Martin Luther McCoy

A Tribute to Ray Charles

Cherished Bay Area vocalist and SFJAZZ Collective alumnus Martin Luther McCoy honors the timeless songs of the great Ray Charles with this return to SFJAZZ. 

Rising to international attention for his work with The Roots, Cody ChesnuTT, Dave Matthews, Jill Scott, DJ Jazzy Jeff and Zion I, McCoy is perhaps best known for his on-screen role as the Jimi Hendrix inspired character “Jo-Jo” and his performance of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” in director Julie Taymor’s Oscar-nominated 2007 Beatles tribute film Across the Universe. He made a memorable appearance in comic megastar Dave Chappelle’s 2005 concert film Dave Chappelle’s Block Party, and was a highlighted artist during Chappelle’s 2014 SFJAZZ performances. McCoy was a vital part of the Collective’s 2019 salutes to Miles Davis’ In a Silent Way and Sly Stone’s Stand!, and in 2021, his original composition “Already Died For Her” was a perfect set-closing statement for the band’s season devoted to music reflecting the moment.  

Steeped in gospel music from his childhood in the church, McCoy began songwriting at six, influenced by a mighty collection of iconic artists including Cooke, Bill Withers, and Parliament/Funkadelic.  

For this show, McCoy brings a renewed vitality to Ray Charles’ classic blend of gospel and soul.