‘I am Guyanese until I die’

US-based Guyanese singer Jerry Elcock

By Venessa Deosaran

For more than 25 years, internationally renowned jazz and R&B artiste Jerry ‘Jhayee’ Elcock has been pursuing his passion for music, and promoting his beloved country of birth, Guyana.
As a child growing up, Jhayee –his stage name – was destined for a career in the music world. Born in Vergenoegen, Jerry spent most of his earliest childhood on the West Bank. Raised in a musical family, his father, a guitar player and music teacher, the house was always full of musicians. His first singing gigs were with his sisters in ‘The Inspirations’ a local gospel group.
“Music was in our blood but I didn’t realize how much of an impact it was on me until I migrated to the US. In my early teens I migrated to Queens, New York. Being influenced by famous R&B and jazz musicians, mostly out of Queens, I formed a band called ‘Reality’ with some guys from my neighbourhood. We started doing local gigs around Queens and then bigger gigs. The band then played in other parts like in Manhattan; this was climbing the ladder for me. I performed at the Apollo Theatre, which was a turning point in my music career. I sang ‘A Broadway’ by George Benson. The response I received motivated me to push forward. After the show I was approached by a Japanese promoter who invited me to work in Japan. I got the band together and we had a month-long tour in Japan, and everything started to move on from there,” the prolific artiste told Guyana Times Sunday Magazine.
Being musically influenced by the likes of Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles and Jeffrey Osborne, Jhayee is no stranger to connecting his emotions to the soul. He made the circuit, fronting for a variety of bands, performing at clubs and wherever he had an opportunity. “I wanted to make a name for myself in the city of dreams, and was willing to grind and make it happen any way possible,” said Jhayee.

Jhayee doing his thing in one of his music videos

His hard work began to pay off when Jhayee had the opportunity to perform with renowned and acclaimed artists Ronnie Drayton and saxophonist Najee. From there Jhayee went on to sing lead and background vocals with popular rap group Ill Al Scratch of ‘Where My Homies?’ fame. Brian McKnight, Ray Goodman & Brown, Lori-Ann Velez, famed Mexican artist Betsy Pecanins and many more have since tapped Jhayee for background vocals.
Jhayee wrote and produced the single ‘Heartbreak City’, the success of which officially put the singer on the map as he began touring the world opening for R&B group ‘After 7’ and many others.
Some of Jhayee’s recent credits include background vocals on Najee’s recordings ‘Just an Illusion’ and ‘Share My World’ and Betsy Pecanin’s ‘Tequila Blues’ and ‘Efecto Tequila’ albums. Jhayee also co-produced ‘Diary of a Fool’ with Onaje Allen Gumbs for his ‘True Inspirations’ album, which garnered radio airplay in Canada, England, France, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the US. Jhayee also holds the honour of being the newest recorded voice of the Guyana’s official national anthem.
His rendition of the national anthem received accolades both locally and overseas. “I did not change the melodic structure of the anthem but enhanced it. It took about two months to put together. It incorporates various cultural rhythms such as Indian and African, thus making it truly Guyanese. It is bursting with rhythmic vibes. Even if I would’ve done nothing else in my life, making a contribution to the national anthem is a privilege of mine. It is very personal, I did it with great pride, and I would like every Guyanese to enjoy it,” the singer said appreciatively.
As 2012 kicks into full gear, Jhayee has just released the soon-to-be worldwide dance anthem, ‘Mop It Up’, a mixture of soca and chutney vibes. He is ready to have the world dancing once again to the Jhayee beat.

Jerry and his family

When Jhayee is not blessing the world with his amazing talent, you can find this artist, singer, songwriter, producer and father running his successful construction business in New York City.
A true Guyanese, Jhayee has not lost sight of his origins. “I am Guyanese and will always be until I’m dead. It doesn’t matter where I go; I always identify myself as a Guyanese artiste. Some US-based Guyanese do not do so because of the fear of being shunned; to me it doesn’t really matter. I’m proud of my nationality. Even if I collect a Grammy one day you’ll hear me saying I’m Guyanese. It is significant to never lose identity,” he said patriotically.
When asked what has contributed to his success, Jhayee said hard work, determination and not willing to stop because somebody deters you. “I believe if you’re blessed with a talent, it’s not for you but for you to share with the world. It gives me deep pleasure when I’m on stage and people react to my performance, or when fans from various parts of the world send me emails saying how much they enjoyed my songs. My satisfaction comes from knowing that I’m making a difference through my music,” the singer revealed.
Jhayee profoundly believes that music is a blessing because it has a healing power. As such, his advice for upcoming young artistes is to keep doing what they love. He stated that there will be discouragements, but being able to triumph over that and follow their passion is what is important.
Visit his Facebook page ‘Jhayee’ or his website www.jhayee.com for more information on the singer.