User:Museic1/sandbox

Jay Shephard, b. 1983, Jamaal Saunders (stage name Jay Shephard) began his musical journey in 1994. At a young age in his grandmother's house, the Bahamian-born artist was inspired to create music to “speak up for the less fortunate.” At the tender age of six, he began singing and performing for family and friends. Observing his distinct capability to captivate an audience despite of his inability to sing, his mother Dr. Juliette Dorsette decided to enroll young Jamaal in dance classes. For many years, he expressed his passion for music through dance and eventually transitioned into a short lived rap career. On May 11th, 2003 at age 19, Jay Shephard was tragically shot in the head at his residence by a known assailant. Fortunately, the bullet missed his brain however, the incident left the singer blind in one eye. Feeling overwhelmed and defeated, Jay Shephard prayed to God for guidance, at which time he was miraculously blessed with the talent to sing. Astonished by his newfound gift he immediately sang for his mother and aunt who were astounded by his voice. Jay Shephard then began singing, drawing from early influences from artists like Bob Marley, Michael Jackson & Gentleman which cultivated his distinct sound of a reggae, dance hall and pop fusion. In 2010 at age 26, Shephard released his hit song "By the Way you Walk," which caught the attention of many. In 2012, he accepted a distribution deal with Sony Red. By 2013, the singer debuted three reggae singles, "Sunshine," "So High" and "Looking for You." On August 25th, 2014 he became a father to a beautiful baby girl. While still very passionate about his career, Jay Shephard took a break away from his music to be able to dedicate more time to his family as well as his spiritual walk with God. A year later, Shephard began working along with popular reggae producer Troyton Rami at Blackshadow Records. This union produced top hits like "Reload," "No Surrender," "Lady Love" and "All Eyez on Me." He continues to make his mark within the reggae music community and established his own music production company, Good Vybez Entertainment. He strives to continue to produce quality music while simultaneously assisting new artists along the way. When it comes to roadblocks, daily stresses and emotional turmoil, Jay Shephard molds his music to be medicine, to be a quick-healing antidote. From the deep roots of reggae to the high tempo beats of dance hall and even more so to the modern sounds of pop, Jay Shephard proves his style to be eclectic. He reaches people near and far, those in high and low places, people of all races. It’s clear that impact and empowerment are at the core of all that is Jay Shephard Music.)