Michael Stephenson

Born and raised in Philadelphia, Michael Stephenson has developed a career at the crossroads of R&B, soul, jazz, rock and funk, combining singing, songwriting and saxophone in his practice. Trained in jazz, he performs both as a soloist and within ensembles, adopting a flexible approach that allows him to move between registers without breaking the thread that links groove, melody and improvisation. His work as a vocalist rests on a pronounced soul sensibility, while his saxophone playing remains rooted in a jazz tradition enriched by funk influences. Over the course of his career, Michael Stephenson has moved across a variety of stages and contexts — from American television with Vic Mensa to collaborations with Ricky Martin, Rihanna and Solange — while leading his own projects. He also founded Hudson Horns, for which he serves as musical director. This trajectory outlines the profile of a musician at ease in collective formats as well as in more personal ventures, with a language that connects soul-based songwriting, live energy and jazz culture.