Junior Scaife

A native of Auburn, Alabama, JUNIOR SCAIFE grew up drenched in Gospel, Blues, Choral, and Soul
music. As a serene and very observant child, he began singing in his father’s church. Influenced by his
musician/educator mother, he began playing piano/organ and directing the choir; by ten he was on
to the drum set. In 2012, Junior was awarded a Full-Tuition scholarship to Berklee College of Music,
where served as student teacher and staff musician in the Voice/Liberal Arts/Ensemble departments. He is a 2016 graduate of Berklee College of Music. Junior is the founder of DJ & the Yams, a NYC based quartet steeped in the multi-faceted Afrodiasporic traditions.

As a young musical griot, his dedication to social justice through artistic expression has led him to the
classroom on many occasions. His teaching experience includes the Highly Emotional Music
International Academy of Music (China), Harlem School of the Arts (NYC) and St. George’s School
(RI). Junior recently made his debut as “Set it Off Man” for the Amatuer Night at the world famous
Apollo Theater. He has performed both for and with several notable figures and institutions, including The
Little Rock Nine, Berry Gordy, Valerie Simpson, Nona Hendryx, Lawrence “Larry” Watson, Jennifer Lewis,
Harry Belafonte, Mark Wahlberg, Melonie Daniels, Yolanda Adams, Terri Lyne Carrington, Gabe Roth,
Niels Lan Doky, Debbie Sledge, Wanya Morris, AR Rahman, Me’lissa Morgan, Ben Vereen & Alvin Ailey.
He was a Top 50 Finalist on the 2014 Season of American Idol.

DJ & the Yams independently released their debut album Let’s Ride in 2022.

True to his diverse musical fashion, Junior recently stepped out as a solo artist and released a
double-sided 45 vinyl with the West Coast soul label Daptone/Penrose Records. Junior founded Birdgravy Music Group in November of 2023.
IG: @juniorscaife