Inspired to Sing Since the Age of Three

By Johnnie Grant –

Jalen Tyrek Blair has been singing since the age of three, when he sang his first solo at Hill St. Baptist Church under the direction of Rockell Scott.

Jalen has been a consummate performer ever since.

Jalen attended Stone Academy for Communication Arts in Greenville, SC, where he was co-anchor of the school’s morning news broadcast and sang with the school choir. As a result of his choir performing, he was urged to audition for the esteemed Chicora Singers of Greenville County, which he was quickly invited to join. Jalen also became a member of the ARMES Performing Arts program, an audition-only program offered to Greenville area students.

While in Greenville, under the leadership of Minister of Music Larry McCullough at Long Branch Baptist Church (Pastor Sean Dogan presiding), Jalen was able to grow and enrich his talents in the body of Christ. At the church Jalen had the unforgettable opportunity to meet and sing with gospel recording artist VaShawn Mitchell.

Jalen moved back to Asheville, NC in 2011 where his talents were remembered and very quickly put to use. He became a member of the Urban Arts Institute’s Eternity Dancers, under the direction of Michael Hayes. He also auditioned for a role in the musical Hairspray at Asheville Community Theater; director Jerry Crouch was so impressed that he rewrote the role of “Lil’ Inez” to be “Lil’ Ike” just for Jalen.

Clearly Jalen has wanted to perform his entire life whether as an actor, dancer, or singer—or all three! Inspired by such greats as Michael Jackson, Usher, R. Kelly, and others, he would most like to become an R&B recording artist.

But he also has a serious, down-to-earth side. Upon graduating high school Jalen plans to attend NC A&T University or UNC Charlotte to study pre-law. Jalen Blair is a young man with high aspirations and the talent to achieve them—a young man who will go far in life.