Jazzin with Blakes

Kelvin Blakes—a proud Detroit native whose love for jazz sparked during my college years. While I didn’t grow up immersed in the genre, something about its soul, complexity, and emotion pulled me in. And what better place to explore it than right here in Detroit—a city with deep jazz roots and a legacy that’s shaped American music history.

Detroit has long been a vibrant hub for jazz, dating back to the 1920s and 30s when Black Bottom and Paradise Valley were thriving cultural epicenters. Legendary venues like the Blue Bird Inn and Baker’s Keyboard Lounge (the oldest jazz club in the world still in operation) helped launch the careers of jazz greats like Elvin Jones, Yusef Lateef, and Donald Byrd. The city has always nurtured a sound that blends grit, innovation, and deep soul.

With Jazzin’ With Blakes, He’s inviting you to join him on a musical journey—rediscovering the classics, unearthing hidden gems, and shining a light on today’s jazz artists keeping the tradition alive. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just jazz-curious, there’s a seat for you here. Discovering this rich and diverse genre together.