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

 

After high school, he studied music, languages and theology at 6 different universities. His studies included jazz programs at Loyola University in New Orleans and the 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. These engagements included playing high-profile events at Shea Stadium to audiences of 40,000 people.

 

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 serving 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 groups such as Spyro Gyra and the Neville Brothers. He also orchestrated for Miss America and Cheryl Pruitt Blackwood, as well as working as a pianist for the traveling Broadway cast of AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’ (Strands Theatre).

 

After establishing his show on Bourbon Street, New Orleans, Jeffery made his first recording, “ROCKING LOUISIANA 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 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 hosts EMPOWERMENT TODAY and RECOVERY EMPOWERMENT TONIGHT and he has recently produced an album of his own original songs entitled, GRATITUDES, which is based on his corporate seminar, GREAT GOBS OF GRATITUDE.