Indonesian jazz prodigy Joey Alexander plays the piano
span class="caption">Indonesian jazz prodigy Joey Alexander plays the piano. The 12-year-old musician is set to perform during the 2016 Grammy Awards on Feb. 15 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. (Photo courtesy of joeyalexandermusic.com)
Jazz prodigy Joey Alexander has made history by becoming the first Indonesian musician to be nominated for a Grammy Award and is set to perform during the event's ceremony on Feb. 15.
Born in Denpasar, Bali, in 2003, Joey has been nominated in two categories at the 2016 Grammy Awards. His single, 'Giant Steps', is in the running for Best Improvised Jazz Solo, and his album, My Favorite Things, is competing for Best Jazz Instrumental Album.
In addition to being the first Indonesian musician to be nominated for the prestigious awards, Joey is also the youngest Grammy nominee in the jazz category.
Adele, John Legend, Lady Gaga, Rihanna, Justin Bieber, Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift are among the artists who will also grace the stage at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, with Swift slated to open the show.
According to his official website, Joey began playing the piano at the age of six. His father, who was an amateur musician, introduced him to the instrument and nurtured his swing and improvisation skills by introducing him to classic jazz recordings and taking him to jam sessions in Bali and Jakarta.
In his career, Joey has been invited to perform at prestigious events including the Rochester Jazz Festival, the Newport Jazz Festival and Jazz at the Lincoln Center. He also won an international improvisation contest in Odessa, the Ukraine, in 2013. (kes)(+)
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