Jawonn Smith, known as J-Wonn (and alternately as Jwonn), is a contemporary southern R&B artist with a youthful voice. Raised in a single-parent household, the Jackson, Mississippi native grew up in the church and sang in choirs. As he got a little older, he was drawn to R&B and rap, but he never severed his connection to gospel or the classic southern soul and blues that inspired him. "I Got This Record," a single released in 2013, became something of a regional hit, assisted by tireless touring. An album of the same title was released in 2014 through Savior Music Group. Several singles, including the ballads "I Need a Grown Woman" and "Lord I Need to Talk to You," the uptempo "We Gone Party," and the slow jam "Daddy's Girl," were issued across 2015 and 2016. ~ Andy Kellman