Jason Shorter

Who is this R&B male singer that has opened for American Idol, Fantasia in Montgomery, AL; opened for Anthony Hamilton and Urban Mystic in Huntsville, AL; opened for Avant and K-Ci & JoJo in Atlanta; opened for icons Frankie Beverly and Maze in Savannah, GA; opened for R&B legend, Keith Sweat in Columbia, SC; performed with Xscape in Columbus, GA; opened for early 80's divas, Klymaxx and the group, Surface in Nashville, TN; performed with Angela Winbush, Midnight Star, Zapp and Sir Charles in Huntsville, AL; opened for David Banner in Talladega, AL; opened for Crime Mobb and I-20 of DTP in Columbus, GA; opened for Roy Jones, Jr. and Goodie Mobb in Fort Valley, GA; performed with Nappy Roots, Rasheeda, Jody Breeze from Boyz N Da Hood, BMEs Bohagun, Dem Franchise Boyz, Tango Red, and David Banner in Columbus, GA; opened for Syleena Johnson in Atlanta; performed with Ken Ford in Atlanta; opened for Willie Clayton in Evergreen, AL; opened for the "Stand Up In It Man" Theotis Ealey in Jacksonville, FL; and opened for comedian T. K. Kirkland, and comedians Joe and Guy Torre in Atlanta? Born in Middletown, Connecticut, this handsome, 6'3" young man is positioning himself to take the music industry by storm. He is the next great male R&B sensation; Jason Shorter aka Jay-EL. Jason’s talent for singing was discovered at the age of four when he began singing in church choirs. By the time he was a pre-teen, he was in high demand to sing at several banquets and parties in his community.

 

In August 2000, Jason appeared on ShowTime at the Apollo in New York. He exhibited uncommon poise and confidence with his a cappella rendition of Usher's Bedtime to a packed house at the Apollo. He received a standing ovation from the crowd, and hysterical screams from most of the women in the audience. He beat out several talented artists, including a long-standing champion, when he took 1st place three times in a row before the Apollo season ended. Jason’s performances aired in December 2000, again in April 2001, and in syndication. Millions across the country viewed his performances, and the response from diverse individuals within the entertainment industries and general public has been overwhelming. To this day, Jason still meets individuals who were moved by his Apollo performances.

 

In 2003, Jason aka Jay-EL released his first single entitled, "Be About Yours" from the album with the same title. His first single, "Be About Yours" charted for 16 weeks on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Single Sales Chart. This record also charted on 20 different record pools across the United States. "Be About Yours" is still a favorite with DJ's around the world in the U.K., Canada, Spain, Germany, France, Japan and Croatia, and was just recently licensed for distribution in Italy.

 

In 2005, Jason had success with two singles, "Dance Close" and "Reverse." Both singles received significant airplay in the Southeast through Columbus and Macon, Georgia; Montgomery, Huntsville, Dothan, Tuscaloosa, and Tuscumbia, Alabama; Charleston, South Carolina; and Alexandria and Lake Charles, Louisiana. Dance Close charted on 16 different record pools across the country and Canada, and took off with DJs in the clubs, including DJ's in Canada and Germany, while the steamy ballad, Reverse, moved women of all ages! Both Dance Close and Reverse racked up numerous awards from musicians and other music industry personnel at www.garageband.com.

 

In 2006 Jason released another ballad, Can’t Let Go, which has gotten spins on several stations across the Southeast, on several Internet stations, and in the U.K. and Canada. Can’t Let Go charted in New Brunswick, Canada after 4 days of airplay on CFMH 92.5 FM for the week of January 8, 2006! Ultimately, the single reached the No. 1 spot in March 2006 above some of today’s major artists on major record labels! Can’t Let Go also won 1st place on American Idol Undergrounds website at www.idolunderground.com for the month of March 2006 out of 605 competitors. Can’t Let Go remained in the Top 50 on the same websites R&B Internet radio station.

 

In 2010, Jason gained more recognition by appearing on Season 9 of American Idol where he advanced to the Hollywood Round of the competition. Jason continues to make a name for himself by doing what he does best, sing and perform. Jason is back recording a new project to be released in early 2017. Jason currently works with Night Shift Entertainment, known for providing premiere entertainment in the northeast.  He performs regularly as the lead male vocalist in one of their bands, District 21.

 

For those who are now learning of Jason Shorter aka Jay-EL, enjoy the sounds of R&B Soul's newest arrival.

 

 Be sure to check out the event page for upcoming events where Jason will be performing.