Jahmori Simmons

Jahmori “Jay-Mo Dejon” Simmons was born in Atlanta, Georgia. He is a Junior at The University of Georgia majoring in music. He is a songwriter, producer, pianist, harpist, violist, violinist and percussionist. He began his musical training at the early age of 4 as young drummer under the direction of Omelelika Kuumba of Atlanta’s Giwayen Mata. During his elementary years he attended Grove Park Elementary School and performed in the GP chorus, the orchestra, the Urban Youth Harp Ensemble and the Atlanta Public Schools Elementary Honor Chorus. His musical training continued through the middle school years as he played violin and viola in the Sutton Middle School orchestra. It was also at Sutton Middle school where he experienced composing and arranging for the 8th grade orchestra, under the direction of Ms. Natalie Colbert. He has studied viola under the direction of Dr. Roumena Georgieva of Clark Atlanta University; he has been a mentee of Jim Hawkins of Electro Acoustic Systems in Athens, Georgia, he is a member of the Urban Youth Harp Ensemble and was a student/producer in Cajo University, an artist training program conducted by gospel recording artist Canton Jones. Under the direction of his father and mother, he progressed to songwriting, producing and recording when he was only 9 years old. His first recording was entitled, “Ooo, Wee,” a collaboration between he and his father, which depicts the person of “Jay-Mo Dejon”. Jahmori “Jay-mo Dejon” Simmons has been instrumental in using his songwriting skills to infuse the culture of hip-hop with classical, pop, rhythm and blues. He is presently pursuing avenues for utilizing his artistic skills to bring innovation to the hip-hop, R&B and Pop societies, by integrating his training as an orchestral performer, composer and producer to add to the currency of this music era. Jahmori “Jay-Mo Dejon” Simmons’ musical journey continues as he hones his skills by collaborating with those in the fields of music education and entertainment. He has worked with artist such as Cyhi The Prynce(GOOD Music, Def Jam Recordings, Convict Kartel), Rich Homie Quan(Motown Records), and Akon(Convict Kartel) just to name a few. He has sharpened his craft by participating in songwriting and production classes with the Grammy Foundation in Nashville, TN and Los Angeles, CA. He has also performed and produced scores for various musical competitions. His musical composition ”Conquer” reached the semi-finalist category for the National Black Arts Festival “2011 First Glance” competition. He has obtained various academic and performance honors such as Principals List, Quincy Jones and the Dr. Dre Awards presented by Carver School of Arts in Atlanta, Georgia. He has performed for the cast members (Queen Latifah, Gabriel Union, Morris Chestnut) for the film, “A Perfect Holiday,” AthFest event in Athens, Ga., Canton Jones, and the bi-annual artist recital presented by Integrative Arts Creations, Inc. Simmons is regarded by those who have been privileged to work with him, as a humble, versatile, gifted and enthusiastic artist/composer. His work with the community and various performing artists and groups is expanding his popularity. His community services and performances include Little Boy Blue Pageant (Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, INC; Macon, Ga.) Salvation Army (Charitable Campaign; Atlanta, Georgia) Victorious Kidz Academy (Douglasville, Georgia); Integrative Arts Creations (Douglasville, Georgia)The Margaret Mitchell House (Atlanta, Georgia); Atlanta Public Schools(Atlanta, Georgia); Georgia Music Educator’s Association Performance Evaluations (Atlanta, Georgia); Athfest (Athens, Georgia); Just Churchin’(Atlanta, Georgia); All About Christ Network (Atlanta, Georgia) and Usher Raymonds’ New Look Project (Atlanta, Georgia).