Lee students honored with DownBeat Student Music awards
Jay Newsome performing.
Photo courtesy of the Lee University Public Relations office
Two Lee University students, Victor Johnson and Jay Newsome, recently received the DownBeat Student Music award.
DownBeat Magazine is known as the “granddaddy” of American music magazines and covers the world of jazz, blues and more. The DownBeat Student Music awards, established in 1976, are considered the most prestigious awards in jazz education.
Victor Johnson, a senior digital media student, received the award as the blues pop-rock soloist winner for playing his original compositions on electric bass guitar.
“I am most humbled and honored to have been chosen as the winner of the DownBeat Music Award,” Johnson said. “This is such a blessing and humbling privilege because this award serves as confirmation to my choice of career path [in music], which is something I have been praying about for a long time.”
Victor Johnson
Photo courtesy of the Lee University Public Relations office
Jay Newsome, a senior music business student, received the award for his studio engineer recording on his upcoming album, “My Heart.”
“Before attending Lee University and studying under Dr. José Valentino Ruiz, I did not know much about DownBeat Magazine,” Newsome said. “Upon receiving this award, I was not only ecstatic, I was shocked at the fact that the music for my upcoming album was chosen! I am beyond grateful to represent my school and my professors with this award.”
Submissions for the DownBeat Student Music Awards were sent anonymously as audio files. Both Johnson and Newsome learned of their awards via email and will be sent a plaque of honor, in addition to being featured in the June issue of DownBeat Magazine.
“These students are starting a new trend we hope to continue,” said Ruiz, assistant professor of music business at Lee. “I seek to help students become career-focused creative professionals with a passionate desire to use their skills for the kingdom of God. They are leaving an open avenue for other students to be encouraged to take their talent to the next level.”
For more information about the DownBeat Student Music Awards, visit www.downbeat.com or contact Ruiz at jruiz@leeuniversity.edu.
