Larysa Jaye was born in 1984, the same year Prince released "When Doves Cry." And in many ways, that’s exactly what she was...a force, a voice, a presence too big to be ignored, yet full of soul and depth that left an imprint wherever she went.

She was born in Kansas City, KS, a place known for its deep musical roots, from jazz to blues, and though she would go on to shape country music, her voice was never meant to fit inside just one genre.

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But let’s be real, Larysa didn’t start out as a people person. She wasn’t the kid running to strangers with open arms. In fact, she did the opposite. If someone she didn’t know talked to her, she wouldn’t just shy away, she’d practically yell at them. She had a voice that commanded space, even before she knew what to do with it. We just didn’t realize at the time...she was training. That voice wasn’t meant to whisper. It was meant to roar.

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She was raised in the church, where the choir became her first stage. Gospel music gave her the foundation, the soul, the depth, the storytelling that would later define her sound. But it wasn’t just about hitting notes. She learned to sing with purpose, to make people feel something, to move them.

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By the age of 16, she had taught herself to play the guitar, complementing her skills on the piano and enriching her songwriting capabilities.

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Then came Nashville.

As a teenager, her family moved to Tennessee, and the music scene that surrounded her became a launchpad. She stepped into her own, found her place, and made her mark. The little girl who once backed away from strangers now stood on stages, holding crowds captive with her voice.

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She was a born Sunflower (Kansas’ state flower), but she refined herself like Tennessee whiskey, bold, rich, and unforgettable.

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 From Kansas to Nashville – A Story That Became a Movement

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Larysa Jaye didn’t just sing country, she lived it. Not the pop-country, manufactured kind, but the story-driven, gut-wrenching, unapologetic kind that made country music what it was meant to be. She respected the craft, the greats before her, and the power of a song that hits you in the soul.

She had a vision, to bring country back to its roots while making it something new. She wanted to bridge generations, single mothers, minorities, etc; giving longtime country lovers the depth and storytelling they craved, while making it fresh enough for the next wave of fans to feel at home in it, too.

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Professional Milestones

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• Residency on Lower Broadway: Larysa broke barriers as the only Black woman with an artist residency on Nashville's famed Lower Broadway, performing regularly at Justin Timberlake's Twelve Thirty Club.

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• Nashville International Airport Performances: For seven years, she captivated travelers with her performances at the Nashville International Airport, an experience she credited with shaping her as an artist.

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• Musical Director for Nashville Shakespeare Festival: Showcasing her versatility, Larysa served as the musical director for the Nashville Shakespeare Festival, contributing her talents to the theatrical community.

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• Collaborations with Renowned Artists: Throughout her career, she shared stages with notable performers such as Lauren Daigle, Danny Gokey, and Carrie Underwood, further establishing her presence in the music industry.

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• ACM OnRamp Program Graduate: Larysa was a recent graduate of the Academy of Country Music’s OnRamp Program, designed to empower and support emerging artists in the country music scene.

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Musical Style and Legacy

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• Genre-Defying Artistry: Described as "Tina Turner with an acoustic guitar," Larysa seamlessly blended elements of country, soul, and acoustic rock, creating a unique and captivating sound.

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• Empowerment Through Music: Her songs often explored themes of empowerment, independence, and self-discovery, resonating deeply with a diverse audience.

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• Notable Releases: Tracks like "I Don't Do Love," "The Thoughts That Happen," and "Birmingham (Side by Side)" exemplify her storytelling prowess and vocal strength.

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And then, life had other plans.

Her passing wasn’t just a personal loss, it was a gut punch to everyone who knew her, worked with her, and believed in her. But here’s the thing about true artists: they never really leave. Their voices, their words, their impact; it all stays, rippling forward in ways we never expect.

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 The Legacy Continues – C.M. Jaye Music

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Larysa’s story doesn’t end here. Her music still plays. Her vision still moves forward.

C.M. Jaye Music exists because of her. Founded by her brother, C.M. James, an author, a storyteller, and now, unexpectedly, a music guy. He didn’t plan to run a record label. Heck, he didn’t even plan to be in country music. But when you lose someone like Larysa, you don’t just let their dream fade. You pick it up. You carry it forward.

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And that’s exactly what he’s doing.

At first, he wasn’t sure if this was his path. He wasn’t a country guy, not by birth, not at all. But he respects the greats, respects the storytelling, and respects the raw, unfiltered truth behind the genre. And who better to spot real talent than someone who isn’t here for trends or industry politics, but for the music itself?

Now, he’s all in. And if you’re part of this movement, he’s all in for you, too.

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Through C.M. Jaye Music, Larysa’s voice lives on, not just in her re-released music, but in every artist that comes through these doors, carrying that same fire, that same grit, that same love for the craft.

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She was the spark. Now, we’re lighting the fire.​​​​​​​