Occupation: Recording artist, performer, full professor at Berklee College of Music, performance consultant, and music entrepreneur (founder and CEO of Affable Publishing and Affable Records)
Principal Instruments: Soprano/Alto Saxophone, Voice
Performance genres: R&B instrumental, vocal jazz, contemporary jazz
Musical Influences: Grover Washington, Jr., Roberta Flack, Donny Hathaway, Cannonball Adderley, Johnny Hodges, Sonny Stitt, Dexter Gordon, Peabo Bryson, David Sanborn, Michael Ruff
Points of note:
As a saxophonist and singer, he is unique in recording industry, and as such his sales and airplay are unmatched.
Also the best-selling full-time college professor and recording artist
Since 1998, Beasley has been one of the top five best-selling African-American saxophonists in the world.
Over the last three decades, Beasley has been a regular presence in the top 20 of Billboard's contemporary jazz charts
His latest album, For Her, recently peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Charts
Organizations/Memberships:
SESAC (performing rights organization)
Berklee's Association of Faculty of African Descent: goal is to increase enrollment of African-American students and educators at Berklee
Berklee Presidential Scholarship Spokesperson: awards talented students from underrepresented groups with a full scholarship and room and board.
Awards and Accolades:
2003 Boston Music Awards, Jazz Album of the Year (Go with the Flow)
2001 Boston Music Awards, Outstanding Jazz Artist
2001 Berklee College of Music Trustee Award for advancing the mission and values of the college
2001 South Middlesex Men's Club Leadership Award for community service and support of youth development in music.
2001 SESAC National Performing Activity Award for the song "Comin' at Cha"
2002 SESAC National Performing Activity Award for the song "Rendezvous"