Enka Singer Jero

 Jero (ジェロ)

the first black enka singer in Japanese music history

Real Name:  Jerome Charles White, Jr.

Known in Japan as Jero (ジェロ)

Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Birthday: September 4, 1981

Maternal grandmother Takiko is Japanese. Met his African-American grandfather while he was a serviceman during World War II. 

First single release: Umiyuki (“Ocean Snow”) 

First album release: Yakusoku (“Promise”)

*Best  New Artist 2008. Japan Record Awards (the Japanese version of the Grammys).

First major US appearance: opening of the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. on March 28, 2009