We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Elliott Jeter a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Elliott , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
First, I have to say a huge “thank you” to my parents, Lewis Jeter Sr. and Carolyn Jeter. Without them, my dream of becoming a musician and starting a music business would not be possible. My parents have been the biggest supporters in both my life and career. They have always encouraged me to pursue my dreams and reminded me to keep God first in whatever I do and stay humble.
My parents and my sister (Corvette) and brother (Lewis Jr.) motivated me to do well in school and accomplish 12 years of perfect attendance. My parents have always believed in me and my abilities. That is just one example of how that impacted my life.
My love for music started at an early age. When I was a little kid, my dad would take me to quartet singing programs to listen to my great uncle’s (Converse Harris) group, The Exciting Harris Brothers, sing songs well-known in Gaffney, SC (my hometown) and surrounding areas. I have fond memories of going on stage with the group and pretending to play instruments with the band while my great-uncle and other group members sang. Even at a young age, I loved being around music. That experience is something that I’ll always hold dear to my heart.
The first instrument I took an interest in was the drum set. When I was a kid, I took pencils or whatever I could find to be used as drumsticks and used a green “little tikes” toddler chair as a makeshift drumset. I would beat on the “drums” whenever I could. Over time, I was able to play various rhythms and began asking my parents for a drum set. One particular Christmas, my parents finally bought me a drumset. I remember how excited I was for the gift and to be able to practice on an actual drum set. I played the drums for a while before I took an interest in another instrument.
I became interested in the piano when I was around 10 years old. My mom and dad would often take me to my grandmother’s house. She had an old upright piano in the dining room that I would attempt to play. At the time, I didn’t have any musical training, so I just tried to play a tune that sounded somewhat decent. As I continued visiting my grandmother and my parents and siblings, I began to improve at playing the tune I’d been practicing. I can vividly remember my grandmother enjoying what I was playing and dancing to the music in the kitchen. Witnessing the joy music gave my grandmother encouraged me to really learn how to play the piano.
My parents later asked me if I wanted to take piano lessons. I said “yes” without hesitation. They signed me up for lessons taught by Julius Camp, who lived in my hometown. I took lessons from him for about two years. During that time, my mom and dad took me to the lessons and paid for them. They sacrificed their time and money to invest in my passion for music and played a significant role in my wanting to turn my passion into a business.
Through lessons, I honed my piano skills and began playing music at my home church (Galilee Baptist Church in Blacksburg, SC) and for weddings and other events. I also taught myself to play several other instruments (bass guitar, guitar, saxophone, etc.) after learning to play the piano. I’d been playing music for various events for several years before I turned my passion into a business.
In 2017, I founded E. Jeter Music. My business consists of providing live music for weddings and other events. My parents have supported me since the beginning by always encouraging me and letting me know that I can do anything through Christ. I’m grateful for their support.
Elliott , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am an entrepreneur and a musician based in Rock Hill, SC (near Charlotte, NC). I got into music at a young age. My family consists of singers and musicians, so I grew up around music. My music career started with playing the drums. I later learned how to play the piano (my primary instrument) and then taught myself how to play several other instruments.
I founded my business, E. Jeter Music, in 2017. Through my business, I provide live music for weddings, birthday parties, corporate events, and other events. I play various genres of music, including gospel, jazz, R&B, neo-soul, and more. My clients contact me when they are looking for a musician who they can depend on to provide outstanding services. I take the time to discuss every client’s needs for their event, show up early to set up, perform music that meets and exceeds their expectations, and let them know they can contact me for future events. My clients appreciate my level of communication and dependability.
I’m most proud of turning my passion for music into a business and being able to give back. Being a business owner is no easy feat. As a business owner, there is a lot to learn, and the learning never stops.
When I started my business, I wanted it to be bigger than music and give back. Within a few months of starting my business, I established the E. Jeter Music Scholarship to give back to my hometown of Gaffney, SC. The scholarship is offered to senior students at my high school alma mater (Gaffney High School) who are a part of a musical organization and planning to attend college.
I also plan to begin offering an additional scholarship to senior students who do not attend my high school alma mater. Stay tuned for more information. So far, I have given out five scholarships, and I look forward to giving out more to deserving students.
I am also proud of creating content on social media. I have several videos on Facebook and Instagram of myself playing instrumental covers of various songs. I use an app called Melody Lab to record myself playing different instruments one at a time in individual frames that come together to create a one-man band playing various songs. If you have not seen any of my videos, I encourage you to check me out on social media.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding part about being an artist or a creative is sharing my love of music with others. Whether I’m performing on stage by myself or as part of a band, being able to look out and see people enjoying what they hear motivates me to continue doing what I love. Music has a way of brightening up someone’s day, making people smile, and giving people joy. It’s rewarding to know that I can positively affect people through my love of music.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Yes, the goal/mission is to continue spreading positivity. Performing music allows me to do just that. With everything going on in the world today, spreading positivity is needed. I have been able to touch people’s lives through music, and I plan to continue doing so.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ejetermusic.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ejeter_music/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ejeter.music/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/e-jeter-music/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ejeter_music/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ejeter_music
- Other: Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ejeter_music/
Image Credits
Rae Images (Ebony Stubbs – Owner) Baker Mills Photography