Samara Joy Biography: Age, Boyfriend, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Songs, Albums, Career, Awards

Samara Joy McLendon is an American jazz singer who broke into prominence with her debut album Samara Joy in 2021. Her second album Linger Awhile (2022) reached number one on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart.

In 2023 she won the Grammy for Best New Artist, along with Best Jazz Vocal Album for Linger Awhile.

Profile

• Full name: Samara Joy McLendon
• Date of birth: November 11, 1999
• Age: 26 years old
• Gender: Female
• Place of birth: Bronx, New York City, U.S.
• State of origin: New York
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Singer, songwriter
• Parents: Father: Tony McLendon
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: N/A
• Children: N/A
• Relationship status: N/A
• Religion: Christianity
• Ethnicity: African-American
• Net worth: US$2 million

Early Life and Education

Samara Joy is now about 26 years old. She was born on November 11, 1999, in the Bronx in New York City. Her father, Tony McLendon, is a vocalist and bass player who has toured with gospel artist Andraé Crouch.

Her paternal grandparents, Elder Goldwire and Ruth McLendon, founded the Philadelphia gospel group the Savettes.

Her family environment was rich with gospel and soul music. She attended Fordham High School for the Arts in the Bronx where she sang in the jazz band. While in high school, she won Best Vocalist at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Essentially Ellington competition.

She went on to study jazz in college at Purchase College (State University of New York), graduating in 2021 with a degree in Jazz Studies.

Personal Life

Samara has not spoken much about her romantic affairs. She has kept details about her personal life confidential.

Career

Samara’s professional career began to draw attention in 2019 when she won the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition. While still in college, she recorded her debut album Samara Joy, released in 2021.

That album positioned her as a rising talent in jazz.

In 2022 she released her second album, Linger Awhile, which included collaborations with respected jazz musicians (e.g. Kenny Washington, Pasquale Grasso). Linger Awhile reached number one on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart.

She has toured in the U.S. and Europe, appearing at festivals, concert halls, and other prominent jazz events.

Her third album, Portrait, was released in 2024. Her performance style emphasizes standards and interpretations more than original songwriting though she is increasingly writing and arranging. She has recorded viral video performances and gained social media traction which has helped broaden her audience.

Awards

Grammy Awards

• Best New Artist – won 2023
• Best Jazz Vocal Album for Linger Awhile – won 2023
• Best Jazz Performance for Tight – won 2024
• Best Jazz Performance for Twinkle Twinkle Little Me (with Sullivan Fortner) – won 2025
• Best Jazz Vocal Album for A Joyful Holiday – won 2025

Nominations:

• Nominated for Outstanding Jazz Album – Vocal at NAACP Image Awards for Linger Awhile

Net Worth

Samara Joy is estimated to have a net worth of approximately 2 million US dollars. This has been accumulated through album sales, streaming income, touring, performance fees, and earnings from awards.

Social Media

• Instagram: @samarajoyvoice
• Twitter/X: @SamaraJoyVoice
• TikTok: @samarajoyvoice
• YouTube: Samara Joy official

Discography

• Samara Joy (2021)
• Linger Awhile (2022)
• Portrait (2024)
• A Joyful Holiday (2024)