SJL Music

The 24-year-old solo artist SJL (Samuel J.L. Haynes III) – R&B/Soul singer, songwriter and poet - naturally produces gospel-tinged ballads of a deep and smoky complexity. His compelling, gritty vocals and vulnerable lyrics uncover a strong and passionate poet sharing his life, love and pain, while his genuinely personal songs and sweet crooning melodies define him as an R&B modern classic.
Born in Wichita Falls, Texas and raised in Dothan, Alabama, SJL radiates a natural sexiness through his quiet confidence and southern charm. Raised in a family of pastors and gospel singers, young SJL began his singing career through church and school choirs. From an early age he entertained at family parties and community gatherings, but his first performance as the lead in a middle school choir singing “Lean on Me” at age 12 truly uncovered his gift.
At 17, SJL joined Agape Love – a 4-part gospel acapella group in Portland, Oregon – where he first toured with and performed at numerous Northwest churches for four years. Thereafter, SJL started working on his own projects, and is currently recording his debut album entitled An Open Book (Iceberg Entertainment) to be released in March of 2007.
SJL professes, “When I have a mic in my hand I become an open book and just as I script emotions on paper, my voice narrates the chapters of my life for others to examine, learn and fall in love with my experiences.”
With a sound influenced primarily by soul crooners Brian McKnight and John Legend, SJL grew up with exposure to Luther Ingram, Stevie Wonder, Brook Brenton, Sam Cook, The Temptations, Baby Face and Boyz II Men.
SJL is equals parts lover and fighter. A former Oregon and Washington state middleweight amateur boxing champion, SJL entered the boxing pro ranks in the fall of 2006. In the ring this fighter is no joke, and currently holds a pro record of 2-0 (2KO) and an amateur record of 11-3 (7KO’s.)
SJL is also a dedicated family man, with two young boys –Sakari Jaheim Lee and Sadiq James Lynn– his constant inspiration and motivation. Look forward to seeing and hearing big things from this multi-talented performer over the next few years.
If you like what you hear, add SJL as a friend, and watch your bulletins for updated event information. Get the word out, and support a legend in the making.
Check out the footage below to see how an R&B modern classic throws down in the ring:
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