Welcome Jasmé Kelly – singer, songwriter, guitarist, producer, educator, and arts activist who embodies the very soul of North Carolina’s music scene. Known as The Daughter of Soul, Jasmé’s artistry blends folk, jazz, blues, and soul into a sound that is both timeless and deeply personal.
She has shared stages with legends like B.B. King, Al Jarreau, Victor Wooten, and Marcus Miller, and now she’s stepping into her own spotlight with the release of her brand-new EP, Before and After. In our conversation, Jasmé opens up about the stories behind her music, the lessons she’s learned performing alongside icons, and how her passion for education and community fuels her artistry.
If you love music that carries both power and purpose, this episode is one you don’t want to miss. The full interview is below! Tune in as we celebrate the voice, vision, and journey of Jasmé Kelly.
Live with Jasmé Kelly: Daughter of Soul Performs “Ghost” + Talks Legacy, Jazz & Community
About Me – Jasmé Kelly
Jasmé Kelly – the Daughter of Soul – is an internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer from Durham, North Carolina. With over 20 years of experience performing across the U.S. and the Caribbean, she brings a magnetic presence to every stage. Her signature blend of folk, jazz, blues, and soul infused with gritty rock and infectious pop creates a sound that is unmistakably her own. Whether she’s sharing the stage with legends like B.B. King or captivating intimate audiences, Jasmé delivers sultry vocals and guitar melodies that leave listeners hanging on every note.
Her artistry shines in two studio albums, And So It Goes and Lady Jasmé, with standout tracks like “Brighter Side of Things,” “Can I Breathe,” and “Keeping It Light,” which channel the spirit of Otis Redding, the elegance of Sade, and the island rhythms of Stephen Marley. Jasmé’s music evokes emotion, inspires joy, and connects people across cultures and generations. From soulful serenades to breezy island vibes, she invites listeners into a transformative musical experience they’ll never forget.
Jasme released her new song “Gypsy Soul” to celebrate Juneteenth 2025. Her latest EP Before and After was produced with the support of the Durham Arts Council’s Emerging Artist Grant and will be released on July 13, 2025 with an album release party at the Blue Note Grill in NC.
For booking information, contact daughterosoul@gmail.com or 919-473-9046.
Awards
Jasme is a recipient of the Emerging Artist Grant from the Durham Arts Council, the Wallace Ray Pepper’s Chancellor Award for Outstanding Performance from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and the Best Supporting Actress award from The Independent.
Education
Jasmé has a B.A. in Performance Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Masters in Music from Southern Utah University.
Jasmé has honed her craft and deepened her understanding of music’s power to move and inspire. Her music transcends genres and generations, creating an emotional connection that speaks to the heart of everyone who listens.
Opening and Performance Credits
Jasme has opened for/performed with musical luminaries including: Al DiMeola, Al Jarreau, BB King, Boney James, Buddy Buy, Chrisette Michelle, Eric Bibb, George Duke, Jon Luc Ponty, Jonathan Butler, Kem, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Ledisi, Maceo Parker, Marcus Miller, Peter White, Stanley Clarke, The Staple Singers, and Victor Wooten.
Nina Simone Legacy Project
Jasme has a production deal with Booga Basement Records (part of Refugee Camp) with Jerry Wonder and Wycleff Jean where she co-wrote a song with BahaMen. The Nina Simone Archive Project invited Jasme to join a select cohort of musicians to preserve the legacy of the legendary singer. She regularly performs with Dr. Sam Wayman, Ms Simone’s brother and musical director for 25 years.
Venues and Festivals Played
Durham Performing Arts Center, The Carolina Theatre, The Hayti, Bull Durham Blues Festival, Bergen Performing Arts Center, the Keswick Theatre, Tacoma Station, Bitter End or SOB’s, CBGB’s, Joe’s Pub, Apache Café, Cat’s Cradle, Papa Mojo’s, Mongoose and Café Wha.
She’s especially fond of her times at music festivals like the R.A.L.A.K Festival in Panama, Jamaica International Poetry Festival, Bimbe Festival, CenterFest, Festifall and Bull Durham Blues Festival.
Other Credentials
As a seasoned arts educator teacher, Jasmé has taught over hundreds of students the joy of music in schools, afterschool programs and camps. She currently serves as the Choir Director at St. Mark A.M.E. Zion Church in Durham, NC. She previously served as Director of the “Blues in the Schools” program for the Hayti Heritage Center, Director of Programming at the Soul City Community Development Corporation in Warren County, NC, and a Camp Director at ArtsQuest Camp.
Latest Release and/or Tour
Recently Released and EP “Before and After” as well as Rain Dominion by Lee Scratch Perry featuring myself and Flex Matthews produced by ion sound. An upcoming video concert of Freedom Season: The Legacy of Nine Simone.
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