R&B Vocalist Jesse Powell Has Died At 51

Culture – 4 hours ago

Photo Credit: Raymond Boyd/Getty Images

According to a statement from his family, R&B vocalist Jesse Powell has died. The singer, known for his 1999 hit “You,” was reportedly 51.

The R&B community is collectively mourning the loss of singer Jesse Powell, who reportedly died on Tuesday (September 13). The Gary, Indiana-born singer was 51 years-old.

Powell’s sister, Trina Powell of R&B sister duo Trina & Tamara, shared an announcement of her older brother’s passing on Instagram.

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother and uncle Jesse Powell. He passed away peacefully in his Los Angeles home,” the statement read. “The family asks for privacy at this time as we mourn the tremendous loss and celebrate his everlasting legacy. Jesse loved music and he especially loved his fans who supported him throughout his career. We want you all to know that you meant the world to him.”

Boasting a four octave vocal range, the Grammy-nominated singer was discovered by music executive and producer Louil Silas, Jr., who also mentored acts Keke Wyatt, Chanté Moore, and Tricky Stewart. Signed to Silas Records/MCA Records early in his career, Powell’s eponymous debut album was released in March 1996, peaking at No. 35 on the Billboard R&B chart.

While Powell’s debut single “All I Need” found modest success, his classic hit “You” first appeared on his self-titled debut, later released on his 1998 sophomore album ‘Bout It. As the second single from ‘Bout It, “You” reached No. 2 on the Billboard R&B chart and No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Powell’s first and only top 10 hit.

Powell would release two more albums during his career, 2001’s JP and Jesse in 2003, seemingly retiring from the music industry thereafter.

Read tributes to Powell below.

rest in love, Jesse Powell 🤍 pic.twitter.com/wyRi75Grah

— i don’t think of her ✨ (@thefuckingvoice) September 14, 2022

The way I wore this album out. Man.

RIP Jesse Powell. We’re losing so much talent. pic.twitter.com/H3ekC6dZYt

— Edward Bowser (@etbowser) September 14, 2022

– RIP JESSE POWELL. 👑 pic.twitter.com/uWaVHvEUqr

— Rob Milton (@therobmilton) September 14, 2022

Jesse Powell is another one of those artist that I don’t know ever received his flowers while he was here. He had such an unforgettable recognizable voice and created some of the most beautiful music that will forever be played in my house. pic.twitter.com/a1qGKPyvsu

— 𝕾𝖕𝖆𝖈𝖊𝖔𝖉𝖉𝖎𝖙𝖞𝖐𝖊𝖑𝖑𝖞 ° (@Spaceodditykel) September 14, 2022

We extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of R&B singer, Jesse Powell, best known for his timeless classic “You” originally releasing in 1996 and re-releasing in 1998. The hit charted #2 on Billboard R&B and #10 on US Billboard in 1999. May your soul rest in power. pic.twitter.com/GqoaH0j7cZ

— SoulFaces (@soulfacesmedia) September 14, 2022