Senate Resolution No. 1462
BY: Senator PARKER
HONORING Autumn Jones upon the occasion of her
designation as recipient of the Nina Simone Artistic
Excellence Award in Jazz, R&B, and Soul Music
Entertainment by Young, Gifted, & Black
Entrepreneurial Awards, Inc.
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
commend artists whose creative excellence, authenticity, and cultural
impact enrich the musical landscape and advance the enduring legacy of
Black artistic expression; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is proud to honor Autumn
Jones, acclaimed singer-songwriter and performer, upon her designation
as recipient of the Nina Simone Artistic Excellence Award in Jazz, R&B &
Soul Music Entertainment by Young, Gifted, & Black Entrepreneurial
Awards, Inc., on Wednesday, February 25, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 2006 by Carl Gray, the Young, Gifted, & Black
Entrepreneurial Awards, Inc., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to
recognizing distinguished individuals of color across the Americas, the
Caribbean, and Africa, celebrating "Unsung Heroes and Heroines" whose
talent, resilience, and leadership have made a lasting cultural and
community impact; and
WHEREAS, A native of Maplewood, New Jersey, Autumn Jones is an
alumna of Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts, where she
refined her musical craft and developed the soulful, narrative-driven
artistry that now defines her work across jazz, R&B, and neo-soul
traditions; and
WHEREAS, Her music reflects deeply personal storytelling, emotional
honesty, and musical sophistication, drawing from lived experience to
create songs that resonate with authenticity and timeless soul, and
which are available on major digital platforms worldwide; and
WHEREAS, In 2024 and 2025, Autumn Jones reached a significant career
milestone when she booked her first international tour, performing lead
and background vocals for George Michael's tour, The Life and Music of
George Michael, with performances spanning Australia and North America;
and
WHEREAS, In May 2025, Autumn Jones released her debut EP, 4.4.4,
accompanied by a visual short film encompassing all three tracks
recorded with her band, The Smoke, at Bunker Studio in Brooklyn, New
York, demonstrating her commitment to multidisciplinary storytelling and
artistic innovation; and
WHEREAS, The project's lead single, "In The Rain," received critical
acclaim from Notion magazine, which praised the song as "a
neo-soul-style piece with full and effusive vocals," drawing comparisons
to the
expressive depth of Corinne Bailey Rae, and the accompanying short
film was selected for exhibition at the Bread and Roses Film Festival in
Asbury Park, New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, Autumn Jones' earlier works have also garnered recognition,
including her single "Bittersweet," which received Tracks Music Awards
for Best R&B Song and Best Studio Sound in 2021, and "Money Honey
Manifest," which was featured in a nationwide Pantene commercial,
marking her first successful music synchronization placement; and
WHEREAS, As a live performer, she has captivated audiences across
the United States and abroad, performing at esteemed venues including
City Winery, Ryles Jazz Club, Rockwood Music Hall, Silvana in Harlem,
Radio City Valencia in Spain, and the Maplewoodstock Festival, and
opening for renowned R&B artists Vivian Green and Jon B. at the South
Orange Performing Arts Center in New Jersey; and
WHEREAS, Through her vocal excellence, creative integrity, and
expanding global presence, Autumn Jones exemplifies the artistic
brilliance, cultural authenticity, and fearless expression embodied by
the Nina Simone Artistic Excellence Award; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Autumn Jones upon her designation as recipient of the Nina Simone
Artistic Excellence Award in Jazz, R&B & Soul Music Entertainment by
Young, Gifted, & Black Entrepreneurial Awards, Inc., and to commend her
outstanding contributions to music, storytelling, and Black artistic
legacy; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Autumn Jones as an expression of the highest respect and
appreciation of this Legislative Body.
