Hubbry Logo
Justin JessoJustin JessoMain
Open search
Justin Jesso
Community hub
Justin Jesso
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Justin Jesso
Justin Jesso
from Wikipedia

Key Information

Justin Jesso (born Justin Stein) is an American singer and songwriter.[1] He has written songs for Hrvy, AJ Mitchell, The Backstreet Boys and Armin van Buuren. He was nominated for Song of the Year at the 2017 Latin Grammy Awards for co-writing Ricky Martin's single "Vente Pa' Ca" (2016).[2] He is a co-writer and featured artist on Kygo's "Stargazing" (2017).[3]

Early life

[edit]

Jesso grew up in a northern suburb of Chicago. As a youngster he wrote his own songs and also performed on stage in various theatres across Chicago performing his breakout hit, "Lose Control." In later life, he studied songwriting at the Clive Davis Institute in New York.[4]

Career

[edit]

Jesso has written for many artists, including HRVY, The Backstreet Boys and AJ Mitchell.

In 2016, he co-wrote the Ricky Martin song "Vente Pa' Ca" featuring Maluma, which was nominated for Best Song at the 2017 Latin Grammy Awards. It lost out to "Despacito".[5]

In 2017, Justin co-wrote "Stargazing" for Kygo with Stuart Crichton and Jamie Hartman. In 2018, he supported Kygo on his sold-out arena tour in Asia, Australia, Europe and North America.[6] More recently, he co-wrote "The Way It Was" for The Backstreet Boy's latest album DNA.[7]

Jesso released an EP, Let It Be Me in December 2018. The lead single "Getting Closer" was written after he toured with Kygo, and was about the loneliness of life on tour. The video, which was directed by Kyle Cogan, shares real footage of Jesso's time spent on tour.[8] The song was popular in Europe, and was a top ten radio hit in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. It also charted at 11 in the German iTunes chart.[9]

In February 2019, Jesso supported Tears for Fears on the European leg of their Rule The World tour.[10] Jesso embarked on his first headline tour in North America in April 2019, where we played to venues in Los Angeles, Chicago and New York.

In June 2019, he released the title track, "Let It Be Me", a duet with Scottish singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt.[11]

In March 2022, he was announced as the representative of Illinois for the inaugural American Song Contest, set to begin later in the month.[12] He competed in the fifth episode and did not qualify for the live semi-finals.

On Saturday, January 29th 2023, Justin sang the National Anthem at Gulfstream Park before the three Pegasus Stakes races.

Discography

[edit]

EPs

[edit]
Title Year Track listing
Let It Be Me 2019
  1. "Let It Be Me"
  2. "Getting Closer"
  3. "I Will"
  4. "My Body"
  5. "One Good Reason"
Finding the Opposite of Loneliness 2022
  1. "Lose Ya"
  2. "Clarity"
  3. "If You're Meant to Come Back"
  4. "Lifeline"
  5. "Drink Alone"
  6. "Bigger Than"
  7. "Miracle"
  8. "400 Trillion"
  9. "The End"

Singles

[edit]
Titel Jahr
"Lovin' You" (Glowinthedark feat. Justin Stein) 2016
"Better" (Atomic feat. Justin Stein) 2016
"Stargazing" (Kygo feat. Justin Jesso) 2017
"My Body" 2018
"Getting Closer" 2018
"I Will" 2018
"Let It Be Me" 2018
"One Good Reason" 2018
"Let It Be Me" (Justin Jesso & Nina Nesbitt) 2019
"Stitch Em Up" (Frank Walker feat. Justin Jesso) 2019
"As Far As Feelings Go" (Alle Farben feat. Justin Jesso) 2019
"Bigger Than" 2019
"Bigger Than" (Acoustic) 2020
"If You're Meant To Come Back" 2020
"Too Good To Lose" 2020
"The End" 2020
"They Don't Know Me" (Papa Zeus feat. Justin Jesso) 2021
"Spinnin'" (LOVRA feat. Justin Jesso) 2021
"Under" (Sebastian Fitzek feat. Justin Jesso) 2021
"Clarity" 2022
"Come Clean" (Adventure Club & Prince Fox feat. Justin Jesso) 2022
"400 Trillion" 2022
"Lifeline" (for American Song Contest) 2022
"Lose Ya" 2022
"I'll Be There" (Andrea Berg feat. Justin Jesso) 2022
"Me Without Us" (Matisse & Sadko, Raiden feat. Justin Jesso) 2022
"Time Machine" (Petey Martin feat. Justin Jesso) 2023
"Beautiful World" (Michael Bolton feat. Justin Jesso) 2023
"Sound of Freedom" (Sound of Freedom soundtrack) 2023
"Over You" (Ofenbach feat. Justin Jesso) 2024
"Save Me" (Boris Way feat. Justin Jesso) 2024
"Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" 2024
"Firestone (Live from Madison Sqare Garden)" (Kygo feat. Justin Jesso) 2024
"Lonely Tonight" (Sam Feldt, Parson James, Justin Jesso) 2025
"It Was Love" (Mike Perry feat. Justin Jesso) 2025
"Stronger" (Luca-Dante Spadafora, Lumix, Justin Jesso) 2025
"Unreasonable" 2025
"Sleep Alone" (220 Kid feat. Justin Jesso) 2025
"Are You With Me " (Said The Sky feat. Justin Jesso) 2025
"Unreasonable" (Acoustic) 2025
"Patience " (Patric Scott feat. Justin Jesso) 2025
"Stuck In The Middle" 2025
"Growing Up" (Justin Jesso & Zhangye) 2025


Songwriting credits

[edit]
Title Artist Year
"Vente Pa' Ca" Ricky Martin ft. Maluma 2016
"Batman & Robin" Cazzi Opeia & Jin X Jin 2017
"Critical Beauty" Pentagon 2017
"Frontiers" The Rampage from Exile Tribe 2017
"I Don't Think About You" HRVY 2017
"I Won't Remember You Tomorrow" Alli Simpson 2017
"Say Hi" Codeko & Austin Mahone 2017
"Somebody Like You" In Real Life 2017
"Stargazing" Kygo ft. Justin Jesso 2017
"Summer Something" Carlos Marco 2017
"Weigh Me Down" Matt Terry 2017
"Crazy 4 U" Taemin 2017
"What U Do?" Exo 2017
"Convince You" Dominique 2018
"Getting Closer" Justin Jesso 2018
"Got A Little Drunk" Madcon 2018
"I Don't Want You Back" AJ Mitchell 2018
"I Will" Justin Jesso 2018
"My Body" Justin Jesso 2018
"One Good Reason" Justin Jesso 2018
"Let It Be Me" Justin Jesso & Nina Nesbitt 2019
"Phone Down" Armin van Buuren & Garibay 2019
"Stitch Em Up" Frank Walker ft. Justin Jesso 2019
"The Way It Was" Backstreet Boys 2019
"Cause It's You" Red Velvet 2022

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Justin Jesso (born Justin Stein; June 10, 1994) is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer known for his emotive and collaborations with international artists. Born in the area and raised in , Jesso comes from a musical family lineage, with his great-grandfather serving as a 1920s who entertained figures like , and his grandmother encouraging his first stage performance at age five. Jesso honed his craft at the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at before relocating to to pursue songwriting professionally. His breakthrough as a songwriter came in 2016 with co-writing Ricky Martin's global No. 1 hit "Vente Pa' Ca" (featuring ), which earned him a nomination for Song of the Year at the 2017 . This success led to further high-profile credits, including songs for the , , , , and . In 2017, Jesso provided featured vocals on 's "Stargazing," a track that has amassed over 500 million streams and 146 million views (as of November 2025), earning multiple platinum certifications and propelling him into the spotlight as a performer. He toured with for two years across multiple continents, solidifying his presence in the electronic and scenes. Transitioning to a solo career, Jesso signed a major-label deal following "Stargazing" and released his debut single "My Body" in 2018, followed by the EP Let It Be Me that same year. In 2019, he released the single "Bigger Than" (with ), which garnered 1.5 million streams in its first week. In 2022, he gained further visibility representing on NBC's with the song "Lifeline". His music often explores themes of love, heartbreak, and personal growth, as heard in later releases like "Unreasonable" (2025) and "Stuck in the Middle" (October 2025). Jesso continues to balance songwriting for others with his own artistry, amassing hundreds of millions of streams across platforms.

Early life and education

Upbringing

Justin Jesso was born Justin Stein in the northern suburbs of , growing up primarily in Highland Park before his family moved to the nearby village of . His family had deep musical roots; his great-grandfather, Jesse Cohen—a and bandleader in the 1920s—entertained 's underworld figures, including performing for , and Jesso later adopted Cohen's last name as his stage moniker. His grandmother played a pivotal role in nurturing his talent, encouraging his debut stage performance at age five. From an early age, Jesso displayed a strong affinity for music over typical childhood activities, often choosing a plastic toy instead of a football. He began lessons at four and wrote his first song at nine, a piece dedicated to a girl named at . These early creative outlets laid the groundwork for his passion, with Jesso recalling that his first onstage experience solidified his determination to pursue music professionally. Jesso's initial exposure to performance came through Chicago-area theaters and community events, where he sang in local talent shows and acted in regional productions starting in childhood. By age 14, he was starring in multiple plays simultaneously across venues like the Marriott Theatre in and , often skipping school to rehearse. His influences during this period drew from pop and soul icons prominent in the music scene, including , , , , , and , whose works he covered in early performances.

Formal training

Jesso pursued formal training in music at the Institute of Recorded Music at , enrolling in the program in Recorded Music after an initial rejection followed by acceptance midway through his first semester. This curriculum integrated artistic and business aspects of the industry, with core coursework in songwriting, music production, musicianship, performance, and music business, equipping students with professional skills for creating and commercializing recorded music. During his time at NYU, Jesso secured hands-on industry experience through internships at a New York booking agency and a major publishing company, where he engaged directly with studios, producers, and songwriters, bridging academic learning with real-world applications. These opportunities allowed him to observe and participate in the operational side of music management and publishing, honing his understanding of artist development and deal-making. Jesso graduated in 2016 as part of the Institute's class, having cultivated advanced technical songwriting techniques and a robust professional network that propelled his transition from student to industry participant. This education built upon his early musical passions from childhood in , formalizing the self-taught foundations into a structured path.

Career

Songwriting beginnings

Following his graduation from New York University's Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, where he interned at a major publishing company, Justin Jesso leveraged these connections to enter the professional songwriting scene in the mid-2010s. These experiences provided him with access to songwriting camps and sessions in , allowing him to build a portfolio in pop and electronic music through behind-the-scenes collaborations with emerging pop acts and DJs. In 2017, Jesso signed a global publishing deal with , marking a pivotal entry point into the industry and enabling him to pitch songs more broadly. This agreement facilitated his initial professional credits, including contributions to tracks for up-and-coming artists in the pop genre. Among his early songwriting efforts were co-writing "" for , released in 2018 as a single that highlighted Jesso's knack for emotive, youthful pop narratives. Similarly, he co-wrote "I Don't Think About You" for , a 2018 single that showcased his ability to craft introspective breakup anthems for teen-oriented pop audiences. These foundational works helped establish Jesso's reputation as a reliable collaborator in the competitive pop landscape before his profile expanded further.

Breakthrough collaborations

Jesso's breakthrough came in 2016 when he co-wrote "," a track for featuring , which was released as a single in late 2016. The song, blending urban rhythms with pop appeal, debuted at number one on the Latin chart, marking Martin's 16th chart-topper in that category and achieving widespread international success across Latin markets. For his contributions as co-writer alongside , , Nermin Harambašić, and others, Jesso received a for Song of the Year at the 2017 , highlighting his emerging talent in the scene. Building on this momentum, Jesso transitioned from behind-the-scenes songwriter to featured artist with his 2017 collaboration on 's "Stargazing," the title track from the Norwegian DJ's debut EP. Co-written with Jamie Hartman and Stuart Crichton, the was produced during a writing session where Jesso provided raw, emotive vocals inspired by personal struggles, which incorporated to add vulnerability to the track's uplifting production. Released in September 2017, "Stargazing" amassed over 400 million streams on and peaked in the top 20 on global charts, reaching top 10 positions in countries including and while earning platinum certifications in multiple territories. These collaborations marked a pivotal shift for Jesso, elevating his profile from an up-and-coming songwriter—whose early portfolio had honed his craft in New York sessions—to a recognized voice in both and EDM genres. The success of "Stargazing," particularly Kygo's advocacy for Jesso's vocal feature over session singers, directly led to Jesso signing a major-label deal with , opening doors to global tours and further opportunities as a performer.

Solo artistry and tours

Following the success of his featured vocal on Kygo's "Stargazing," which amassed hundreds of millions of streams, Justin Jesso signed a major-label deal with and in 2018, marking his transition to a lead artist. He released his debut single "My Body" that July, followed by the lead single "Getting Closer" later that year from his EP Let It Be Me. The song, inspired by the isolation experienced during travel, peaked at number five on German airplay charts and reached the top ten on airplay charts in and , establishing Jesso's presence in the European pop market. In support of his emerging solo career, Jesso joined Kygo as an opening act on select dates of the 2018 world tour, performing in sold-out arenas across , , , and , where audiences responded enthusiastically to his emotive delivery and stage presence. The following year, he opened for on the European leg of their Rule the World Tour in 2019, including a notable performance at AccorHotels Arena in on February 21, which highlighted his ability to connect with diverse crowds through vulnerable, heartfelt sets. These tours not only honed his live skills but also amplified his visibility, leading to further solo releases that explored themes of emotional openness and personal struggle in his lyrics. Jesso's artistic evolution as a solo artist has emphasized , with songs delving into , resilience, and relational longing, as seen in tracks like "Getting Closer," which uses metaphors of distance to convey . This thematic focus continued into the , with recent singles such as "Over You" in , a collaboration with French duo Ofenbach that charted on European lists, and "Lonely Tonight" in 2025 alongside and , blending elements with introspective narratives. Additionally, his 2025 partnership with producer Mike Perry on "It Was Love" further showcased this growth, delivering an uplifting yet candid take on past romances that resonated with fans through its raw lyricism. These releases underscore Jesso's maturation from songwriter to a performer prioritizing authentic in contemporary pop.

Television appearances

In 2022, Justin Jesso represented the state of in the inaugural season of NBC's , a inspired by the , where each U.S. state and territory sends an original song performed by a local artist. He performed his original track "Lifeline," a heartfelt about resilience and support, during the live qualifiers on April 17, 2022. Despite receiving positive feedback for his emotional delivery and , Illinois was eliminated after the fifth heat based on combined and public voting, preventing advancement to the grand final. This appearance marked Jesso's national television debut and introduced his songwriting to a broader audience, with "Lifeline" subsequently released as a single tied to the show. On January 29, 2023, Jesso performed a stirring rendition of "" at in , prior to the , a premier event broadcast live on and Peacock. The performance took place at the Carousel Club during the high-profile weekend, which drew celebrities and featured headline acts like and , amplifying the event's visibility. His rendition was captured in media coverage, highlighting his versatility in ceremonial settings and contributing to his growing recognition in live performance contexts beyond music competitions. Jesso made multiple appearances on Fox News Channel's in 2023 and 2024, further elevating his profile through promotional performances linked to his solo releases. On July 25, 2023, he debuted "Sound of Freedom," the theme song from the film of the same name, in an interview where he discussed infusing faith and personal experiences into the track's lyrics about hope and liberation. The performance garnered attention for its emotional depth, aligning with the movie's summer release and exposing Jesso to the show's conservative-leaning audience. In November 2024, he returned to kick off the program's Concert Series with a cover of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," showcasing his interpretive style and holiday spirit, which helped sustain momentum for his independent releases into late 2024. These spots underscored Jesso's ability to connect through television, broadening his fanbase amid his transition to solo artistry.

Discography

EPs

Justin Jesso released his debut , Let It Be Me, on December 7, 2018, through , a division of Entertainment. The EP consists of five tracks: "Let It Be Me," "Getting Closer," "," "My Body," and "One Good Reason," produced by a team including Justin Jesso himself alongside collaborators like and , who features on the title track. Drawing from Jesso's songwriting roots in emotional storytelling, the project emphasizes heartfelt ballads exploring themes of love, vulnerability, and connection, with piano-driven arrangements and soaring vocals that highlight his intimate style. Critical reception praised the EP's raw emotional depth, noting its ballad-centric approach as a promising entry into pop songwriting, though it garnered modest attention upon release without major chart placements. Following a period of collaborations and singles, Jesso issued his second EP, Finding the Opposite of Loneliness, on September 16, 2022, as a two-part release comprising nine tracks: "Lose Ya," "Clarity," "If You're Meant to Come Back," "Bigger Than," "," "400 Trillion," "The End," "Drink Alone," and "Lifeline." Self-produced with input from producers like on select tracks, the EP shifts toward a more introspective sound, blending pop elements with acoustic introspection to address themes of hope, personal recovery, and overcoming isolation, reflecting Jesso's growth as a solo artist. Reception highlighted its emotional resonance and cohesive narrative, with outlets describing it as an "emotive journey" that connected with listeners through vulnerable lyrics, achieving notable streaming traction—over 1 million combined streams for key tracks like "" in the months following release—while marking an evolution from the debut's pop balladry to deeper, recovery-focused introspection. No additional EPs have been released by Jesso as of November 2025, with his focus shifting toward standalone singles that continue this introspective trajectory.

Singles

Justin Jesso's singles as a lead artist often blend pop and electronic elements, frequently featuring collaborations that highlight his emotive vocals and songwriting. His breakthrough came through high-profile partnerships, with subsequent releases showcasing his solo capabilities and continued work with producers. Key singles have achieved notable streaming success and radio airplay, particularly in Europe and on global platforms. Stargazing (2017, with ) marked Jesso's major-label debut as a featured vocalist, released as the from Kygo's Stargazing EP. The track peaked at number 44 on the UK Singles Chart and number 7 on the UK Dance Chart, spending 10 weeks on the main chart and 22 weeks on the dance chart. It also reached number 16 on the . Certified by the RIAA in the for 500,000 units, the song has amassed over 564 million streams on as of 2025. The official , directed by Phillip R. Lopez, has garnered millions of views, contributing to its cultural resonance as an uplifting anthem about perseverance. A by earned a Grammy nomination for Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical at the . Getting Closer (2018), the lead single from Jesso's debut EP Let It Be Me, explores themes of longing and reconciliation through introspective . It achieved top 5 status on European radio charts and peaked at number 11 on the German Singles Chart. The song has accumulated over 23 million streams. Its , released in , incorporates personal footage to emphasize emotional vulnerability, enhancing its reception on platforms like , where it was praised for Jesso's belting delivery. Radio play in , , and propelled it to top 10 airplay positions in those markets. Best of Us (2020, featuring Conor Byrne) served as a standalone single emphasizing themes of self-worth and resilience. While specific peaks are limited, it contributed to Jesso's growing presence in pop playlists, with streams reflecting steady listener engagement on streaming services. Bigger Than (2020, with ) is an acoustic-leaning pop track co-produced by the Norwegian duo, focusing on aspirations beyond material success. It has surpassed 86 million Spotify streams, underscoring its enduring appeal in electronic-pop crossover audiences. The lyric video and acoustic version further amplified its reach, with remixes by artists like MVRE and Frank Walker adding to its playlist inclusions on and . Over You (2024, with Ofenbach) represents Jesso's return to collaborations, released as a single delving into post-breakup recovery. The extended mix highlights its club potential, and early reception notes its infectious hooks, though chart data remains emerging as of late 2024. It has quickly gained traction on streaming platforms, aligning with Ofenbach's electronic style. Lonely Tonight (2025, with and ), Jesso's most recent release as of November 2025, captures isolation in a house-infused production. Debuting in May, it has been highlighted for its emotional depth and collaborative synergy, earning playlist placements and positive early reviews for blending heartfelt lyrics with upbeat rhythms. Streaming milestones are developing, building on Jesso's established fanbase. Unreasonable (2025) is a solo single exploring themes of emotional turmoil and self-reflection, released on July 18, 2025. It features Jesso's signature emotive vocals over a pop , gaining attention for its relatable and accumulating streams on platforms like . Stuck in the Middle (2025), released on October 17, 2025, delves into feelings of indecision in relationships, marking another introspective solo release with acoustic elements and heartfelt delivery, continuing Jesso's focus on personal growth themes.

Songwriting credits

Major contributions

One of Justin Jesso's most prominent songwriting contributions is "," co-written in 2016 for Ricky Martin's album , featuring . The reggaeton-infused track became a global hit, debuting at No. 1 on the Latin chart and topping charts in countries including and , while reaching No. 2 in . In 2017, Jesso co-wrote and provided vocals for "Stargazing" on Kygo's EP of the same name, blending elements with introspective pop lyrics. The song achieved significant international success, peaking at No. 2 on charts in the and , and accumulating over 283 weeks across 16 global charts. Jesso's work extended to pop acts with "The Way It Was," co-written in 2019 for the ' album DNA, a nostalgic reflecting on past relationships that contributed to the album's top 10 debut on the 200. His collaborations with EDM artists include "Phone Down" in 2019 on Armin van Buuren's album Balance, a high-energy track emphasizing themes with over 14 million streams. Beyond these key credits, Jesso has contributed to a diverse array of artists, including through the aforementioned "Vente Pa' Ca" crossover, and further tracks for groups like and Red Velvet in the genre. His songwriting portfolio also encompasses contributions to HRVY's "I Don't Think About You" (2017) and AJ Mitchell's "" (2020), showcasing versatility across pop, Latin, and electronic styles. In 2025, Jesso co-wrote "" for Said The Sky and "Stronger" for LUM!X and Luca-Dante Spadafora, continuing his electronic and pop collaborations. By 2025, Jesso's collaborations have amassed over 2 billion streams worldwide. Jesso's writing style has evolved from crafting infectious pop hooks and rhythms in his early hits to incorporating dynamic EDM drops and layered productions in later works, reflecting his adaptation to various genres while maintaining emotional depth in . This progression was facilitated by signings to publishing deals that opened doors to high-profile sessions.

Awards recognition

Justin Jesso received his first major industry recognition as a songwriter with a nomination for Song of the Year at the for co-writing "," a collaboration between and . announced the nominations on September 26, 2017, selecting the song from entries submitted by members who evaluated compositions based on , , , and . Jesso shared writing credits with Martin, Maluma, Nermin Harambašić, and others, contributing to the track's bilingual pop-reggaeton style that topped charts across and the U.S. Latin charts. The category featured strong competition from eight other nominees, including global hits like "" by featuring (the eventual winner), "Chantaje" by featuring , "Felices los 4" by , and "La Bicicleta" by and . The 18th Annual ceremony took place on November 16, 2017, at the in , hosted by and Sebastian Rulli, with performances by artists such as and . Although "" did not win, the nomination marked a pivotal early validation of Jesso's songwriting talent in the market. This recognition significantly elevated Jesso's profile in the industry, opening doors to further high-profile songwriting opportunities and collaborations, such as his work with Kygo on "Stargazing." In interviews, Jesso has described the nomination as a surreal milestone that affirmed his transition from an emerging writer to a respected collaborator, enhancing his credibility and leading to expanded publishing interests from major labels. Up to 2025, no additional Grammy-level nominations or wins have been recorded for Jesso in songwriting categories, though his participation in the 2022 American Song Contest as Illinois's representative garnered national exposure without formal awards. The Latin Grammy nod remains his most prominent accolade, underscoring his contributions to crossover pop success and solidifying his reputation among publishers and artists seeking versatile hitmakers.

References

Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.