Dr. Alvin McKinney, The Prime Minister Of Joyful Jazz

Dr. Alvin McKinney is a branded international Recording Artist/Saxophonist, composer, arranger, producer, and musical director. He started his musical journey playing drums at age four. At age twelve, he picked up his first Saxophone. It became his first passion, and the focus of his career aspirations in music. He attended the University of Memphis, where he studied Classical Saxophone under Professor of Saxophones, Mr. Allen Rippe. He performed with the Marching Band, Jazz Band, The Saxophone Quartet, and won the Woodwind Concerto competition in 1986. He graduated in 1989 with a BME in Music Education and concentration in Saxophone Performance. He went on to study Saxophone Performance under world renowned Professor of Saxophones, Mr. Donald Sinta, at the University of Michigan Master’s Program, where he taught Jazz Styles as a Graduate Assistant under Mr. Ed Sarath.

Dr. McKinney has performed his rendition of The National Anthem for the University of Memphis’ NCAA Women’s Softball games, at The FedEx Forum for the University of Memphis’ NCAA Men’s Basketball games and the NBA Memphis Grizzlies, The MLS Chivas Soccer-Carson, CA, The NBA Los Angeles D-Fenders Basketball Games-El Segundo, CA, Mixed Martial Arts at Agricultural Center and The Music Room, The 2020 Defending World Champion Los Angeles Lakers Basketball Organizations; and 9/11 Event at The Levitt Shell with ‘The McKinney Duo’; MMBA/Levitt Shell partnership; Memphis, TN.

Performed the National Anthem at The Levitt Shell/Overton Park Shell, 9/11, Memphis, TN

Headlined at the “House of Blues” - Brunch & performed the National Anthem in Hollywood, CA, and Anaheim, CA

Headlined & performed the National Anthem at The Western Riverside Council of Governments' 21st Annual General Assembly, Morongo Casino, Resort & Spa, Cabazon, CA

Performed the National Anthem for The City of Inglewood California: July 4th Celebration & Fireworks Spectacular

Performs songs from his Inspirational Jazz CD, "A Spiritual Journey" & original composition ‘And All Heaven Smiles’

He Hosted/Produced ‘The Joyful Jazz Show’, live from Roscoe’s Media Center Studios in Los Angeles, CA, from October 2013 to November 2015, in all Music Genres, from November 2015 to April 2016; which featured Grammy Award Winning and Nominated, World Class Artists, and Producers.

Calibrations with: H.H. Prince Dr. Mario-Max Schaumburg-Lippe, B. B. King, Louie Bellson, Clark Terry, Iris Gordy & Karla Gordy Bristol, Lou Rawls, Billy Preston, David Longoria, Kirk Whalum, Ellis Hall, Phil Upchurch, William Bell, Dr. Larry Dodson Snr. & The Bar-Kays, Daniello DeLaurentis, H. B. Barnum, Brenda Lee Eager, Wayne Linsey, Kevin Toney, ‘Bugsy’ Wilcox, John B. Williams, Barry Fasman, Gorden Campbell, Jim ‘The Boneman’ Moseley, Justo Almario, Barbara Morrison, BAPAC, MBAA, RBCC/SFV, and more. He performed at the NAMM Legere Reeds, Inc. and John Lennon Tour Bus booths.

Toures/Performances: In Ghana, Dubai, Russia, and throughout the West Indies. Dr. Iris Stevenson- McCullough and Crenshaw Elite Choir in France, Notre Dame, Moneco, Tunisia, Spain, Switzerland; Los Angeles, New York, and Washington D.C. for President Ronald Reagan’s 2nd Inaugural, and at The White House for President Barack Obama.

Plays multiple of Instruments: All Saxophones, Flute, Clarinet, Midi Wind Controller, Keyboards, Drums/Percussion

Music Genres: Inspirational Jazz, Traditional Jazz, Swing Jazz, Dixieland Jazz, Latin Jazz, Blues, Rhythm & Blues, Soul, Traditional Classical, Pop, Alternative, Rock, Yakety Sax, Country, and Funk.

Recognition: In Barbados, he Headlined/received the Face of Africa-Ambassador of Human Rights Award from the International Gathering for Peace and Human Rights of Africa, Bishop Dr. C. A. Ogbu, and much more…