Jesse Powell, an R&B singer who had a hit with “You” in 1996, died on September 13, 2022, at his home in Los Angeles. He was 51 years old. His sisters, Trina Powell and Tamara Powell, who are also recording artists, said he died “peacefully”. His exact cause of death was not revealed by his family. Unconfirmed reports claim he died of a heart attack. His family expressed gratitude to his fans for their support.
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Jesse Powell’s Career and Legacy
Powell was born in Gary, Indiana, and raised with his siblings Trina, Tamara and Jacob. The family performed in local talent shows; and, in 1993, he attracted the attention of producer Carl Roland in Kansas City. Following an artist showcase, Louil Silas signed him to his Silas Records imprint. Three years later, he completed work on his debut album.
His first single, “All I Need”, was written by Powell, Sam Salter and Laney Stewart and was released in March 1996, peaking at #32 on the Billboard R&B chart. His self-titled album was released on March 12, 1996, opening at #35 on the Billboard R&B and #32 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. The follow-up single, a remake of the 1976 Enchantment song “Gloria”, reached #51 R&B.
Powell then began work on his second album, debuting the lead single “I Wasn’t with It” in 1998, which became his first single to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 (#85 US, #25 R&B). Bolstered by the success of the single, his second album ‘Bout It was released on September 8, 1998, topping the Heatseekers chart. The album’s second single, “You”, was released in February 1999 and became his biggest hit, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart and #10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The record was certified gold by the RIAA, peaking at #15 on R&B and #63 on the Billboard 200.
Following Silas Records’ merge into MCA Records, Powell’s first release on the label was the single “If I” in 2000, which peaked at No. 58 on the R&B chart. His third studio album, JP, was released on March 27, 2001, opening at #18 on the R&B chart and #71 on the Billboard 200. A second single, “Something in the Past” (#67 R&B), followed, in addition to Powell doing some promotion for the release. In 2002, he left the label and signed with Riviera Records. His fourth studio album, Jesse, was released on October 14, 2003, and was supported by the singles “By the Way” (#99 R&B) and “Touching It Tonight” (#85 R&B).
Powell was credited with a four-octave vocal range. He was a Grammy nominee. He was also known for his collaborations with other artists, such as Gerald Levert, Kelly Price, Montell Jordan, and Angie Stone.
Jesse Powell’s Family and Fans Mourn His Loss
Powell’s sisters, Trina and Tamara, who are also R&B singers, confirmed his death on their social media accounts. They shared a statement from the family, saying that Powell died “peacefully” in his Los Angeles home. They did not disclose his cause of death, but thanked his fans for their love and support.
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother and uncle Jesse Powell,” Tamara Powell said in a statement from the family on Instagram. “The family asks for privacy at this time as we mourn this tremendous loss and celebrate his everlasting legacy,” it said. The family remembered Powell as a man who loved music and was devoted to his fans. “We want you all to know that you meant the world to him,” the statement concluded.
Tamara Powell also shared a video of her brother performing to the cheers of the crowd. “That voice!” she wrote. “Aside from being one of the best R&B male vocalists out there, you were the best big brother ever. I loved you so much.” “We absolutely adored you ‘Jet’ & our family will not be the same without you,” she said.
Powell’s fans also expressed their condolences and tributes on social media, remembering his songs and his voice. Many said that his music was part of their childhood and teenage years, and that he was one of the best R&B singers of his generation. Some also shared their personal stories of meeting him or seeing him perform live.
“RIP Jesse Powell. You were one of my favorite singers growing up. Your voice was amazing and your songs were timeless. You will be missed,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
“Jesse Powell was one of the most underrated R&B singers ever. His song ‘You’ still gives me chills. He had such a beautiful voice and a humble spirit. I’m so sad to hear of his passing. Rest in peace, Jesse,” another fan wrote on Facebook.
“Wow, I can’t believe Jesse Powell is gone. He was one of the first artists I ever saw live. He was so talented and gracious. He even signed my CD and took a picture with me. He made me feel so special. He was a true legend. My prayers go out to his family and friends,” another fan wrote on Instagram.
Cause of Jesse Powell Death: A Mystery or A Heart Attack?
Powell’s family did not reveal his cause of death, but some unconfirmed reports claim that he died of a heart attack. According to Leedaily, Powell died of a heart attack in his Los Angeles home. However, this has not been verified by any official sources.
Powell’s death came as a shock to many, as he did not seem to have any health issues or signs of illness. He had recently celebrated his 51st birthday on September 12, 2022, and had posted a video of himself singing “Happy Birthday” to himself on his Instagram account. He also thanked his fans for their birthday wishes and said he was looking forward to making more music.
“Thank you all for the birthday love. I appreciate you all so much. I’m feeling good and blessed. I’m working on some new music for you. Stay tuned. Love you all,” he wrote.
Powell’s last public appearance was in July 2022, when he performed at the Soulful Summer Nights concert in Los Angeles, along with other R&B artists such as Jon B, Donell Jones, and Case. He sang some of his hits, such as “You”, “If I”, and “Something in the Past”, and received a warm reception from the audience.
Powell’s death is a tragic loss for the R&B community and his fans, who will always remember his voice and his music. He leaves behind a legacy of four albums, several singles, and countless collaborations. He also leaves behind his family, who loved him dearly and asked for privacy during this difficult time.
