Check Out Jiana Hunter’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jiana Hunter. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have been singing since I was 2 years old. I had my first solo in kindergarten (at the age of 5) for our Christmas concert. I sang “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas.” My mom was always and still is my biggest cheerleader and coach. I’ll never forget her giving me a little vocal adlib to sing on the end of “…may your days be merry and bright…” I said, “Mama they’re gonna look at me and say who does she think she is trying to sing “all grown,” lol! To my surprise, everybody stood up cheering for me like I won a championship game. I have always been somewhat shy about taking risks with my voice and people would say, “Aww you have a pretty voice,” but I wanted to SANG!!! 

I have always loved to sing and loved singing harmony with my family or in church. I have always been a quick learner, so my talent was nurtured and challenged at The School for Creative and Performing Arts in Cincinnati Ohio from 4th through 12th grade. I was blessed to return back to my high school to teach there. I completed my Master of Music degree at Western Michigan University where I performed with the amazing Gold Company vocal Jazz ensemble under the direction of the late Dr. Steve Zegree. 

I later moved to Detroit, Michigan where the beginning of my dreams came true. I’ve taught at the school and attended the church, founded by one of my favorite gospel artist of all times, Bishop Marvin L Winans. 

Leaving Motown was not easy, but it was a very necessary part of my musical and professional journey. In 2014 I taught for Stax Music Academy, teaching musicianship, professionalism, jazz, choral, and the repertoire of STAX records. I later curated my first Ella Fitzgerald tribute and recorded my first Gospel jazz single, True Love while living in Memphis. 

After singing and performing in Memphis for almost 8 years the Covid-19 pandemic created an abrupt shift in my life causing me to relocate back to my hometown of Cincinnati Ohio. 

While trying to figure things out, the door opened once again to return to Detroit and a brand-new amazing chapter has begun. I have taught and performed within an amazing and thriving gospel and jazz community that has shaped my artistry and sound. I was very blessed to get to work quickly, performing for the Michigan Jazz Festival, Jazz Night at Shield’s Pizza, leading music ministry, and once again curating the Ella Fitzgerald Concert. 

I will be releasing my second gospel jazz single titled Grateful in November of 2022. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road along my journey; however, every steppingstone was purposed. There were times where I was not in a financial position to provide for my music career like I hoped but people blessed me along the way financially and with their resources. There were times when I was unemployed, and I wasn’t sure how my bills will get paid or how I would stay in my apartment. There were times where people made promises to me that were not kept but I was blessed with other people from the beginning of my journey that made a reprise right on time. 

Being in the forefront has not always been easy for me. I have struggled with insecurities/worries of being good enough, being accepted, and even having longevity. 

Personally, I have found that as I continue to pour into others I am never left without. It excites me to sing, telling stories through music that have inspired me, impacted me and has strengthened me. I believe the stories through music that I share with my audience makes them smile, reflect, and appreciate the life that they are living! 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a vocal music educator, solo and choral vocal trainer, songwriter, and vocal musician. I have been able to use my art for singing and songwriting as a vehicle to teach and empower others to do the same. 

Being back in Detroit has been one of the biggest blessings of 2021. I have worked with some amazing people and organizations such as Scott Gwinnell, Demetrius Nabors, and Darell “Red” Campbell, Piper and Paul the Motown Museum, Mosaic Youth Theatre, Detroit Children’s Choir, the Jazz Education Department of Music Hall and Detroit Public Schools. I have also taught some amazing children and adults along the way. 

I am known for being an improviser of song and storytelling. I enjoy engaging with my audience and creating interactive moments where they can sing along through call and response. 

What sets me apart from others is that my vocal style is all-inclusive of jazz, however, my eclectic roots for muti-genres are often filtered through the vocal lens of jazz and spirituality. 

What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is that I am authentically and purposefully living out the legacy that my family and musical mentors have set before me and leaving a legacy for those with creative expression and self-awareness after me. 

I want to be known as a person that has given opportunities to many, helping them to actualize their greatest desires and talents with confidence, preparation, and joy! 

I also hope that people will ultimately experience the presence of God from me that makes them know that they are special and loved, more than anything! 

Contact Info:

• Instagram: www.instagram.com/JiJizJam
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jianahuntermusic
• Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCpO6jerzRXOfvCU798OS1Fw

Image Credits
Grateful Image
Kenneth B. Jones
Graphic Gregory Lee