Jazmin Ghent-Jackson, Ph.D., is an award-winning international jazz saxophonist and educator, rapidly becoming a leading voice in contemporary jazz, R&B and gospel.

Her rise began in 2014 at the Smooth Jazz Cruise’s Show Your Talent competition. Ghent’s third album, The Story of Jazz, earned her a prestigious NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Jazz Album in 2019, and her fourth, Forever Jaz, garnered another nomination in 2022. She has also been recognized by the Smooth Jazz Network, earning Best Artist of the Year nominations and winning Best New Smooth Jazz Artist in 2017. 

Ghent’s dynamic performances have graced prestigious festivals and venues worldwide, including repeat appearances at The Dave Koz Cruise, Brian Culbertson’s Napa Valley Jazz Getaway, and the Newport Beach Jazz Festival. She’s also captivated audiences at the Long Beach Jazz Festival, Mallorca Smooth Jazz Festival, and numerous others across the globe, including performances in Australia, Spain, and the Caribbean. Art Good of Catalina Island’s JazzTrax praised Ghent as a “BEST FIND,” noting her exceptional stage presence and ability to connect with audiences, as evidenced by her top CD sales at the festival. 

Beyond her performance career, Ghent is a passionate music educator. She dedicated five years to teaching music to K-5 students in Lakeland, Fla. Her commitment to education extends internationally, including a U.S. Embassy-sponsored trip to Haiti in 2020, leading music workshops, and headlining the International Jazz Festival in Port Au Prince. Ghent also performed at the 2022 World EXPO in Dubai, conducting workshops for young musicians in various locations, including New York, Florida and Texas, where she received the Key to the City of McKinney.

Ghent’s dedication to her craft shows in her academic achievements, including a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from Florida State University, a master’s degree in Music Education from Tennessee State University, and a Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of South Florida. She has already released five albums.

Jazmin has performed at a wide range of diverse festivals, venues, and events.

From across the country and abroad, Jaz brings a stage presence and soulful vibe that is electrifying for every audience!