08/06/2026
It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of our dear friend, Jeanie Bryson who left us on June 19. In accordance with her family’s wishes, we waited to share this heartbreaking news until they were ready to make it public.
Jeanie was a singular, remarkable person and a beloved friend to us personally, as well as to the entire New Brunswick Jazz Project family. She was a regular presence at our performances, often bringing her cherished grandchildren, Ayanna and Elias. Eli, an aspiring drummer, could always be found chatting up the night’s percussionist, eagerly absorbing every bit of wisdom he could get.
Many of you know Jeanie as the brilliant, internationally respected jazz and pop vocalist whose career took her around the world alongside some of the finest musicians in the business. (If you aren't familiar with her incredible catalog, do yourself a favor and look her up.) Following the tragic loss of her husband, Coley Mellett, in a 2009 plane crash, Jeanie stepped away from singing. When NBJP began in 2010, Virginia—knowing Jeanie for years and understanding that music was still deep in her soul, even if no longer her outlet—finally coaxed her out to a jazz night at Makeda in February 2011, shortly after the birth of her first grandchild.
Slowly but surely, Jeanie returned to the scene. She stayed longer, came more often, and became a cornerstone of our NBJP community. We will deeply miss her joyful spirit, her expert commentary and keen insights on tunes and players, and an unflagging passion for both the music and the musicians who make it. We will miss her quirky humor and the simple joy she found in nature and watching things grow.
Our Ms. Bryson was truly one of a kind, and she will remain in our hearts forever—our eternal "Jazz Angel."
We encourage everyone to honor her memory by exploring Sing You a Brand New Song, the wonderful documentary and album Jeanie produced celebrating the life and music of her late husband, Coleman Mellett. https://colemanmellett.com/documentary/
Coleman Mellett Music
Sending our deepest condolences and our love to Radji, Susanna, Ayanna and Elias. ~ Michael, Jimmy & Virginia
🎶❤️💔❤️🎶
