Having now been in the music business for 43 years, JEFFERY ALLEN SPENCE began his professional career at the age of 15 playing in successful jazz trios, serving as pianist in the Bill Causey Orchestra (Shreveport LA) and big band arranger for the Louisiana pageant system.  During his high school years he was music director for numerous theatrical productions (i.e. Oklahoma) and leading his own jazz/rock performance groups.

 

After high school, he studied music, languages and theology at 6 different universities which included jazz studies programs at Loyola University New Orleans and University of New Orleans, where he studied piano under Ellis Marsalis.

 

In the late 70’s Jeffery toured the world with Living Sound, a Christian touring band from Oral Roberts University. The stint included playing such high profile gigs at Shea Stadium (40,000 ppl) and European events.

 

During the 80’s, Jeffery acted as minister of music for several churches in the southern United States, facilitating choirs, orchestras and theatrical productions as well as piano conductor for Fiesta Texas (San Antonia, Gaylord Entertainment). He has performed with such artists as Brook Benton, Jimmy Witherspoon, Marva Wright, Brian Blade and has opened for such groups as Spyro Gyra and the Neville Brothers. He also orchestrated for Miss America and Cheryll Pruitt Blackwood, as well as doing pianist duties for the traveling Broadway cast of AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ (Strands Theatre).

 

After establishing his show on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, Jeff did his first recording, “ROCKING LOUSIANA MAN” for Rabadash Records in New Orleans. He was later picked up by BMG Europe. This success prompted many European and Canadian tours.

 

Having honed his musical and comedic skills on Bourbon Street, Jeffery began entertaining thousands of people on cruise ships and resorts around the world. He also performed his musical comedy show for over 20 years at the Hilton Palacio Del Rio on the Riverwalk in San Antonio, Texas.

 

In the last 10 years, Jeffery’s focus has been on Personal Empowerment and Recovery related to entertainment events.  His newly recorded CDs include PIANO CALM (Relaxation CD) and POSITIVELY SWING! While serving as minister of music at Unity of San Antonio, Jeffery opened GRATITUDE ROAD RECORDING STUDIOS, where he produces CD projects and empowerment-oriented television programming.

 

Jeffery is currently producing his original song CD entitled, GRATITUDES,  based on his corporate seminar, GREAT GOBS OF GRATITUDE. Jeffery hosts EMPOWERMENT TODAY and RECOVERY EMPOWERMENT TONIGHT.