JAYDENE WILLIAMS

Jaydene was born in 1986 in Jamaica. She sang her first song in church at age 3. She then migrated to the United States and has resided here since then. She attended the New York Institute and graduated a year ago with her high school diploma. Although Jaydene is plagued by sometimes long bout of illnesses, she continues to pursue a singing career.

At age 13, she was stricken with an almost fatal infection from which she slowly recovered but which also caused her to lose her sight. Three years ago, she met Mr. Hopeton Lewis who brought structure as well as meaning to her singing career. Due to his influence, Jaydene has performed with gospel artists among which are Wendy Mitchell, Claudell Clarke, and Candi Staton. She sang at the inaguration of The Honorable Yvette Clarke, City Hall, and “the Riverside Church for the Sunami Victims.

She has received several awards among which are The HYMBI Award of Excellence, The Mount of Blessing Award for outstanding talent , The Caribbean Gospel award for Most Improved Artist 2003, and Top Caribbean Gospel CD Female 2005. Due to her involvement in music, she received a scholarship and will go off to college this fall. Jaydene hopes to pursue a career in music. Currently, she takes guitar and piano lessons. Her ultimate goal is to attend The Julliard School of Music where she can hone her music skills. Jaydene is undaunted by her physical challenges, and she is determined to pursue excellence in all her undertakings. She is encouraged by other blind icons like Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder. She believes that only the best is good enough.