By Scott Haas, The Bay State Banner
Samara Joy McLendon, winner of the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Competition in 2019, is at the age of 21 emerging as a powerful vocalist on the cusp of international fame. Her first album, self-titled, will be released on July 9 with Whirlwind Records, and a European tour will follow. Performing with her on the album are guitarist Pasquale Grasso, bassist Ari Roland and drummer Kenny Washington. Although she just graduated from college this spring, Samara Joy, which is her professional name, has been identified as a star-in-the-making by big names in entertainment, such as Spike Lee and Regina King. The Banner caught with up with Samara Joy from her home in the Bronx, New York City. Read more here.