Today we’d like to introduce you to Jess Bless
Hi Jess, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I have been a singer all my life. I started in the church. In 2020, I moved to Knoxville not knowing anyone but my baby brother. On January 16, 2021, my brother invited me to go out with him to one of his co workers partner’s gig at this place called DRINK. We went and to my surprise they k ew a little bit about who I was. The group’s name was Meloh Soul. They just so happen to sing Tennessee Whiskey by Chris Stapleton and that is one of my favorite songs. I asked could I get up and sing with them and I did. Everyone e was amazed at how big my voice was. And that is when my professional career in the entertainment industry began. I met many other local artist and became friends with them and also sat-in in their shows to gain exposure and learn the liveusic scene in Knoxville. Later, I became a member of Meloh Soul. Things didn’t work out on the business end so I had to dismiss myself. I became a solo act, JessBless. In July of 2022, I left my mark on Knoxville by hosting a Beyoncé Tribute downtown in Market Square at Scruffy City Hall. The place was filled to capacity and I enjoyed every moment of it. Fast forward to 2023, I became a student at the Los Angeles Film School as an entertainment business major. I needed to know how to do things the right way because my vision had changed. I am currently going to school there to create opportunities for the young people who may not have it easy like I did when starting out. First of all, I had to put my career on pause for 15 years because I was not able to just dive right into right into my career after graduating high school in 2006. I was pregnant and the day after graduation my dad kicked me out cause I was pregnant and no longer his responsibility. I was counted out and everything, but that didn’t stop anything. I have won two awards for female vocalist of the year with the American Entertainment Awards in Atlanta, GA years 2022 and 2023. I have performed in many cities like Detroit, MI, Milwaukee, WI, Atlanta, GA, Memphis, TN, Houston, TX, Brooklyn, NY, Phoenix, AZ, Tampa, FL, Nashville, TN, and Mason, TN.
Currently, I have a vision of building a Musicians Palace with four different entities on the inside. (Don’t want to give too many details but it’s something Knoxville has never seen before). It’s all about creating opportunities and empowering people that has been counted out and has a passion for entertainment.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This has totally not been a smooth road. I had to fight hard to prove to people who I am. It was hard trying to get band members when people didnt really k ow me or what I could do. I was hard enough being a single parent to three kids and making the sacrifices I had to make. I used to not think I was good enough cause I was not taken serious. There were people who were was less talented than me getting welcomed I to the music scene with open arms but for me I had to fight hard to prove who JessBless was and is.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
What set is me apart from others is the fact I am JessBless on and off the stage. Jessica Taylor is my real name, JessBless is my stage name. I am a giver/gifter and I like to do my good deeds in silence. Right now, I am a student at Los Angeles Film School just learning and networking to be able to do things the right way. Also, I am a singer ger/songwriter who is recording music. I already have a few songs released but I am currently working on 2 albums. In live music, I specialize in tribute cover bands. I am most proud of my consistency and willingness to help others although I am not where I want to be professionally. I am also most proud of the great job I did raising three kids alone and still being a rising superstar. I was told to quit and everything, I didn’t listen though.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
They might not know cooking is my love language.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Officialjessbless
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MKAjessbless?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Youtube: @jessbless1996 and @jessbless
