JESSY DIXON BIOGRAPHY
Jessy Dixon is an internationally renowned black American Gospel singer/songwriter. As a result of his hundreds of concerts world-wide, appearing in concert halls from New York's Carnegie Hall to England's Royal Albert Hall, and throughout Africa, Europe, Scandinavia and the Caribbean, he has earned himself the title 'the King of Gospel.' He has made over two dozen albums, including three gold, and he also has a handful of Grammy nominations to his credit. He has a television show ('Celebrate with Jessy Dixon') in America, and as well as his individual ministry, Jessy also leads the Chicago Community Choir in concert and on recordings. His album "Live in the Spirit" was the editor's choice for July 1996 in the Kingsway 'Worship Connection' Music Club magazine. In November and December 1999 he was on tour with the Chicago Community Choir in Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria and France, culminating in a concert on Christmas Eve at Eurodisney Paris! Jessy was a guest on the Gospel Special edition of the BBC's 'Songs of Praise' on Sunday, 20th February 2000.
He currently makes videos, records and TV shows with Bill and Gloria Gaither, who are involved in 'white southern gospel' music in America, and are considered to be great modern hymn writers in America. (You can find Bill and Gloria's songs in 'Mission Praise', and other more modern music books). Jessy appears on Bill and Gloria's "Homecoming" video series, along with many other well known American Christian musicians. He has released four albums of music made during his association with the Gaithers - 'My Brand New Home', 'Jessy Dixon Sings Homecoming Classics', and, now, his latest two albums, 'Heavenly News' and 'I Saw The Light'. Bill and Gloria's audiences have really taken to Jessy, and he to their style of music, which is more of a 'country' style. He has not, however, forgotten his other gospel music! In the early stages of his Gospel Music career, Jessy and his choir performed in a Jazz and Blues Festival at New York's Radio City Music Hall. His performance earned him four encores. This was in 1972. Paul Simon, who had just separated with Art Garfunkel was in the audience. He was so impressed with Jessy's performance, that a week later he called Jessy and asked him to tour with him. This relationship lasted 8 years and they toured together throughout the United States, Japan, England, France, Holland, Scandinavia and Israel. Jessy shared his jubilant Gospel Music with appreciative audiences everywhere. Jessy has also worked with many other prominent musicians, and has written songs for many more, including Diana Ross and Randy Crawford.
Jessy is a pioneer in blending Black Gospel and contemporary Christian Music, and has been described as a "singer with a voice that can bring the sweetest caress to a delicate melody and holler with all the storefront church passion of Black Gospel's heritage." As well as writing most of his own songs, many other Christian artists have recorded his material, and his songs can be found in contemporary Christian worship songbooks. Jessy is regularly in the Gospel Music charts in the United States, where Gospel Music is a recognised musical style in it's own right, and is now touring frequently in Britain and Europe. He recently toured Norway seven times in one year, and seems particularly popular in Scandinavia. He has a simple philosophy - 'I just keep pointing to Jesus; and I'm not making any excuses for singing about him.' Jessy appeals to all age groups, and sings a wide range of material including ballads, hymns and gospel music. Not to be missed!
LINKS TO OTHER JESSY DIXON WEBSITES
LINK TO DETAILS OF JESSY'S DECEMBER 2001 UK TOUR Link to Ultimate Band List entry for Jessy Dixon LINK TO OFFICIAL JESSY DIXON SITE LINK TO MUSICTUS ITALIAN SITE ON JESSY DIXON LINK TO DETAILS OF CONCERT IN PRESTON, LANCS, UK APRIL 2000