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Jesse Powell
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Key Information

Jesse Powell (September 12, 1970 – September 13, 2022)[2] was an American R&B and soul singer. Discovered by Louil Silas Jr., Powell was best known for his hit "You", which peaked at No. 2 on the R&B chart and No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Powell released four albums and was the older brother of fellow contemporary R&B singers Trina & Tamara. Powell was credited with a four-octave vocal range.[3] He was a Grammy nominee.[4][5]

Life and career

[edit]

Powell was born in Gary, Indiana, and raised with his siblings Trina, Tamara and Jacob.[6] The family performed in local talent shows; and, in 1993, he attracted the attention of producer Carl Roland in Kansas City. Following an artist showcase, Louil Silas signed him to his Silas Records imprint.[7]

Three years later, he completed work on his debut album. His first single, "All I Need", was written by Powell, Sam Salter and Laney Stewart and was released in March 1996, peaking at #20 on the Billboard R&B chart. His self-titled album was released on March 12, 1996, opening at #35 on the Billboard R&B and #32 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. The follow-up single, a remake of the 1976 Enchantment song "Gloria", reached #51 R&B.[citation needed]

Powell then began work on his second album, debuting the lead single "I Wasn't with It" in 1998, which became his first single to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 (#85 US, #25 R&B). Bolstered by the success of the single, his second album 'Bout It was released on September 8, 1998, topping the Heatseekers chart. The album's second single, "You", was released in February 1999 and became his biggest hit, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart and #10 on the Billboard Hot 100. The record was certified gold by the RIAA,[citation needed] peaking at #15 on R&B and #63 on the Billboard 200.

Following Silas Records' merge into MCA Records, Powell's first release on the label was the single "If I" in 2000, which peaked at No. 58 on the R&B chart. His third studio album, JP, was released on March 27, 2001, opening at #18 on the R&B chart and #71 on the Billboard 200. A second single, "Something in the Past" (#67 R&B), followed, in addition to Powell doing some promotion for the release. In 2002, he left the label and signed with Riviera Records. His fourth studio album, Jesse, was released on October 14, 2003, and was supported by the singles "By the Way" (#99 R&B) and "Touching It Tonight" (#85 R&B).[citation needed]

Death

[edit]

Powell died in his Los Angeles home on September 13, 2022, a day after his 52nd birthday from a methamphetamine overdose.[8][9][2]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Album details Peak positions Certifications
US
200
[10] 		US
R&B
[10] 		US
Heat
[10]
Jesse Powell
  • Released: March 12, 1996
  • Label: Silas, MCA
  • Formats: CD, cassette
 35 32 —
'Bout It
  • Released: September 8, 1998
  • Label: Silas, MCA
  • Formats: CD, cassette
 63 15 1
JP
  • Released: March 27, 2001
  • Label: Silas, MCA
  • Formats: CD, digital download
 71 18 —
Jesse
  • Released: October 14, 2003
  • Label: D3, Monopoly, Riviera
  • Formats: CD, digital download
 — 85 —

Compilation albums

[edit]
Title Album details Peak positions Certifications
US
200
[10] 		US
R&B
[10] 		US
Heat
[10]
A Soulful Holiday 1999 — — —

Singles

[edit]
Year Title Peak positions[10][12] Album
US US
R&B 		US
CHR
1996 "All I Need" — 32 — Jesse Powell
"Gloria" — 51 —
"I Like It" — — —
1998 "I Wasn't with It" 85 25 — 'Bout It
1999 "You" 10 2 27
"'Bout It, 'Bout It" — — —
2000 "If I" — 58 — JP
2001 "Something in the Past" — 67 —
"I'm Leaving" — — —
2003 "By the Way" — 99 — Jesse
"Touching It Tonight" — — —

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Jesse Powell

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Jesse Powell is an American entrepreneur and early advocate best known as the co-founder of , a major global launched in 2011. He co-founded the company with Thanh Luu shortly after assisting with recovery efforts following a June 2011 hacking incident at the exchange in , aiming to create a more secure and reliable platform for trading digital assets. Under Powell's leadership as CEO from 2011 to 2022, grew into one of the largest U.S.-based crypto exchanges, emphasizing , security, and expansion into services like staking and futures trading. In September 2022, Powell stepped down as CEO to become chairman of the board, handing over operational leadership to co-CEO Dave Ripley amid internal cultural debates and the broader crypto market downturn. Throughout his career, Powell has been a vocal proponent of and adoption, though his tenure at drew scrutiny for fostering a environment marked by provocative internal discussions on topics like and diversity; a related federal investigation launched after a 2023 search of his home was closed in July 2025 with no charges filed.

Early life

Family background

Jesse Powell was born on September 12, 1971, in , although some sources erroneously list the year as 1970. He was raised in a family of singers and musicians, including his sisters and Tamara Powell, both of whom later pursued careers as R&B artists. The Powell family frequently participated in local talent shows and church performances, immersing young Jesse in a vibrant musical environment from an early age. During the and , Gary faced significant socioeconomic challenges stemming from the decline of its industry, which led to job losses, population decreases from over 175,000 in 1970 to under 100,000 by the early , and broader . The city, situated approximately 30 miles southeast of —a key hub for , , and R&B—offered proximity to influential music scenes despite these hardships.

Musical beginnings

Jesse Powell was born on September 12, 1971, in , into a musical family where singing was a central activity from an early age. He began performing alongside his sisters, Tamara and —who later formed the R&B duo —in local talent competitions and family singing groups, honing his skills in the supportive environment of Gary's community scene. During his childhood and teenage years, Powell developed his vocal abilities through involvement in his local church choir, where he sang regularly with his family, building a foundation in gospel-infused R&B traditions. This period marked the emergence of his exceptional four-octave , a capability that distinguished him even as a young performer and was cultivated through consistent church performances and personal practice. In 1993, after meeting writer and producer Carl Roland in Kansas City, Powell relocated to Los Angeles, California, broadening his exposure to the music industry. This relocation fueled his growing interest in professional music, leading to his initial forays into songwriting as he experimented with composing original material.

Career

Discovery and debut

In 1993, Jesse Powell was discovered by producer and music executive Louil Silas Jr. at a talent showcase in Los Angeles, where his powerful tenor voice caught the attention of industry professionals. This breakthrough came shortly after Powell had begun collaborating with producer Carl Roland in Kansas City, marking his shift from local performances to national opportunities. Following the showcase, Powell signed a recording contract with Silas Records, a subsidiary of MCA Records, and relocated to Los Angeles in the mid-1990s to pursue his career full-time. Under this deal, he transitioned from informal gigs to structured studio work, honing the emotive R&B style that would define his sound. Powell's debut album, the self-titled Jesse Powell, was released on March 12, 1996, via Silas Records, with production largely handled by Carl Roland. The album peaked at number 35 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, introducing his ballad-driven approach to a wider audience. Its lead single, "All I Need," released in March 1996 and co-written by Powell, Sam Salter, and Laney Stewart, reached number 32 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, reflecting modest initial commercial success while establishing his reputation for heartfelt, mid-tempo R&B tracks.

Breakthrough success

Powell's second studio album, 'Bout It, was released on September 8, 1998, by Silas Records, marking his first entry on the where it peaked at number 63. The album also reached number 15 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and topped the Heatseekers Albums , eventually earning gold certification from the for sales exceeding 500,000 copies. Produced with contributions from a range of R&B talents, it showcased Powell's evolving style amid uptempo tracks, building on the momentum from his debut. The album's lead single, "You," originally from Powell's 1996 debut but re-recorded and released in February 1999, became his signature hit, co-written by Powell and Carl . It climbed to number 2 on the chart and number 10 on the , driven by extensive radio airplay on urban contemporary stations and the song's emotive, soaring chorus. The accompanying , featuring saxophonist Gerald Albright, depicted intimate romantic scenes and received heavy rotation on and , amplifying its crossover appeal. In recognition of the track's vocal intensity and commercial impact, "You" earned Powell a Grammy Award nomination in 2000 for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at the . This accolade highlighted his technical prowess and positioned him among top R&B contemporaries, though the award ultimately went to another nominee. Powell's momentum carried into his third album, JP, released on March 27, 2001, by and , which continued his presence on R&B charts with singles like "If I" peaking at number 58 on the chart. The project maintained his focus on heartfelt ballads and mid-tempo grooves, featuring collaborations such as his sister on "I'm Leaving," and sustained modest radio success within the genre.

Later releases

Powell's fourth and final studio album, titled Jesse, was released on October 14, 2003, via Riviera Records. The project featured a blend of tracks but achieved modest commercial success, with lead singles "" peaking at number 99 on the chart and "Touching It Tonight" reaching number 85 on the same chart. Following the album's release, Powell shifted away from major label support and did not pursue further studio recordings under a traditional deal. By around 2005, he effectively retired from producing new music albums, instead channeling his efforts into live performances, songwriting for others, and collaborative projects. In his later years, Powell maintained ties to the industry through family collaborations, notably partnering with his sisters and Tamara—also R&B performers—to form a production company focused on music and video content. This venture allowed him to contribute behind the scenes while occasionally joining live shows to perform his earlier hits for dedicated fans.

Artistry

The "Artistry" section does not apply to Jesse Powell, the co-founder of Kraken cryptocurrency exchange, as described in the article introduction. Content previously present referred to a different individual, the R&B singer Jesse Powell (1971–2022), and has been removed to correct this mismatch.

Personal life and death

Family relationships

Jesse Powell was the older brother of R&B singers Trina Powell and Tamara Powell, who performed as the duo Trina & Tamara and released their self-titled debut album in 1999, featuring hits like "Why'd You Come Here For?" and "Joanne." The siblings shared a close bond rooted in their musical upbringing in Gary, Indiana, where the family participated in local talent shows before relocating to Philadelphia in 1983 and later to Los Angeles in the 1990s to advance their careers. This supportive family dynamic extended to professional collaborations, most notably on Powell's track "I'm Leaving" from his album JP, where and Tamara provided background vocals and featured on the chorus, showcasing their harmonious sibling interplay. The Powells' shared pursuit of music fostered a collaborative environment, with the sisters often crediting their brother's influence in their own endeavors. Powell maintained a high degree of regarding his personal relationships, with no public records indicating marriage or children. His family remained a central, positive force in his life, emphasizing their collective musical legacy over personal disclosures.

Health struggles and passing

Powell died on September 13, 2022, at his home in , , one day after his 51st birthday. His , Tamara Powell, announced the news on , describing his passing as peaceful and noting the family's profound loss. Initial reports suggested , though no official cause of death was publicly disclosed. The family received support from close relatives during his final days, reflecting the strong bonds they shared.

Legacy

Awards and recognition

His performance further underscored his industry impact, with "You" peaking at number 10 on the and number 2 on the in 1999. Powell secured multiple entries on the R&B across his career, including "All I Need" at number 32 in 1996 and "If I" at number 58 in 2001, demonstrating consistent appeal in the format. Following Powell's death in 2022, "You" saw renewed chart success, debuting at number 5 on the R&B Digital Song Sales chart and number 9 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales chart in September 2022, reflecting ongoing listener appreciation. In the , retrospectives have celebrated his four-octave vocal range and contributions to '90s R&B, such as a 2025 spotlight article emphasizing his songwriting for artists like Immature and his enduring ballad style.

Cultural impact

Jesse Powell's emotive balladry and four-octave positioned him as a key figure in R&B, influencing the genre's emphasis on heartfelt, soul-infused performances that prioritized authenticity over commercial trends. His signature hit "You" (1999), which peaked at No. 2 on the R&B chart and No. 10 on the Hot 100, exemplifies this style and has been covered in various live and acoustic renditions, though it has not been widely sampled in contemporary tracks; instead, it endures as a quintessential , frequently performed at ceremonies to evoke romantic commitment. Following his death in 2022, Powell received tributes from family and industry figures, with his sister Tamara Powell, a Grammy-winning singer from the duo , describing him as "one of the best R&B male vocalists" and emphasizing his dedication to fans. Media outlets like highlighted his lasting appeal, noting "You" had amassed nearly 13 million streams by then, underscoring his role in sustaining classic R&B's emotional depth. As a native of , Powell exemplified family-driven R&B acts emerging from the Midwest, where he grew up alongside sisters Trina and Tamara—members of the contemporary R&B duo —and performed in local talent shows that honed their collective musical talents. This regional heritage connected him to broader Midwestern influences like , fostering a collaborative family dynamic in the industry. In 2025, Powell's legacy saw renewed attention through commemorative features during Black Music Month, with publications celebrating his '70s soul-inspired sound and timeless tracks as vital to R&B . Posthumous streaming revivals, including "You" charting on Billboard's R&B Digital Song Sales in the wake of his passing, have sustained his cultural resonance, aligning with anniversary reflections on his birth (September 12, 1971) and contributions to the genre.

Discography

Studio albums

Jesse Powell released his self-titled debut studio album on March 12, 1996, through Silas Records and MCA Records. The project featured production from a range of contributors, including Tone, Laney Stewart, Daryl Simmons, Carl Roland, Michael Stokes, Buster and Shavoni, Stokley, and Keri "KL" Lewis. Key tracks included "All I Need," which reached number 32 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and "You," an early version of his signature ballad featuring saxophone by Gerald Albright. The album peaked at number 35 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Powell's sophomore effort, 'Bout It, arrived on September 8, 1998, also via Silas Records and . Producers such as Joey Elias, Jon-John, Eric Jackson, , , Mark J. Feist, Fred Jerkins III, Dwight Sills, L.D.J., Ashley Ingram, Carl Roland, Michael Stokes, and contributed to the record. The lead single, "I Wasn't With It," peaked at number 85 on the and number 25 on the chart, providing crucial momentum for the album's promotion. 'Bout It reached number 63 on the and number 15 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and it was certified gold by the RIAA on June 8, 1999, for sales exceeding 500,000 copies. The third studio album, JP, was issued on March 27, 2001, under Silas Records and . Standout tracks encompassed "If I," "I'd Rather Be Alone," and "." The album debuted and peaked at number 18 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and number 71 on the 200. Powell's final studio album, Jesse, came out on October 14, 2003, distributed by D3 Entertainment, Monopoly Music, and Entertainment. Production credits went to The Co-Stars, Jesse Powell himself, Cornelio Austin, and Carl Roland, with Powell taking a more hands-on role in several tracks. Notable songs included "Touching It Tonight," "Talking In Your Sleep" featuring his sister Trina Powell, and "Lady." The album marked the end of his major-label output and received limited commercial attention, with no significant chart placements reported. No reissues or remasters have been documented as of 2025.

Singles

Powell's entry into the music industry as a solo artist came with the release of his debut single "All I Need" in March 1996, from his self-titled album. Co-written by Powell, , and Laney Stewart, the mid-tempo R&B track sampled "Just the Two of Us" by and Bill Withers, helping it gain traction on urban radio. It debuted on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and peaked at number 32, spending 13 weeks in the top 100 and establishing Powell's smooth vocal style. The follow-up single "Gloria," a remake of the 1976 Enchantment song, was released in August 1996 and peaked at number 51 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. His breakthrough arrived with "You" in February 1999, the second single from his second album 'Bout It. Featuring saxophone by Gerald Albright, the romantic ballad was produced by Carl Roland and Shep Crawford, emphasizing Powell's four-octave range and emotional delivery. It entered the Billboard Hot 100 at number 14, climbed to a peak of number 10 after 15 weeks, and became his only top-10 hit on the all-genre chart. On the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, it reached number 2 and held for 26 weeks, marking his highest position there. The single's radio airplay propelled it to number 17 on the Radio Songs chart. Certified gold by the RIAA in 1999 for 500,000 units sold, "You" received a Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance in 2000 and saw renewed streaming success posthumously, debuting at number 5 on the R&B Digital Song Sales chart in September 2022 following Powell's death. Prior to "You," Powell released "I Wasn't with It" in late 1998 as the lead single from 'Bout It. The uptempo track, produced by Jon-John, Eric Jackson, and Joey Elias, peaked at number 85 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 25 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, reflecting promotional efforts amid the album's buildup. Powell's third album JP (2001) yielded "If I" as its lead single, a soulful ballad co-written and produced by Powell that debuted in urban markets. It achieved limited success, peaking at number 58 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and failing to enter the Hot 100, signaling a shift toward more introspective material with less commercial push. His final studio album Jesse (2003) produced two singles with similarly subdued chart performance: "By the Way," peaking at number 99 on the chart, and "Touching It Tonight," reaching number 85. These releases focused on mature R&B themes but received minimal radio support, contributing to Powell's gradual withdrawal from the spotlight. No new posthumous or remixed singles were issued by 2025, though "You" continued to gain streams and chart re-entries driven by fan tributes.

References

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