timeline
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).
Beginning of professional activity (years active begins)
Listed years active begin in 1988 (start of professional/music activity).
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.
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.
Released single 'Gloria' (remake)
Follow-up single was a remake of the 1976 Enchantment song 'Gloria', charting on the R&B chart.
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.
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.
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.
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.
'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'.
Compilation appearance: 'A Soulful Holiday' (1999)
Powell appeared on the 1999 compilation 'A Soulful Holiday'.
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.
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).
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.
Single 'Something in the Past' released
Second single from JP, 'Something in the Past', charted on the R&B chart (#67).
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.
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.
Left MCA Records; signed with Riviera Records
Powell departed MCA in 2002 and signed a new deal with Riviera Records.
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).
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.
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'.
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.
Streaming longevity: 'You' continued popularity
Over the years 'You' remained a popular track, accumulating millions of streams (reported later as nearly 13M on Spotify).
Public tributes and family statements
Sisters Trina and Tamara announced his death on social media and shared tributes; media coverage followed (People, Ebony, etc.).
Released 'Addison Walker' (Spotify single)
Released a short instrumental single titled 'Addison Walker' on Spotify (58 seconds long).
Birthday (turned 52)
Powell's birthday; noted in media coverage because his death came a day later.
Died in Los Angeles home
Jesse Powell died on September 13, 2022, at his Los Angeles home (initial family statements said passed peacefully).
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.
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