The longevity and body of work of Kipper Jones, legendary singer-songwriter, testify to the durability of real music and genuine emotion. Kipper was born in Flint, Michigan, minutes away from the birthplace of Motown, where he trained as a session singer at age 15 under the tutelage of Berry Gordy. He grew up in Los Angeles, (Carson, CA), where he continued his soul education under the wings of such luminaries as Stevie Wonder, Quincy Jones, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Luther Vandross. Kipper has most distinguished himself with his songwriting, which showcases his knack for crafting melodies that stick and lyrics that echo. Writing an indelible song requires more than ingenuity and command of theory—though Kipper has both in spades. He currently hosts his own live show at Atlanta’s Cafe 290, where he thrills capacity crowds with selections from soul music’s past and present.