Rising Jazz Star Shenel Johns on Her Debut Album Stars, Faith, Freedom & Artistic Evolution

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed jazz bandleader, vocalist, and storyteller Shenel Johns. We take a deep dive into her highly anticipated debut album Stars , arriving in Summer 2026, along with her career, upcoming performances, and artistic evolution. This debut project marks a major milestone in Shenel’s journey following years of celebrated work as a featured jazz vocalist, ensemble leader, and performer with Jazz at Lincoln Center. Produced by Grammy-winning artist Kamau Kenyatta, the new release showcases her powerful voice, emotional storytelling, and bold artistic identity. On May 16, Shenel celebrates the release of her new EP with a debut performance at the La Jolla Music Society in San Diego, California, followed by an official album release celebration on August 20, 2026, at the legendary Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. Originally from Hartford, Connecticut, Shenel was first drawn to jazz as a form of rebellion against her strict religious upbringing in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Since then, she has built an extraordinary career that includes earning the spot on BBC Classical Radio as a vocalist in a jazz ensemble, while The Boston Globe described her as “history in the making.” In this interview, we discuss jazz vocals, bandleading, creativity, live performance, faith, personal growth, storytelling, contemporary jazz, artistic freedom, collaboration, and the inspiration behind Stars . We cover the whole story. Enjoy this inspiring and powerful conversation with Shenel Johns. More Shenel Johns: For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud:

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Rising Jazz Star Shenel Johns on Her Debut Album Stars, Faith, Freedom & Artistic Evolution is an episode from Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino by Joe Dimino.

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This episode was published on May 15, 2026.

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