It’s been two weeks since Jamz & Conversation, yet the energy from that night at City Winery still resonates deeply. What unfolded wasn’t just a concert; it was an experience rooted in legacy, storytelling, and the timeless power of authentic music.
I had the honor of covering this incredible evening on behalf of The Knockturnal, with special thanks to Elijah Wells of Late Development for the invitation. The Jamz & Conversation series, known for curating soulful, purpose-driven exchanges between artists and audiences, reached new heights with this installment featuring the legendary Jimmy Jam.
Stories Behind the Sound
Few moments in music history feel as intimate as hearing Jimmy Jam recount his own. I didn’t know he attended high school with Prince — a revelation that made his stories even more captivating. He shared how he and Terry Lewis were once fired from Prince’s band for working with other groups and how that very same day, they went into the studio and emerged with a hit. That resilience, that spark of creation, set the tone for a night celebrating purpose through sound.
R&B Royalty and Unforgettable Performances
One of the evening’s highlights was René Neufville, whose presence radiates joy and timeless grace. She captivated the room with heartfelt renditions of her classics “Sending My Love” and “Hey Mr. DJ.” Her effortless chemistry with Jimmy Jam during a live mash-up became one of the night’s defining moments, a pure reminder of the magic that unfolds when legends unite.
The surprises continued when The Force MDs took the stage, delivering their iconic hits “Tender Love” and “Love Is a House.” Over forty years later, their harmonies remain as powerful as ever. Their reunion with Jimmy Jam, their first time sharing the stage since “Tender Love” topped the charts in the 1980s, was deeply moving, bridging generations of R&B excellence.
Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis’ influence spans decades, with classics like “Just Be Good to Me” by The S.O.S. Band and “Encore” by Cheryl Lynn, songs that continue to shape the DNA of modern soul and funk.
The Power of Purposeful Music
When asked which songs mean the most to him, Jimmy Jam named two: “Optimistic” by Sounds of Blackness and “Open My Heart” by Yolanda Adams, both anchored in faith, hope, and inspiration. These selections reveal the heart behind his genius: a commitment to using music as a vessel for healing and unity.
One of the evening’s most profound moments came when Jimmy Jam played just four notes of a reimagined “We Are the World” and invited the audience to sing. He shared that an open verse remains for artists around the world to contribute, aligning with the 100 Billion Meals Challenge, an initiative to create a hunger-free world through music and global collaboration.
“Something big is coming,” he said, and I believe it. I already have my verse ready.
Community, Culture, and Continuity
Elijah Wells was magnetic in his presence when bringing people together is a blend of warmth, engagement, and genuine passion. As the creative force behind Late Development, Wells continues to cultivate spaces where artists and fans meet in shared reverence for sound and story. The Jamz & Conversation series isn’t just an event; it’s a cultural movement bridging generations through dialogue, fun, music, and now, purpose.
The night also featured electric performances from Strafe, whose surprise set turned the venue into a full-blown party, and DJ Goldfinger, who kept the room pulsing with energy. City Winery transformed into a living archive of hits, a celebration of the architects of funk, soul, and the sounds that shaped us.
A Night to Remember
Nights like this reaffirm why we honor our musical legends. They are the architects still here, still giving, still reminding us that legacy isn’t something we look back on; it’s something we live, together, in real time.
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