Jay-R(VA)

In a time when trend following is at an all-time high and records are sold at the expense of musicianship, one artist is attempting to set his own trends while giving what he believes every fan deserves: their moneys worth. Jay-R, a promising and multi-talented 17-year-old singer/actor/songwriter/producer, takes the definition of a child prodigy to whole new meaning. Combining his boyish looks, natural comedic timing and stage presence, silky-smooth dance moves and an attention-demanding, yet melodic voice, Jay-R captures the imagination of audiences both young and old.

Full Name: James Raymond Booker II Age: 17 Location: Richmond, VA Birthday: 2/4/88 Newark, NJ Zodiac sign: Aquarius Height: 58 Eye color: brown Hair color: black Upon moving to Richmond, Virginia in 1998, Jay-R auditioned for and joined the Richmond Boys Choir. As a member for four seasons, he learned music theory, music composition, and communication skills, while getting the opportunity to travel and develop voice. In February 2000, as a 12th birthday present from the boys choir, Jay-R wowed an audience of 4000+ when he sang My Girl with the legendary Temptations. In May 2000, Jay-R opened for Millie Jackson, Roy C., and Clarence Carter at the Landmark Theatre, in Richmond, VA. Other credits to his name include: Competing and placing three times at the world famous Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York in June 2000 Singing the national anthem at a professional basketball game in Richmond in July 2000 for the Richmond Rhythm. Performing as a solo artist at the Richmond Boys Choirs Spring Concert in May 2000. He brought the audience to their feet with his sassy rendition of Cab Calloways Minnie the Moocher. Performing in various talent shows, weddings, and school functions while coping with a voice change Attending the American Music Search in May 2002, which featured 35 A&R representatives from 35 different record labels. With over 1000 hopefuls, Jay-R was one of the 75 to be called back, at the age of 13. In September 2002, Jay-R entered Thomas Dale High School of Performing Arts as freshman, where he would spent the next two years as a member of the Drama Club, Step Team, and award-winning Show Choir, while learning about theatre and its components. His acting credits at the school include: One of only two freshmen understudies in the schools V.T.A. (Virginia Theatre Association) competition production of To Gilliam, On Her 37th Birthday in October 2002. A leading role in the schools fall production of The Nerd in November 2003 as the airy hothead, Wornock Ticky Walgrave, which provided the audience a night full of spontaneity and continuous laughter. March 2004, he began competing in the city of Hamptons Bay Days Best of the Bay competition, which ended in September 2004. Jay-R won First Place in the Junior Division. Jay-R and his rapping/songwriting counterpart, Ravon Showtime Campbell, performed at Richmond Citys Night Out in August 2004, where they excited a tough audience of approximately 400+, including local DJ and radio personalities, while performing two original songs, Keep It to Myself and Choices. Later in August 2004, Jay-R competed in Richmond Idol, a local version of Fox TVs American Idol, with over 250+ auditionees; he made it to the final 26 before being eliminated. Jay-R starred in his high schools version of the famed Broadway production Pippin. He was cast as The Leading Player originally made famous by actor/dancer Ben Vereen. March 2005, Jay-R led a cast of 31 to the Virginia High School League State Theatre Competition after winning 1st place and the district and regional level, where they placed 4th in place with their production of Twilight: Los Angeles 1992. He was pushed to his peak, playing completely outside his character as a middle-aged white juror.

I'm open for anything at this point...I've performed at a few major venues, and just to be able to get on stage for even one song, those three minutes are the happiest of my life, the crowd, the lights, the whole feeling of knowing that for a time I have complete control in people's imaginations. It's a wonderful and fulfilling feeling.

R&B/soul legends such as Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, Luther Vandross, and Teddy Pendergrass, as well as Salsa great Celia Cruz and Mambo King Tito Puente