Women In Music You Should Know: Charis Jones

According to MusicianWave.Com, in the music industry dominated by male performers, the number ratio of female artists has been known to drop over the years. Women represent less than 1/3 of artists in the music world today, with 12.6% of songwriters and fewer than 3% of producers that have been on the charts, between the years 2012 and 2020.

It has become more important than ever to support and highlight women in music who are making an impact through their innovative artistry. It is our distinct pleasure to introduce you to Charis Jones also known as Charis Reese, an acclaimed independent R&B Artist. She is known for her world-renowned GoGo Remixes that fuse R&B and Jazz elements into one.

Her success includes selling out music venues across the East Coast and Southern Corridors, Songs in rotation on Sirius XM Heart and Soul, Sirius XM Crank Radio on H.U.R. Voices, and WPGC 95.5FM, to name a few. Her television performances include Good Morning Washington on ABC7, Great Day Washington on WUSA9, and Spectrum News Channel 1 in Southern California.

We’ve obtained an exclusive interview with Charis Jones.

Please tell us about your educational background.

Charis: I am a graduate of Bishop McNamara High School and attended Xavier University in Louisiana for College, but due to Hurricane Katrina I transferred to Drexel University in Philadelphia. There, I acquired a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Chemistry, along with a Certificate in Health Science, English, and Philosophy. Later, I graduated with a Master’s in Public Health. In 2022, I graduated with Presidential Honors from the Los Angeles College of Music with a Degree in Vocal Performance.

When did you know you wanted to become a singer?

Charis: When I was born, I had to remain in the NICU for several weeks, as the umbilical cord was wrapped tightly around my neck, obstructing my air passageway. It was thought that I would not be able to speak audibly, let alone sing. Yet, I was surrounded by so much joy and music, I eventually began humming, and then singing along with other songs I heard on the radio while riding in my mother’s car, or while attending church. Possibly around the age of 5, My mother asserts that out of the blue, I just began singing Donnie McClurkin’s “Speak to My Heart” and my mother was flabbergasted by this miracle. From that point on, I gravitated to any and all things musical. 

I had my first solo in the children’s choir at Ebenezer AME Church at age 7 and participated in many choir recordings by way of my godfather, Donald Vails. He taught me so much and introduced me to prominent gospel singers, and was able to sing alongside and with backgrounds for people such as Kirk Franklin, Yolanda Adams, and Byron Cage. Fast forwarding through high school, and into College, I was asked to be a member of the Drexel Gospel Choir and was given a solo for our fundraiser performance where we conducted missionary outreach in Kingston, Jamacia. Following this moment, I started to feel that singing was my calling and gift from GOD. It was not until my first year in graduate school at Drexel University that I signed up for a talent showcase and performed as an independent artist. At that inception, I knew I wanted to become a singer.

What keeps you inspired? What motivates you?

Charis: My inspiration is my grandmother, Willa Belle Martin, who was my biggest inspiration. She believed in me as a little girl, afforded me the opportunity to take piano lessons as a little girl, took me to all of my after-school activities, sowed my girl scout patches on my uniform, took my brother and I to church, and raised us while my mom worked to finanically support us two. She always told me to reach for the stars and remain true to the gift God had given to me. She would listen to my songs and always find something encouraging to articulate about them. I miss her so much, yet I know she is in heaven looking over her baby girl. Additionally, what inspires me is offering the little girls and young boys with dreams who were told they aren’t as good, or they are not the most popular that their gifts will make room for them, and to motivate them to be unstoppable against all odds. I am motivated by supporting others and pouring into them.

What can you share with us about the Like A Girl S. T.E.A.M. conference?

Charis: The Like A Girl S. T.E.A.M. conference provides mentor-led workshops, networking, and financial aid support to middle and high school-aged young women, as a spin-off from my hit single, Like A Girl GoGo Remix. As a former Adjunct Professor and High School Teacher for over 7 years, I dedicated my time to informing students on how to balance their dreams while pursuing their career goals. I am an agent of change and talent promotion and works within the vein of everyone having their own lane, and therefore, no one is in competition with anyone.

It is International Black Women’s History Month. Name two Black women who inspire you and why.

Charis: I am inspired by Cheryl L. Cooley, the guitarist, and songwriter of the only all-female band that has billboard charted on the top 100, KLYMAXX. I have the luxury of seeing how she has protected, while simultaneously advancing the legacy of the band. She has offered so many women musicians a platform to share and showcase their artistry and I am her biggest fan.

I am also inspired by Trisch L. Smith who is the Global Chief Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer at Edelman, the world’s top publication relation firm. Trisch would proofread my essays in High School and even during my college days. She is my big sister, and she is a humble force to reckon with, who also champions other women of color to go against the odds and effect change.

I know you requested only two women of color, but I would be remiss if I did not mention my best friend, Dr. Kristyn J. Smith as being a phenomenal leader and pioneer in homeopathic medicine. Kris is the youngest African American attendant and clinical professor of Emergency Medicine at Penn Med, the University of Pennsylvania Health System and Hospital. She too lost her grandmother and dedicated her medical advancements to ensuring there is better health equity and equality in the medical field.