Jimmie Highsmith Jr., also known as Tjari, is a Grammy®-nominated saxophonist and flutist with critical acclaim, hailing from Rochester, NY. Throughout his career, he has graced the stage alongside numerous Grammy® Award winners, including the esteemed Najee, Alicia Keys, and Natalie Cole. I am also a proud endorser of Eastman Winds saxophones, Jody Jazz mouthpieces, and Silverstein Works ligatures.

 

My journey in music began at the mere age of 6 when I started studyng piano. After being exposed to Saxophone, I started studying it at the age 8.

 

After graduating from "PA" Rochester NY School of The Performing Arts in 1986, it led me to become a member of The Approaching Storm, the HBCU Delaware State University Marching Band. Although I initially enjoyed being part of the band, I realized that marching wasn't my true passion and returned to Rochester. There, I attended The Eastman School of Music where I studied during the summers of 1985 and 1986. My path took another turn when I decided to audition for The US Air Force Band in Washington DC at Bolling AFB. It was there that I discovered I would again be part of a marching band. I enlisted in the Air Force and dedicated ten years of service before transitioning to a full-time music career.

 

To date, I have released 11 top-selling smooth jazz CDs and contributed to over 200 recordings as a collaborator. My sixth CD, "The Anthology of Sound," was honored with a Grammy® nomination, and my work is recognized as being among the best in the Smooth Jazz genre.

 

I have been fortunate to receive several accolades throughout my career, including:

 

* 2005: Inducted into the FDC Duke Ellington Hall of Fame

* 2010: Pride of his Ancestors Award

* 2011: Grammy® Nomination (First Round)

* 2015: RCTV Black Music Month Community Achievement Award

* 2018: BMA Musician of the Year

* 2018: BreakThru Magazine Uplifting Award

* 2019: Roc Awards Lifetime Achievement Award

* 2025: Greater Roc Iconic Person 

* 2025 African American Who's Who of Rochester NY 

 

In recognition of my significant contributions to the music community, the Mayor of Rochester, Robert J. Duffy, proclaimed June 1st, 2007, as "Jimmie Highsmith Jr. Day" in Rochester, NY.

 

This year in June of 2025 I am proud to announce that I will be releasing my first book: Highsmithism's Life's Messages and Anecdotes.

 

Beyond music, I have also dedicated 41 years to martial arts training in Tae Kwondo and Aki Jujitsu, achieving a Black Belt rank. Additionally, as stated earlier I proudly served for 10 years in the US Air Force (1987-1997) in Logistics/Intelligence, earning an Honorable Discharge as a decorated NCO with the rank of Staff Sergeant.

 

Currently, I serve as the CEO/Managing Partner of Xperience Live Music Group LLC, where I apply my extensive experience in Business Management, Logistics, Professional Leadership, KPIs, ROI, and Customer Service to achieve exceptional results.

​

Jimmie’s Saxophone Setup

​

• Saxophone: Eastman Saxophones DS850 Rue St. George Series

​

• Mouthpiece: Jody Jazz Superjet 7 (for all horns)

​

• Ligature: Silverstein Works Cryo Gen 5 (for all horns)

​

• Reeds: Silverstein Works Ambipoly Reeds

 

Jimmie also wears Stetson Cowboy Hats, adding to his signature style.