Artist Wiki

October London

Overview

October London, an American singer-songwriter from South Bend, Indiana, captivates audiences with his soulful R&B sound that elegantly blends classic influences with modern flair. Known for poignant tracks like "Black Man in America" and acclaimed albums honoring legends like Marvin Gaye, he is committed to preserving the essence of soul music in today's landscape.

October London

October London, born Jared Samuel Erskine on October 17, 1986, in South Bend, Indiana, is an American singer and songwriter celebrated for his soulful R&B sound that skillfully fuses classic influences with contemporary styles.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

October London's journey into music began in the nurturing environment of a musically gifted family in South Bend, Indiana. With a singer for a mother and a guitar player as his father, his musical upbringing was inevitable. By kindergarten, October was already honing his musical abilities at the piano. In 2004, he made his first foray into performing with the musical group, First Fam.

Career Development

October London transitioned to professional performances under the moniker Sam London in 2014. His debut as October London came with the release of "Black Man in America" in 2016, a poignant single addressing police brutality. This track led to a pivotal introduction to Snoop Dogg by producer Jazze Pha, resulting in a signing to the label Cadillacc Music in March 2016, and later, to Death Row Records. October toured alongside Snoop Dogg during the iconic Mount Kushmore and High Road Tours in 2016, broadening his influence.

Major Releases and Achievements

His discography reflects a prolific career, with standout releases including:

  • Debut EP: "Color Blind: Love" (2016)
  • Follow-up EP: "Color Blind: Hate & Happiness" (2017)
  • Studio Album: "The Rebirth of Marvin" (2023), honoring Marvin Gaye
  • Hit Single: "Back to Your Place," which dominated the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart for nine weeks
  • Christmas Album: "The Greatest Gift" (2023)
  • Latest Album: "October Nights" released on October 11, 2024

Collaborations and Features

October London’s collaborative work includes the theme song for VH1's "Martha & Snoop's Potluck Dinner Party," appearances on Fox's "Empire," and extensive projects with Snoop Dogg. He also contributed to "Doggyland," a children's music web series co-produced with Snoop Dogg and Claude Brooks.

Musical Style and Influences

October London's music is a testament to his old-soul characteristics, drawing vocal comparisons to legends such as Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye. He adeptly integrates the essence of classic soul with modern R&B, influenced by the golden age of R&B music.

Recent Developments

  • Tour: Headlined the "Rebirth of Marvin" Tour with J. Brown and The Shindellas
  • Performance: Starred at the 2023 Soul Train Music Awards
  • Soundtrack Contribution: Released "Eternity" for "The Color Purple" film soundtrack in December 2023

Personal Life

October London, known off-stage as Jared Samuel Erskine, briefly considered career paths as diverse as a storm chaser, semi-truck driver, and car designer before dedicating himself to his passion for music. His evolution from his roots in South Bend to collaborating with music icons like Snoop Dogg underscores his unwavering commitment to preserving the soul music legacy.

October London's ascent in the music world serves as a testament to his dedication and his endeavor to sustain the vibrancy of soul music in today's music scene.

Sources

Date added:
Fri Feb 14 2025 09:42:02 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)