Most people would agree that the world offers a plethora of talented singers who can sing .. and in perfect pitch; singers who can hit the note and hold it for what seems like an eternity. But few singers can deliver a song with such conviction and poignancy that the song is no longer a song, but a message. "Messenger"more accurately describes he man the world has come to know as Jai Reed; one of the most profound voices of the age. His voice transcends ethnicity and class.

With a style and sincerity in delivery that cuts across geographic ad boundaries Jai Reeds reach is yet to be known. Jai's musical styling was shaped and guided by the unique and diverse culture of New Orleans,a jewel in Louisians's southern treasure chest. jai began sharing his voice at the tender age of six. Many local groups later sought him out. By the time he was a teenager, Jai became a member of the group Endurance along with group members William Maxwell, Byron Pierce (Men of Standard), Edward West (Collage), and the late Michael Robinson.

Endurance served as Jai's debut into the world of professional music. He has toured with Michael Matthew's Mama, I'm Sorry and Tyler Perry's I Know I've Been Changed. He has shared the stage with Shirley Murdock [A Woman's Point Of View(1988) and Let Be Love (1991)Elektra Records], MelbaMoore [Lean on Me & Lift Every Voice and Sing], david Peaston [Two Wrongs (Don't make it Right), Don't Say No and Can I? Geffem Records, Mixed Emotions, including Luxury Of Love, (MCA 1991).]and countless others.

Jai shared an electrifying vocal chemistry with two talented singers, Melanie Batiste and Erica Falls. Together they became known as Nu-Beginnings. Their first CD independent release was titled Where He Leads Me (recorded live at Household of Faith). Their sophomore release, Live in Brazil, was exclusively release in Brazil. Following the release of this groundbreaking CD, Nu-beginnings embarked upon a journey that would cover the globe,affording them the privilege of performing in such places as France, Spain,Italy and Finland. Some of their most memorable performances were in local venures like The New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, Essence Music Festival and the New Orleans House of Blues.

Though well traveled, and musically versatile, Jai's commitment to God has always been paramount. Believing that God has a special message for him to share, Jai Combined his love for Rhythm and Blues, Jazz and Gospel along wit lyrics birthed formried experiences,to produce a sound so unique and message so pertinet that it demands to be heard. In early 2000, Jai released his first solo project titled, "I Can't Repay," released on Nu-generation Records, a moving and heartfelft collection of songs that ministered healing and restoration while honoring the true and living God. It included timeless arrangements of Farther Along (W.B.Stevens), and We've Come This Far by Faith (Albert A.Goodson). It also included originals, I Will Ease Your Pain, Never Alone (Endurance) and My Dedication.

Jai remains very active in ministry and the field of gospel music. Annually,he along with his wife, Lady Shawnell Reed,hosts the Praise,Worship,and the Word Conference, providing training to people serious about the ministry of music while exposing them to the talents of nationally known Gospel Recoding Artists. The conference offers a balance of training, motivation and personal testimony of experienced gospel artists. In his own words, "Music is only effective when it invokes positive change in people's lives. And that is what brings God glory, life changing ministry."

Jai is currently promoting his solo project, Anointed for Purpose, released on TLR and distributed through Fontana, It is a fiery mix of contemporary and traditonal arrangements. Jai sticks to his winning formula of singing lyrics straight from his soul's pen. The standout single, Anointed for Purpose, speaks of his submission to the will of God while not fully understanding why God even chooses to use him.

Many can identify with that mixture of being humbled and honored. Simple, yet heart-piercing lyrics cut right to the core of the human condition and administer a dose of hope. One such lyric, When everone else around you fails, He will take care of you... is just the comfort a weary soul needs in troubling and uncertain times.