Jerry Dean Lester is a soulful and gifted vocalist, songwriter, producer, and performer with deep roots in gospel, R&B, and hip-hop. His powerful voice, ranging from baritone to alto, is shaped by influences like Luther Vandross, Jeffrey Osborne, Freddie Jackson, and neo-soul artist Maxwell.

Jerry’s songwriting career began in the mid-1970s as a keyboardist with R&B bands like Earthbound, opening for jazz great Ramsey Lewis in 1977 at the Philadelphia Civic Center. In the 1980s, he wrote “Is It Over?” for Mighty Three Music Publishing in Philadelphia. By 1990, Jerry was featured as a solo artist in PBS's Rap to Rock, produced by Broadway music publisher Eric Colodne. His debut R&B/Hip-Hop album, Tomorrow, released in 1995 on Surprize Records, showcased his unique sound and artistic vision.

Beyond music, Jerry’s talents extended to acting, with roles in August Wilson's Seven Guitars and Athol Fugard’s My Children, My Africa. He also appeared in music videos like The Eurythmics’ I Saved the World Today, and on television in Sex and the City and All My Children.

In 2004, Jerry released his first gospel/hip-hop album, Dearly Beloved, and later joined the Grammy-winning gospel choir, Rev. Stef and Jubilation (RSJ). Over 15 years with RSJ, he performed backup vocals for Jessica Simpson, Queen Latifah, Dionne Warwick, and Cissy Houston. Highlights of his career include singing at Carnegie Hall and for dignitaries such as the King of the Ashanti.

In September 2024, Jerry launched The Jerry Lester Experience at the Metuchen Porchfest. Now in 2025, he’s unveiling his sophomore R&B album, Destiny—a celebration of the 70s concept albums, with vibrant horns, lush strings, afro/Latin percussion, and unforgettable vocal hooks.

Jerry Dean Lester's musical journey continues to evolve, promising more songs, more performances, and more memories.