Bio

The saxophonist, entertainer and musician known as Yancyy, is poised to take the Jazz world by storm. With over twenty years of musical experience, it is clear that Yancyy is very deliberate 

Yancyy is a proven entertainer for music enthusiasts of every generation. Yancyy's impeccable styling and artistic charisma are not confined to genre distinction, enchanting the jazz-heads, serenading classical aficionados, inspiring the ecclesiastics and electrifying pop, rock, funk and hip hop fans.

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Yancyy recalls hearing a saxophone solo in church at the age of 13, and was gripped by the impact on the congregation, captivated by its penetration of the heart and mind. Dawning a devout humanitarian, he envisioned himself orchestrating this melodious emanation healing and deliverance, and knew that becoming one with the instrument; he would bring peace and delight to all who were able to hear.

Yancyy's ambition was so undeniable that his father soon surprised him with an alto sax, and he blossomed overnight as a self-taught prodigy. He joined his high school band, and within two years, renowned classical saxophonist Donald Sinta sponsored Yancyy's attendance at the prestigious Interlochen Fine Arts Academy. He continued his pursuit of artistic excellence, earning his Bachelor of Fine Arts. in performance at University of Michigan's acclaimed School of Music, and remains a faithful academic, amassing a collector’s dream of instruments, equipment and a respectable library of instructive materials. While an accomplished saxophonist, Yancyy often favors audiences with his panache on clarinet, flute and piano. He is also a gifted composer and arranger, contributing keyboards and vocals on his first solo release. His jazz release, ‘Sax Chronicles, Volume 1’ incorporates several talented composers and Grammy Award winning producer, Phil Davis, similar to his previous hit CD entitled FOR YOUR LOVE and his holiday CD entitled REJOICE.

September 2010, Yancyy was the headline artist for the Smooth Grooves European throughout Germany and Italy. June of 2011 he was the headline artist for the Alaska Jazz Festival and September 2011 his music was selected for The Weather Channels' playlist. Yancyy has opened for scores of contemporary music giants, including Stevie Wonder, Average White Band, Temptations, Neville Brothers, Jean Luc Ponty, George Benson, Four Tops, Yellow Jackets, Pieces of a Dream, Earl Klugh, Gerald Levert, Jeffrey Osborne, Atlantic Star, Ohio Players, Kem, as well as peers, Kirk Whalum, Gerald Albright and George Howard.

He is an indelible addition to any act, and has added his captivating sounds to such greats as George Clinton, Will Downing, Howard Hewitt, Marvin Winans, Maysa, Chico DeBarge, Freddie Jackson, Aaron Neville, Jean Carne, Ray Parker Jr., Calloway Brothers, Billy Paul, Tony Rich, Contours, Adina Howard, Michael Henderson, Alexander Zonjic, Gene Dunlap, Marion Meadows, Straight Ahead, Cindy Bradley and many others.

Yancyy has partnered with many community, youth and other charitable organizations. His constitution remains: “I believe music is a spiritual art form that denotes the life and times of our culture. I use music as a medicinal tool for the listener’s soul. From an early age, I knew I was called to create rhythmic vibrations of joy and melodic inspiration. Over the years, I have witnessed music’s ability to uplift, motivate, transform and penetrate the hearts of humanity.

Yancyy was featured in the January/February (2011) issue of Saxophone Journal, (cover appearance and inside story) and the October (2011) issue of Eclipse Magazine. And, co-producer of the Riverwalk Jazz Series 2013, Detroit, MI.

Lord Yancyy has continued to touch the lives of his fans magnificently. He has gone on several tours both nationally and internationally where he performed with saxophonist Najee, saxophonist Nelson Rangel, and Lloyd, keyboardist from the band “Pieces of a Dream.”
After some of his performances with these master musicians, he headlined on summer festivals around the country. He opened for Alex Bugnon and also headlined for the Idlewild 100 year celebration and later made appearances with the DW3 band in L.A.
Lord Yancyy also took it farther to make several television appearances where he was invited to speak on how he started both on Fox2 and TV 20. Sugar Bar in New York and Spaghettini in L.A. are among the places where he performed while on his way to the limelight. He opened for Miki Hoard, Regina Bell, Oleta Adams, and worked with violinist Karen Briggs.
As a way to give back to his community, Lord Yancyy teamed up with several non-profit agencies that fight for women's rights. Recently, he did a fundraiser for The Angel House to promote equality and help change the lives of domestic violence victims. He went on to organize a fundraising program for the “Enough Said 490 Challenge”where he helped sexual assault victims obtain justice. Recently, Lord Yancyy has worked for General Motors Corporation, Ford Motor Company, McDonald Foundation, and many other national brands.

Currently, Yancyy is fulfilling his musical journey with continuing corporate performances,religious organizations,festivals & many other magnificent events. In between those performance bookings; he is in the studio working on a new gospel/jazz CD .... so stay tuned!