BETA Records - Your music matters!

John C. Jenkins was born on April 19, 1975 in Flint, Michigan. Being born into a family of musicians and singers as the son of a pastor brought instantaneous exposure to church music life.
At the age of seven, he began taking piano lessons from a private instructor, Mamie Veasley. Although classical music was the main focus, he was playing for his father's church by age 12. Influenced by his parents, he was singing solos in church by age 13. During the 11 years of piano study, he was selected as the top student several times, most improved twice, qualified three times for the Flint Music Teachers' Honors Recital, and was selected to participate in many music programs and camps around the state of Michigan at places such as Olivet College, University of Michigan, the Flint Institute of Music, and others.

After high school, John gained directing and playing experience working under Cassonya Carter (GVSU) for three years, while taking music electives. During summer break, he formed the Smart Start Community Choir for young children. After directing Gundry's sixth grade class during graduation, he was asked to sing the Black National Anthem for the school's annual Heritage Night program.

At age 22, John formed a new group, Higher Praise Chorale, with youth from all over the city of Flint. With a strong basis of praise and worship, John has compiled over 70 completed works. Several of these works are featured on the upcoming album for John's current group- Levitical Praise.