Larysa Ann Hamilton Jackson (October 21, 1984 – December 8, 2024), professionally known as Larysa Jaye, was a Nashville-based singer-songwriter known for her work in acoustic rock, country, and soul. She was active in the music industry for over two decades and performed in various venues across Nashville.

== Early Life and Education ==

Larysa Jaye was born On October 21st, 1984 in Kansas City, Kansas. She was the daughter of Pastor Wendell and Sharon Hamilton. She began singing in her father's church choir and later learned to play guitar at the age of 16. Her family relocated multiple times, moving from Kansas City to Smyrna, Tennessee, then to Blue Springs, Missouri, and finally to Nashville, Tennessee.^[1] These moves exposed her to different musical influences, which contributed to her style.

== Personal Life ==

Larysa Jaye was one of five siblings:^[2]

• Kimberley Nicole Estelle (older sister)
• DiCarlos McNeely (older brother, an author known by the pen name C.M. James^[3]
• Nathan Hamilton** (younger brother)
• Wendell Hamilton Jr.** (younger brother)

She had four children: Kadyn, Kingston, Shakira, and Sydney.^[4]

== Career ==

Larysa Jaye was active in the Nashville music scene, performing in multiple venues and events over the years. Her work spanned different genres, incorporating elements of country, rock, and soul.

• Lovenoise Open Mic Nights (2000s) – Performed at Lovenoise's open mic events, a platform featuring neo-soul, conscious hip-hop, and spoken word artists.^[5]
• Nashville International Airport – Performed regularly at the airport for seven years.^[6]
• Lower Broadway Residency – Became the first Black woman to hold a residency at Justin Timberlake's Twelve Thirty Club in downtown Nashville.^[7]

In 2021, Larysa Jaye collaborated with music producer and songwriter Billy Smiley, a founding member of the Christian rock band White Heart.^[8] Together, they produced tracks including Birmingham (Side by Side) and No Other Face. Birmingham (Side by Side), released through Southern Skye Records, pays homage to the civil rights movement.^[9]

Larysa Jaye collaborated with notable artists, including Danny Gokey, an American Idol finalist, during her career.^[10] She lent her voice to performances alongside Gokey, as well as artists like Lauren Daigle and Carrie Underwood.^[11] These collaborations further established her presence in the music industry.

WSMV News 4 Nashville: Featured Larysa Jaye performing The Thoughts That Happen (Mama's Song), showcasing her musical talent.^[12] For more information, you can also visit WSMV News - Thoughts That Happen.

In 2024, Larysa Jaye founded her own independent record label, Larysa Jaye Music LLC, to manage her music releases and maintain creative control. ^[13]

Larysa Jaye performed the National Anthem at a Nashville Sounds game, marking a significant moment in her career. The performance was shared on her official platforms, including on her YouTube page^[14]

Larysa Jaye was featured on FOX 5 Atlanta’s segment Country Black Girl Magic, where she was recognized as the only Black female country singer with a residency on Broadway in Nashville, Tennessee.^[15]

Larysa Jaye was honored with the Key to the City of Sikeston, Missouri, in recognition of her community philanthropy.^[16]

Larysa Jaye described her sound as a blend of rock, country, and soul. She cited influences from Tina Turner, Carrie Underwood, and Mary J. Blige. Her performances incorporated acoustic elements and strong vocal delivery.^[17]

• "Nobody Wanna Hear It" (2020) – A live recording discussing societal expectations for Black women.^[18]
• "The Thoughts That Happen (The Mama Song)" – A song about single motherhood and its challenges.^[19]
• "Birmingham (Side by Side)" – A song that references the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, where four young African American girls were killed in the 1960s.^[20]
• "The Nashville Dream" – A song about Larysa Jaye’s personal struggles in the music industry.^[21]

• Black Opry – A collective supporting Black country and roots music artists.^[22] You can also reference NPR - Larysa Jaye - Black Opry.
• Academy of Country Music’s On Ramp Program – A program for emerging artists in the country music industry.^[23] You can also reference ACM’s official page to view their dedication YouTube video for Larysa.^[24]
• The Recording Academy & Black Music Action Coalition – Member of organizations focused on artist support and diversity in music.^[25] You can also reference The Tennessean - Larysa Jaye Black Music Coalition.

' == Death and Legacy ==

On December 8, 2024, Larysa Jaye died in a single-car accident on Interstate 24 in Clarksville, Tennessee, while returning home from a performance.** The crash occurred at 3:06 AM, just minutes from her home.^[26]

• In February 2025, C.M. Jaye Music LLC was established by her brother, author C.M. James, to honor Larysa Jaye's legacy. The label announced the posthumous release of her single, "No Other Face," in March 2025, with a full album to follow later in that year.^[27]
• 'The Academy of Country Music' released a tribute video titled ACM Remembers - Larysa Jaye. ^[28]
• Her memoir, Love & Lyrics: The Nashville Dream ^[29] was released posthumously on February 14, 2025, by C.M. James Writes LLC publishing. ^[30]

• Larysa Jaye Official Website
• C.M. Jaye Music Official Website
• MusicRow Tribute
• WSMV News 4 - Performance Video
• National Anthem Performance
• NewsChannel5 Feature
• WPLN Feature
• The Tennessean Article
• Publishing Agency
• Larysa Jaye was featured on FOX 5 Atlanta’s segment Country Black Girl Magic
• Larysa Jaye was honored with the Key to the City of Sikeston, Missouri
• Larysa Jaye was one of five siblings:
• Author C.M. James, the brother of Larysa Jaye
• C.M. Jaye Music, Country Record Label, is Proud to Announce Its Launch; Honoring the Late Nashville Singer, Larysa Jaye and Her Vision – PR.com