Biographies
Big John Dickerson
Jamela Pettiford
In 1940, Big John Dickerson's musical career took off. Big John was born in Sandusky, Ohio where he was raised on blues and soul music. The magnitude of Big John's voice couldnt be contained by the street corners and local bars where he got his start. He began as a jazz drummer and singer. Over the course of Big John's storied career, he has worked with many musicians from various musical genres. The question is, "Who hasn't Big John Dickerson worked with?" Throughout over six (6) decades of music, Big John has played with many well known artists, including Jimmy Smith, Wes Montgomery, Jack McDuff and Stan Turrentine.
When you hear Big John Dickerson sing, you'll kick off your dancing shoes. He is a terrific performer, and entertainer, and is nicknamed the world's oldest teenager. When you're not dancing, you'll fall in love listening to his rich, deep, sexy voice. Every time he stands on stage, you'll think he's invited you to your own private party, just you and him. An experience in showmanship you won't soon forget.
The Big John Dickerson Show Band can be compared to a Las Vegas style band consisting of six entertaining musicians. Currently, the band is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and performs across the United States for corporate and social events, night clubs, award ceremonies, wedding receptions and conventions.
In the 1980's Big John Dickerson started several Twin Cities groups, and has recorded two independent CDs and one CD for the Cannonball label. Recently Big John has one live CD and is making his first movie appearance.
Jamela, Jamela, Oh let it be told your voice is rich like silver and gold. In your talent there is no lack, you're so anointed nothing can hold you back. You're Gods gifted one, that's true the sky holds no limit for you.
Jamela was born for such a time as this. Jamela (Jam) Pettiford's middle name is Jean, and her powerful, jazzy voice comes from her genes. Jamela is a descendant of the late Oscar and Ira Pettiford, the famous jazz musicians. They in turn descended from Doc Pettiford of the Traveling Minstrel Band. Because music flows in her blood, Jamela began singing in church at the early age of 4. She sang for schools, entertained at holiday functions, and sang with a number of youth choirs.
Jamela's career has exploded, for she is an up and coming star. When Jamela opens her mouth you know its a God given talent that's got to be heard. She has been singing with the Big John Dickerson Band for over 3 years now. The band is in demand and is sought after by corporations, organizations, night clubs and festivals. When Jamela sings your favorite tunes you'll hear the excitement in her voice, and experience a heavenly presence as she struts her stuff. You'll have to get on the dance floor and shake loose from the power her voice has over you.
Jamela Pettiford is an actress as well as a singer. She has performed at various theatres. She is a no-nonsense spoken word artist too! Her voice can also be heard on various compilation CDs with local artists. Along with The Big John Dickerson Band, Jamela was the recipient of the 2005 Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame. Jamela is working on her debut CD to be released the fall of 2011.
