Life is what this alternative rhythm and blues artist delivers to the world. A celebrated singer/songwriter/producer, Chester "Lyfe" Jennings, a 26 year-old Toledo, Ohio native and self-taught musician plays the guitar, bass and piano. Lyfe incorporates these and other live instrumentation into most of the tracks he produces. To date, Lyfe has over 200 songs in his catalogue, and is set to release his highly anticipated debut album on Sony Urban Music, Lyfe 268-192, summer 2004.
Lyfe's original folk/R&B/hip-hop style and Sam Cook/Al Green reminiscent voice, profess an intellectual stream of elevated consciousness. Songs like, "She Got Kids", "26 Years, 17 Days" and "Stick Up Kid", broadcast street life for the world to absorb. Lyfe's romantic side emerges in love songs like, "Must Be Nice," and "I Can't". "I say the things that people think about but won't say," comments Lyfe. It's this level of honesty and originality that has already won him worldwide fans of all ages in markets such as Europe, Japan, and throughout the U.S.
Lyfe's musical career began as a young boy in a church choir in Toledo. Music was his soul's escape and soon led him to join The Dotsons, a young group that infused the talents of Lyfe's two cousins and older brother, Jay, then after heading in separate directions in the early 90's, Lyfe found his love for music again while serving time in prison. "Deeper situations tend to lead to deeper music and prison was one of those deeper situations. (Music) gave me an opportunity to express emotions in an unemotional environment." He began to play the guitar, sing, write and even started a music program in the Ohio institution. Upon his December 2002 release he began seriously pursuing his solo career. He spent his 2nd day of freedom recording a 4 song cd and the 3rd day performing at a club.
By January 2003, Lyfe had showcased his talent to a nation-wide audience on "Showtime In Harlem" (The Apollo). He received a standing ovation for his acoustic performance of original material, and made his mark by winning the amateur competition five times. "I felt blessed just knowing that atleast somebody appreciated my struggle, my experience and my life." During his success at the Apollo, Lyfe began to independently sell his EP "What Is Love". Two songs from the EP, "What Is Love" & "She Got Kids" , garnered regular spins at local radio, which aided in the sale of thousands of EP's. To add to Lyfe's success, calls began to pour in from countless agents, promoters and record labels, which prompted the Ohio native to move to NYC to make his dream come true. Soon after Lyfe arrived in New York, he wrote and co-produced a song for a major label, made a cameo in a music video, appeared in publications and performed many solo shows and opening acts for major recording artists, including the most memorable opener in front of a sold out crowd @ Radio City Music Hall for Hip-Hop star Nelly, and his spontaneous serenade to New Yorkers during the October 14th blackout @ The Cafeteria in Chelsea. Other noteworthy venues and events include 2003 NBA All-Star events, NAACP Convention where he performed "Thank God for the NAACP" (an anthem he wrote for the organization), world famous B.B. King's Lounge & Grill, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Tennessee State University and a host of clubs and schools.
