Johnaye Kendrick is a 2-time Grammy® Award-winning vocalist, arranger, composer, orchestrator, and multi-instrumentalist whose work spans the boundaries of jazz, contemporary music, and original composition. Known for her breathtaking vocal artistry and innovative approach to arrangement, Johnaye creates music that is as thoughtful as it is captivating. Johnaye holds a Master of Music from Loyola University and an Artist Diploma from the prestigious Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz, where she honed her skills under the guidance of the world's greatest jazz luminaries. Her performances seamlessly blend original compositions with reimagined interpretations of beloved jazz and contemporary works, delivering deeply emotional and memorable experiences.

A passionate advocate for music education, Johnaye serves as a Professor of Music at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, shaping the next generation of artists through mentorship and instruction. Her commitment to authenticity led her to establish her independent label, johnygirl, in 2014, through which she has produced and released two acclaimed albums. HERE showcases heartfelt original compositions, while FLYING offers a compelling mix of originals and covers, earning praise from critics and audiences alike.

Johnaye's dedication to her craft has earned her significant accolades. She won consecutive Grammy® Awards in 2024 and 2025 in the category of Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals, for the breathtaking pieces In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning and Alma, created alongside her groundbreaking vocal group säje and Jacob Collier. That same year, she received the coveted Earshot Jazz Golden Ear Award for Northwest Vocalist of the Year.

Her artistry and impact extend beyond performances and recordings. Johnaye is a 2023 recipient of the Jack Straw Creative Residency and has been awarded prestigious grants and fellowships, including the Chamber Music America New Jazz Works Grant (2022), Marble House Creative Residency (2022), South Arts Jazz Road Creative Residency (2022), and the Chamber Music America Performance Plus Grant (2020). These accolades reflect her commitment to pushing boundaries, nurturing creativity, and fostering meaningful musical expression. With a remarkable combination of technical expertise, emotional depth, and artistic integrity, Johnaye Kendrick continues to inspire audiences and collaborators as an exceptional force in the world of music.