Jesse L. Powers Jr.
Bio
The Man Behind
the Music
Born September 14, 1951 at Ft. Eustis, VA — an Army brat from the start. Jesse was the firstborn to two incredible parents during a difficult time in American history. He is the oldest of four siblings, the father of five wonderful adult children, and the grandfather to seven even younger, stronger, super beings with super powers.
Jesse's professional musical career began in 1971 upon volunteering — during the draft and the war in Vietnam — to join the U.S. Army as a professional euphonium and trombone player.
Career Timeline
Born at Ft. Eustis, VA
Began trombone at age 9
Joined U.S. Army as professional musician
Self-taught electric bass
Joined U.S. Army Field Band, Washington D.C.
Retired after 34 years of service
Continuing his musical journey
"It is the spirit of music itself that captured and mystified him since early childhood. And so, it continues..."
Early Life & Roots
Born September 14, 1951 at Ft. Eustis, VA — an Army brat from the start. Jesse was the firstborn to two incredible parents during a difficult time in American history. He is the oldest of four siblings, the father of five wonderful adult children, and the grandfather to seven even younger, stronger, super beings with super powers.
Musical Beginnings
Jesse's music education began at age 9 in junior high school, playing the trombone and subsequently the euphonium. Upon entering high school, he won an audition to play in the prestigious, award-winning Hampton High School Band — the foundation of a lifelong musical journey.
U.S. Army Career
Jesse's professional musical career began in 1971 when he volunteered — during the draft and the war in Vietnam — to join the U.S. Army as a professional euphonium and trombone player. During his first enlistment, he taught himself electric bass (1973) to fill a critical role in the unit's big band. He completed the Army's Basic Music Course and later the Advanced NCO Army/Music Courses, taught at the Joint Expeditionary Base, Little Creek–Ft. Story, Virginia Beach, VA. It is through this education and experience that his ability to arrange and compose music was shaped.
The U.S. Army Field Band
The first 15 years of Jesse's military musical career were spent serving in various Army bands. In 1986, he joined the prestigious U.S. Army Field Band from Washington D.C., serving for the Office of the Chief of Public Affairs (OCPA). He served there for the remaining 19 years of his Army career — until retirement. OH HAPPY DAY!
World Tours & Inspirations
Jesse has toured musically in every state in the union — including Alaska and Hawaii — and abroad in Portugal, Mexico, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, France, Cuba, and Nicaragua. His inspirations come from a plethora of professional artists across practically every music genre. It is the spirit of music itself that captured and mystified him since early childhood. And so, it continues...
Today
Today, Jesse continues his musicianship, relentlessly perfecting the canon of musical literature that all the masters before him have successfully embraced. The result: a successful musical career. Truly, with all the challenges in life and the world, life is what you make it. Your personal peace is your responsibility. So if you're searching for that special something to lift you up — just look in the mirror, and choose to make it happen.