Free Agent

J Harmony

By: Chris Yuscavage

March 13, 2006

NAME: J Harmony (né Jay Lindsey)
AGE: 25
HOMETOWN: Wilmington, N.C.
GENRE: R&B
FAVORITE ALBUM: Thriller, Michael Jackson
DREAM COLLABO: Donny Hathaway

J Harmony may have fronted his family’s gospel group at age 10, but you could never tell him he wasn’t the man of the house. “Even though I was the youngest of six,” he says, “I was always willing to sacrifice myself so my family could have a better life.” At 17, he moved to Los Angeles with just $130 in search of a record deal. Instead, he found himself sleeping in a friend’s car and singing on Hollywood Boulevard for money. In 2002, he scraped up enough to press up copies of Based on a True Story, a collection of songs rooted in the pain of his personal struggles. One standout, “Mama Pray,” a heartfeltode to his reverend mother, begs for her blessing as he searches for success. “I really want to provide opportunities,” he says. With that attitude, it’s no wonder he’s the youngest in charge.

SEND US YOUR DEMO.
If you're an unsigned artist, here's your chance to shine! Beginning with the September 2004 issue, VIBE will feature an unsigned act in our monthly Free Agent column. After reviewing submissions, a commit tee of editors will pick the artist/group to be featured as the "Vibe Free Agent" of the month. In addition to national exposure in the magazine, the Free Agent's music will be featured on our Web site, vibe.com, where VIBE readers will rate the music, on a scale of 1 to 5, and give their feedback. If you've got what it takes, and aren't afraid to hear what others have to say, send in your demo. Maybe you'll be VIBE's next Free Agent. Rules:
To qualify, the artist/group must not be signed to a major label or its imprint, or have independent distribution. Selling your music locally or on a Web site is permissible. You must submit, by mail, a quality d emo CD with at least 3 songs, a photo, and contact information. Sending a video with performance footage is optional. Please do not send original copies of your material to VIBE; submissions will not be re turned. All submissions must be original work.
c/o VIBE
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New York, NY 10016