BIO

Carmen Jones is a powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, and performer whose music blends soulful authenticity, emotional truth, and magnetic stage presence. Raised in Berkeley, California, she began performing at an early age and grew into one of the Bay Area’s most captivating voices—an artist equally at home in the worlds of classic soul, funk and contemporary R&B.

In the 1990s, Carmen signed with Interscope Records as part of an all-girl group personally championed by NBA legend Magic Johnson, setting the foundation for a lifelong career in music. Long before launching her renowned tribute era, she recorded several independent albums of original R&B and soul music, earning recognition for her emotional songwriting and vocal honesty.

In 2001, Carmen performed an impromptu gospel duet with Jamie Foxx at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland—a performance that would later go viral on YouTube and introduce her powerhouse vocals to a wider audience.

As a teenager, Carmen sang for Teena Marie on her tour bus in Oakland. The late icon’s words—“Don’t stop”—became a guiding force in Carmen’s artistry and life. Those words later inspired her to create The Ultimate Teena Marie Tribute, the first and only Teena Marie tribute supported by Teena’s family, friends, and devoted fans. For over a decade, Carmen honored Lady T’s legacy with heartfelt authenticity, performing powerful renditions of Teena’s timeless songs while weaving in her own soul-driven artistry.

Now, that journey comes full circle with her latest album, Echoes of 1986, a heartfelt fusion of vintage soul energy and modern R&B production. Carmen’s unmistakable voice soars over lush grooves and melodic storytelling, blending emotional depth with the spirit of resilience and renewal. Each song captures love, growth, and truth—proof that soul music never fades; it evolves.

Alongside her work as a recording artist and performer, Carmen is the founder and lead instructor of Bay Area Voice Lessons, where she has trained singers of all ages and skill levels to find their authentic sound. Her coaching reflects the same principles that define her artistry—authenticity, emotional connection, and fearless self-expression.

Carmen has performed on stages across Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and throughout the Bay Area, including acclaimed venues such as Yoshi’s Oakland and Blue Note Napa. She has shared the stage with celebrated artists like Howard Hewett, El DeBarge, and Al B. Sure!, who describes her as “the real deal—authentic soul through and through.”

Carmen is currently preparing to headline Yoshi’s Oakland on March 29, 2026, performing music from Echoes of 1986. With new music, renewed purpose, and a clear artistic vision, she continues to define what soul means in the modern era.

At the heart of her work lies a simple belief: music is healing, truth is power, and soul is forever.

“This album is my truth, born from heartbreak, healing, and hope. It’s not just music; it’s proof that I kept going when life said stop.” — Carmen Jones
 

📅 March 29, 2026 – Yoshi’s, Oakland, CA

An unforgettable night of soul, stories, and celebration.
🎟️ Seats are limited—get your tickets before they sell out!

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📞 CJM Entertainment Group, Inc. – (510) 859-7576 📧 info@carmenjonesmusic.com🌐 **www.CarmenJonesMusic.com