Today we’d like to introduce you to Elliott Jeter
Hi Elliott, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
First and foremost, I give God all the glory, honor, and praise for my story and where I am today. I wouldn’t be where I’m at if it wasn’t for Him. I was born and raised in Gaffney, SC. In addition to God, I’d like to mention my parents, Lewis Jeter Sr. and Carolyn Jeter, and my siblings, Lewis Jeter Jr. and Corvette Jeter. They have all played a big part in where I am today.
My music career began when I was around 5 years old. I was introduced to my first love (musically speaking) at this age. Around the age of 5, the first musical instrument that I learned to play was the drums. Before I got my first drum set, I would use almost anything I could find and turn it into a makeshift drum set. One thing in particular that I used was a green Little Tikes chair. I still have that chair as a reminder to continue working toward my dreams and goals.
My love for playing the drums grew even more when my dad bought me my first drum set. I improved my skills and began playing the drums at my home church (Galilee Baptist Church in Blacksburg, SC).
After playing the drums for a while, I took an interest in learning to play the piano. At this point, I was around 10 years old. I started playing the piano by ear and then took lessons to learn notes, chords, etc., and improve my skills. Julius Camp (Camp’s School of Music) was my piano instructor.
Shortly after starting piano lessons, I began playing the piano at my home church, weddings, local events, etc. After learning to play the piano, I took an interest in learning to play more instruments.
The piano is my primary instrument, but I’ve also learned to play the bass guitar, saxophone, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, organ, and other instruments. One of my goals is to learn to play as many instruments as possible.
I played the alto saxophone in my middle school’s concert band. I also played the alto saxophone in my high school’s concert band, the piano in the jazz band, and the keyboard in the marching band. While in high school, I was awarded “Best Soloist” at a jazz band competition and won a free trip to participate in a summer jazz camp at Southern Wesleyan University.
While in college, I met some talented musicians, and we formed a band called The Edge. We all met at an Open Mic event in the student center. We formed the band after realizing how much we enjoyed playing music and seeing an opportunity to perform for other events on and around campus.
The original members of the band included Ray Singleton (who has performed on America’s Got Talent and made an appearance on the Ellen DeGeneres Show with his late wife, Roslyn Singleton), Justin Allen (who is a fantastic drummer and DJ), Julian Thompson (an awesome keyboardist and who I’ve known since high school), and myself. Curtis Hayes (Curt Keyz), another incredible keyboardist, producer, and music artist, later joined the band. Kourtney Pendergrass and Christopher Spence (DJ Pre-K) were honorary band members and occasionally sang with The Edge. Spence is an “edutainer,” author, and children’s DJ.
I’m thankful for all of these talented individuals. They played a big part in making my college experience a great one.
As far as where I am today, I’m humbled and honored to be a musician at Boyd Hill Baptist Church (BHBC) in Rock Hill, SC. I celebrated my 15th anniversary of being a musician at BHBC in November 2024. I can’t believe how fast time is going. I became a musician at BHBC during my freshman year of college while attending my alma mater, Winthrop University.
I’m also the owner and founder of E. Jeter Music. My business specializes in providing live music for weddings and other events. In addition, I offer songwriting services, and I provide services as a recording studio session musician.
Aside from providing music services, I award a scholarship (the E. Jeter Music Scholarship) every year to deserving senior students attending my high school alma mater (Gaffney High School). I am excited to award the scholarship to a recipient for the current school year.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I won’t say it’s been a smooth road, but it has been rewarding. Owning and running a business has its ups and downs. There have been times when I’ve worn myself down by trying to be too booked and busy. I’ve since learned the importance of taking time to rest and relax. Self-care is essential. Also, having unnecessary stress isn’t worth the toll it can have on you mentally and physically. So, for me, being intentional about resting and relaxing instead of pushing myself to stay booked and busy as much as possible is something that I struggled with at one point.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a musician and an entrepreneur. My primary instrument is the piano, but I play several other instruments. My business is a music business that I founded in January 2017. Before founding my business, my goal and dream was to make E. Jeter Music “bigger than music.” I’ve been blessed to see my goal/dream come to fruition. I not only perform music and provide other music services, but I’ve also been able to give back. Within a few months of starting my business, I created and awarded the E. Jeter Music Scholarship to the very first recipient from my high school alma mater. I’ve awarded a scholarship every year since starting my business.
I’m known for performing music. Music is my passion. There is no other feeling like performing music and bringing people joy.
I’m proud of many accomplishments, but I have to say the accomplishment I’m most proud of is releasing my first Smooth Jazz album, “One Day at a Time.” The album was officially released on November 17th, 2024. I have to say a huge “Thank You” to the album’s mixing engineer, Jamie Brown, the album photoshoot photographer, Rudy Jefferson (Rudy Jefferson Photography), the SoundLAB at Disc Makers for mastering the tracks of the album, and Jeanene Rushing who allowed me to do my album photoshoot in the Frances May Barnes Recital at Winthrop University.
My album “One Day at a Time” is available on all music streaming platforms. If you enjoy listening to smooth jazz music, be sure to check out my album.
I’ll also add that I hosted an album listening party the day before my album was released. The listening party allowed an exclusive audience to listen to the entire album before it was released. I’m proud that the listening party was a success. Everyone had great things to say about my album.
I want to give a special “Thank You” to the following individuals on my team who helped make my album listening party successful:
Lewis Jeter Sr.
Carolyn Jeter
Lewis Jeter Jr.
Corvette Jeter
Lindsay Jeter
Lola Jeter
Leilani Jeter
Larry Montgomery Jr.
Charlotte Ann Kilgore
Leslie McAllister
I also have to give a huge “Thank You” to everyone who attended. My event wouldn’t have been a success without the attendees. I love and appreciate them all for their support.
Regarding what sets me apart from others, I’d say my professionalism, communication skills, and being well-prepared for performances. Whenever I’m booked for a gig, I strive to display the highest level of professionalism possible and communicate well. I also learn and practice music in advance to prepare for the gig.
I make sure to reply to phone calls, text messages, and emails in a timely manner from the initial conversation and beyond. I also arrive at performances early to set up, do a sound check, and ensure that everything is in order to give an excellent performance. Being punctual and communicating well goes a long way in ensuring everything goes according to plan. These things also ensure that the individual who books me for an event isn’t worried about me not showing up to perform or leaving them entirely in the dark after booking me for the gig.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
I have many childhood memories that I could choose from, but my favorite involves my late grandmother, Mahalia Kilgore. My parents often took me to my grandmother’s house when I was younger. There was an old upright piano in the dining room at her house. I would attempt to play that piano every time I visited my grandmother. At the time, I didn’t have any musical training, so I would play by ear and try to play a tune that sounded somewhat decent.
As I went to my grandmother’s house more and more, I became better at playing the song I’d been practicing. I really must have improved at playing because my grandmother started dancing in the kitchen to the music this particular day that I can vividly remember. Seeing the joy my grandmother had as she was dancing while I played the piano encouraged me to continue improving my skills.
I’m grateful for this childhood memory. I often think back on this memory for encouragement. I’m thankful for my family, my friends, and everyone else who has supported me and my music in any way. And I’m especially grateful for God. Without Him, I would have nothing. God gets all the credit. I thank Him for everything He has done, is doing, and will do in my life. God is amazing!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ejetermusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ejeter_music/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/ejeter.music/
- Twitter: https://x.com/ejeter_music/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ejeter_music
- Other: https://elliottjeter.com/
Image Credits
Rudy Jefferson (Rudy Jefferson Photography): Photoshoot Photos
Terrence Jones (Uniquely Captured by Jones): Album Listening Party Photo
