Jay Blahnik is a Philadelphia-based five-time global music award-winning recording artist, songwriter, producer, choreographer, actor, writer/stage director, model/photographer and humanitarian. Born in Washington DC and raised in Camden, NJ (a city most noted for its high crime and poverty rates), Blahnik witnessed violent crimes on the playground daily. As an escape from that daunting reality, he used his creative talents as a therapeutic outlet. Each of his talents was masterfully honed through focused study and participation in school glee clubs/choirs, dance groups and debate teams. Combined, these affiliations provided him with the confidence, skill and experience necessary to create and perform at levels unmatched by his peers. Inspired by Janet Jackson and Stevie Wonder, Blahnik began to write lyrics of hope and made music that had his entire neighborhood dancing.
Blahnik has three studio albums to his credit, with the first three singles, “Boom Box,” “ME,” and “American Thumpdalina,” all reaching #1 on ReverbNation's US House Music and Electronic Dance Music (EDM) Charts; as well as #1 Globally for House. On the NumberOneMusic’s Charts, Blahnik held 31 TOP 20 slots in a single week (ending 8/1/2014), including #1 Pop and #1 Dance for both the US and the entire WORLD (in ALL countries); while the first two singles reaching #12 on the Independent Music Network Charts and #15 on the Indie Charts. Blahnik further charted on the UK’s Top 40 and Dance Charts with a remix of “Boom Box” that was produced by Xeraph, US Twitter Real-Time Charts and on the Euro Progressive House and R&B/Rap Charts.
As one of the MOST awarded people in the entire LGBT Community, Blahnik’s innovation in music and video garnered an astounding eight 2015 Artist in Music Awards Nominations and four SCM Award Nominations. In 2014 Blahnik and music legends, Dionne Warwick and Monifah, and TV news personality, Robin Roberts, received top honors at NYC’s Black Gay Pride Awards Ceremony as recipient of the 2014 Legacy Awards for Lifetime Achievement. A few months later, the title track from his “Boom Box” was added to the Top Gay & Lesbian Songs List and he was named by G-List Magazines as one of the 100 BLACK GAYS ROCK List- celebrating the 100 Black LGBT Voices of the Year. Blahnik goes on to earn five global music award nominations; winning the Bronze Dance & Electronic Song for American Thumpdalina (TSUNAMI THUMPIN Revolution Remix).
Because his artistic career intersects at music, theatre and dance, Blahnik's live performances are epic Broadway-styled extravaganzas. His intricate street styled choreography has earned him a reputation among noted celebrity talents such as Ashanti, Brice Vick, Karl Jackson, Vivica Fox and Jade Starling as a trailblazer. His sci-fi music videos were added to World News and MTVs websites and shown in heavy rotation during NYC’s Fashion Week. While on his current US promotional tour in support of his “Boom Box” LP, Blahnik is working on new music, film and stage productions with a host of producers, directors and artist worldwide. Blahnik is a celebrated humanitarian with numerous awards for tireless international work to improve the lives of others:
Awards:
Heritage Legacy Award for Outstanding Career Achievement, New York City Black Pride (2014)
Inducted into the Hall of Fame for Lifetime Achievement, Jack and Andre Mizrahi Ballroom Awards Ball (2013)
Ball/House & Pageant (B/HAP) Activism Award, B/HAP Communities Conference Health Disparities’ and Leadership Conference- Abounding Prosperity (10/06/2012)
Albert Evisu Outstanding Award, Gay Men’s Health Crisis House of Latex Project (8/18/2012)
Champion of Change Awards, IMPACT at the International AIDS Conference, Washington, DC (7/25/2012) Award for Lifetime Achievement, Crystal Ball (2012)
Kwame Ferragamo Banks Lifetime Achievement Award, COLOURS Organization, Inc. (2011)
Kiyoshi Kuromiya Award for Prevention, AIDS Education Month Committee at Philadelphia FIGHT (2011)
Angel Vizcaya Icon Award, Timotheus Smart & Company’s Icon Fashion & Awards Show (2011)
Hall of Fame for Lifetime Ballroom Achievement, Dorian Corey Awards Ball (2010)
Outstanding Community Service Award, City of Baltimore by Mayor Rawlings-Blake (2010)
Proclamation from the City of Philadelphia by Mayor Michael Nutter (2010)
Editor’s Choice Award, Poetry.com (2006)
LEGACY and INFLUENCE:
Acclaimed Hit-maker and Producer, Whey Cooler states, “Working with Blahnik is an experience that is never anything short of amazing. His musical insight, energy and passion punctuate who he is as an artist and a person.”
Legendary recording artist, Jade Starling, exclaims, “Working with the Legendary Jay Blahnik was one of the highlights of my year. His vision and technique on the Boom Box Album should be recognized for years to come!”
World-renowned Celebrity Choreographer, Brice Vick shares, “When you mention, Hard Work, Dedication, Passionate and Talented, the first name that comes to mind is Jay Blahnik. A true artist to be watched!”
Internationally Acclaimed Entertainer, Ashanti shares, “I called on Jay in 2012 to produce the opening music for a show that I was headlining in Washington DC during their annual pride events. Not only did he live up to his reputation by delivering a HOT track, he also showed up and co-performed it with me. He is an artist and producer on the rise and one that I would work with again.”
Legendary Hollywood Actress, Vivica A. Fox shares, “I have attended and hosted several of Karl Jackson’s Celebrity Hair and Fashion Shows and the highlight is always the dynamic dancing and productions!!! It always leaves me looking forward to more.
