Joseph Macklin
"Jo Blaq"
Joseph “Jo Blaq” Macklin is a Grammy nominated producer, songwriter, engineer, and vocal arranger based in Los Angeles. He has worked with Ariana Grande, Chance the Rapper, Kanye West, Justin Bieber, Jill Scott, Evan Ross, Diana Ross, Kendrick Lamar, Cassie among others.
My Story
Jo is a native son of “WYCO” (Wyandotte County, Kansas), and is the youngest of 3 “preacher’s kids.” Although his musical interest and talents existed then, as a kid, Jo excelled on the basketball court, as well. Jo was ranked as one of the top basketball players in the state of Kansas, hailing from the dominant Washington High School. He went on to play Division 1 College Basketball at the University of Texas-San Antonio, and would later continue his collegiate career at Colorado State. He played professional basketball in Australia before returning home.
Today, Blaq invests time, money, and energy into local initiatives in the Kansas City area, including the first-ever Christmas tree lighting and Christmas of Diversity concert[6]in the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District and the rehabilitation of the Quindero Museum, which houses houses historical artifacts from the African-American community. Jo has served as the event music producer for the American Jazz Museum and has taught music theory and coding classes through the Full Employment Council and University of Central Missouri for free. The classes offer metro-area teens paid internships and access to Jo as a mentor.