JAZZMAN JIMMIE HIGHSMITH, JR. KEEPS THE RHYTHM GOING WITH NEXT-GEN MUSICIANS
- emmaalexander2
- May 27
- 3 min read
While Jimmie Highsmith, Jr. is known as a Grammy-caliber saxophonist to the world, he’s Uncle Jimmie to budding artists in Greater ROC.
Whether he’s laying down soulful jazz riffs or lifting up Greater Rochester’s youth, Jimmie Highsmith, Jr.’s influence reverberates across stages, schools and generations. More than an award-winning saxophonist and recording artist, Jimmie is a celebrated community mentor, educator and promoter of live music festivals.
Born in the City of Rochester, his musical destiny began early with piano lessons at age six and a switch to saxophone at seven. Though his first love was science, music became “the path of least resistance,” a force that would take him from Rochester’s Fame-like School of the Arts to over 40 countries and place him alongside icons like Alicia Keys, Najee, Natalie Cole, Wynton Marsalis and Grover Washington, Jr.
“Music is the one unifier. Middle C is still middle C no matter where you are.” That clarity of connection—cutting through race, religion and economics—is central to everything Jimmie does. It’s why his music isn’t just a performance, it’s a gift. “If I can brighten your day, touch you emotionally and intimately with my music, I feel good about that. That’s my soul goal.” But his impact goes far beyond notes and chords.
Jimmie recently expanded his professional title to CEO/Managing Partner of Xperience Live Music Group, curating live music events that give new artists the chance to perform on the big stage. For him, Rochester is ground zero for that mission.
“We are a very diverse city of a lot of cultures, a lot of complexions, and very accepting of each other.”
Mentorship is a calling, and Jimmie has invested decades into being a constant, reliable presence—especially for young Black students in need of a strong role model. “I’m Uncle Jimmie to thousands of kids in this area … I want to show young men the man code and teach young queens how to be queens.”
That commitment has bolstered Rochester’s rising talents. Jimmie’s protégés—like featured Greater ROC changemaker Levi Bennett and John Fossitt, keyboardist for Bruno Mars—are testaments to what belief, guidance and arts education can do. His advice: “Do not fear the power of your own success. Get it, take it, see it, believe it, achieve it.”
Jimmie is adamant about reviving public school music programs, recalling how his own education was shaped by a robust, competitive music curricula. “I would not be here today if not for the public education music program I had as a kid.” He hopes to spark enough awareness and momentum to rebuild those pathways for the next generation. “Kids with a musical pedigree will excel academically. Music teaches discipline, creativity and connection—things kids desperately need today.”
Though he dreams of eventually retiring to St. Croix, Jimmie remains fully present in Rochester. “I have to be here for as long as I can … I want what I do, my work, my footprint to be an example to those coming up in the industry. Success shouldn’t be based on money made or awards gained, but your effect on the community in a positive way.”
Jimmie’s legacy is just that.