Memphis’ very own Jessica Ray Griffin – the daughter of Grammy-nominated bass player Ray Griffin – won BET’s “106 & Park Wild Out Wednesday” live competition on Feb. 17.  No stranger to the big stage, Griffin, who became a solo artist at age 8, has opened for entertainment heavyweights such as Jerry Butler, Gene Chandler, The Platters and the Drifters. The very busy 22 year old is a full-time University of Memphis student, a member of the Sound Fushion band, a University Singers classical choir member, and lead female vocalist for the Memphis Soul Review.

Nyah Nile

Nyah Nile:  Thanks Jessica for sitting down with me so soon. I know you just returned home from New York after the big win. Congratulations.  Your aunt Whitney called us from New York to tell us the great news.

Jessica Ray Griffin: Aunt Whitney is the best.  Thank you so much for the support. It means a lot to me and my family.

Nyah: Give me the scoop. Tell me about how this journey to BET “106 & Park” began?

Jessica: It felt awesome…my journey began here in Memphis.  I participated in a local contest, which was held at Frasyer High….I made the first audition and they kept talking about bringing in Pat Charles, who is the writer for BET’s “106 & Park”.…So the next show was Jan. 23 and all the celeb judges came to the big show. We were given a long speech about just going out there and doing our best.  I performed and was the only vocalist chosen; the other two were rappers…   

Nyah: So how did you end up in New York City on national TV?

Jessica Ray Griffin (Courtesy photos)

Jessica: Well, I was chosen to hit the stage on BET and it was supposed to be in March. I was bumped up to February, so it has been crazy since the beginning. We flew on the plane to New York (and) we arrived on Tuesday at midnight. We were so tired, but we had to rehearse. So we rehearsed, then went to bed (and) then we were up at 9 a.m. for dress rehearsal. We had to be at sound check at 3:45 pm.  Until then, we sat nervously in the green room and at 6 p.m. eastern time everything started.  Next thing you know we’re on stage and they announced me as the winner.

Nyah: Wow, the way you told that story sounds like everything in the middle was a blur for you?

Jessica:  (laughter) Yes, it was because everything happened so fast. It is a two-hour show but it did not seem like it at all. I just want to say to Memphis thank you so much. I know the whole country was watching and may have had something to do with it, but I think it was Memphis. You have to understand, I started off with 40 percent. So Memphis had to have been voting before I even performed and when we tied at 35 percent my heart was racing. When Memphis saw the tie they must have just really said, “Oh no. We are not having a tie.”…I jumped 5 percent in the last eight minutes. That means everybody was voting and voting multiple times. So I cannot thank Memphis enough. Thank you Memphis so much from the bottom of my heart. Seriously, I wanted to cry.

Nyah: You have such a supportive mom, who is also your manager. That has to be great for your career

Jessica:  Everyone always asks me is it difficult having a mom as a manager?  I have to say yes it is, and it is not…. She is my mom and the closest thing to me, so you know it is hard taking certain things she says, but I have to remember she has my best interest at heart….My mom is tough and it has been a interesting ride, but I appreciate every bit of it along the way.

Nyah:  How important do you think it is for this generation to stay involved and educate themselves in the music that paved the way?

Jessica:  I think it is so very important that young people be more involved and bridge the gap…music would not be what it is today if it were not for legends like Earth, Wind and Fire, The Commodores. My goodness I love The Commodores.  I mean my dad had me on them since I was a little girl riding in the car listening to “Sail on.”

The music that I do today is somewhat a reflection of that era in music.

Nyah:  I admire you for being an artist who is also a student going to school to study the behind the scenes of music. Touch on for a minute what you’re studying and why?  

Jessica:  I am going to The University of Memphis for Recording Technology…. I did not want to be an artist that was just clueless when they go into a studio. I wanted to be able to verbally communicate with them in a musical manner. I think it was important on my part and plus I have something to fall back on when I am 50, or whatever age. With my education, I can get behind the board and help others. Also, I will be respected as an up-and-coming artist.

Nyah: What would you say to (other artists) so they will be ready for that big day, if and when it comes for them?

Jessica:  Practice every day. I practice every day. There is no way you can be good on stage unless you practice every day.   

Nyah:  Describe what fans can expect to hear when they listen to your upcoming album.

Jessica:  As an artist, I would describe my sound as an R & B, pop kind of girl, with just a little rock style. So be on the lookout for my album.

(If you have questions or comments or would like Nyah Nile at your next big event, email nyah@tri-statedefender.com.)

(Check out Nyah Nile at 7 p.m. every Friday covering the hottest artists and entertainment in Memphis on “Issues of Life” on Comcast Channel 17)