How One American Mastered the “Japanese Blues”
Вставка
- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
- Jerome “Jero” White never imagined that he would one day grow up to be a star in the Japanese music scene. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he was first introduced to enka music by his grandmother, a native of Yokohama, Japan. Enka is a form of ballad music, popularized during wartime. Influenced by his grandmother, Jerome began singing the “Japanese blues” at the age of five. After years of studying Japanese language and culture, he made the decision to move to Japan to pursue a career in music. Although he has now chosen to put his music career on hiatus, Jero’s contributions to enka have modernized and brought a fresh style and energy to the traditional artform.
SUBSCRIBE: goo.gl/vR6Acb
This story is a part of our Human Condition series. Come along and let us connect you to some of the most peculiar, stirring, extraordinary, and distinctive people in the world.
Got a story idea for us? Shoot us an email at hey [at] GreatBigStory [dot] com
Follow us behind the scenes on Instagram: goo.gl/2KABeX
Make our acquaintance on Facebook: goo.gl/Vn0XIZ
Give us a shout on Twitter: goo.gl/sY1GLY
Come hang with us on Vimeo: goo.gl/T0OzjV
Visit our world directly: www.greatbigsto...
"His grandmother never was able to see her grandson achieve Enka fame, she died in 2005, three years before he became famous."
(;_;)7 bless her soul
So sad
There’s another video I watched about him, where he talks about his mother. She had a terrible experience growing up half Black in Japan. She didn’t ever want to talk about it. After he became famous there, he said her seeing him embraced by the Japanese helped her to open up about her childhood. So even though his grandmother didn’t witness his fame, his mother did and it even helped her.
Nah she watching him from the heavens telling princess kaguya “look theirs my grandson oh he’s wonderful isn’t he “
MY JAPANESR GRANDMA IS A HUGE FAN OMG She has posters and signed photos with him and general merchandise all over her apartment
Lol
What??? That's so cool. And a little ironic. An older woman with posters of a very younger man singing in older style love music.😁
*japanese
@@40EntrepreneurDrive older people love to see young people perpetuating their culture and traditions !
What s great guy! He would succeed in anything he set his heart to.
THE FACT THAT HE GOT TO MEET SACHIKO KOBAYASHI, ONE OF THE MOST WELL KNOWN ENKA SINGERS IS ASTOUNDING TO ME
Why are you screaming?
Jero has been performing and popular for over a decade in Japan.
Yeah I learned about him years ago too. Isn't it great!
@Andrew Lee he's in a hiatus rn to focus on his job as a computer engineer recently
i randomly found him in a twitch chat lmao
his japanese is perfect...
No, calling this "cultural appropriation" is a joke. Or did you not even watch the video? His grandmother is Japanese. If it's now "cultural appropriation" to adopt culture from within one's own family, the term has truly become meaningless.
g4meboy13 He's part Japanese tho.
g4meboy13 learning a language isnt appropriation
g4meboy13
Yeah, I'm kinda doubtful that someone with a Pepe avatar truly gives a shit about cultural appropriation.
Jason Blalock Dude, the man was memeing, "Cultural Appropriation" is a joke and he was trying to make people like you angry.
his last name is white, he is black, and he's singing in Japanese god Damn this man is cultured
Darrien Hansana He is Japanese tho
huda abdi not most of his family tho
Mr. White Yeah he is, his grandmother is Japanese
Mr. White
His grandmother is Japanese, therefore he has Japanese dna. You must be some uncultured trump supporter to not know how that works
He is mix raced so which makes Afro-american and Japanese.
I love how he just seems to really love enka and the connection it gives him to his grandmother and Japan. I definitely want to hear more of his songs.
The way the audience members shook his hands were too adorable 😭
Describing enka as Japanese blues is probably about the easiest way to explain it.
really? For some reason I was thinking something like Frank Sinatra. Or maybe it was the suit that he was wearing as he sang? What style did Frank Sinatra sing?
40 Entrepreneur Drive You're both correct, actually. Enka is really the offspring of Black Southern Blues and a Japanese form of pop music known as _Ryukoka_ , which is itself a derivative of traditional pop (i.e. what Frank Sinatra did).
Aesthetically and sonically, Enka artists were more heavily influenced by Western traditional pop, but lyrically (the subject matter) it was more influenced by The Blues.
@@40EntrepreneurDrive Most classify him as jazz/swing. I can see what you are getting at although I think blues is better descriptor by the emotion that enka tends to tap in to. The closes thing in terms of both subject and sound that Franky did was My way although it feels a bit more uplifting. Even without knowing the words I enjoy the emotion that the songs can call up. It's like when you think about an childhood friend that you know you will never see again or reminiscing about a past fling that was short but passionate. I think it would be good drinking music. Sipping whisky in a dimly lit bar with the music playing low.
Surprisingly, he got his master's degree in computer science from Boston University, and now working in the IT industry.
Zugzwang wow! He's a brainiac as well...good for him!
But according to Wikipedia,"Jero majored in information science at University of Pittsburgh and graduated in 2003, and moved to Japan in the same year."
Not quite sure why it’s surprising.
@@greenjaw9492 check his LinkedIn
@@TitaniumXHeroBecause he's a singer-writer. That profession is usually connected with music and arts degree and not in science
This is beautiful. Bless him for immersing himself into Japanese culture and cherishing his grandmother’s culture.
Japanese Enka is similar to Portuguese Fado in that the lyrics deal with sadness and longing. Visited some Fado bars while in Lisbon. Will definitely look up Enka when I'm back in Tokyo...one of these days. Very cool video. 👍
Tosh T ...Hmm, also seems kinda like Korean Trot music. Worth looking into...
+Sissy maye maye 👍
Tosh T it's because the Portuguese traded with the Japanese back in around 15 century
+WesleySnipzzz 😂 You saw the tempura video. Fado isn’t that old, mate. Only dates back to the early 19th century.
Tosh T Lololol yeah🤣🤣
Jero not only breaks barriers, he's a damn good singer! Everyone here at home listens to Enka pretty much all the time and we were very impressed with the performances we managed to watch.
My favaourite enka singer is atari kousuke and I am glad this genre become more popular among youngster these days!
l lawliet Oh shit me too. I like his song they used as an outro for the Anime Natsume and Spirit Friends.
Sounds interesting. Do you think someone with a low level of Japanese would be able to understand it since this is sung slowly?
What a lovely story. Great exampke of everyone just having their own humanity and responding to those willing to share in it
If his mother is Japanese, then he is Japanese as well. Japanese law and culture regards Japanese as people having Japanese blood (Jus Sanguinis). Even if he doesn’t get recognized as Japanese because of how he looks, just hearing his Enka would seal the deal.
Huh??? He considers himself as American. And his mother is half Japanese by ethnicity but American as well.
iih Yes, correct. He’s American. But he’s also Japanese. For example, if his mother has Japanese Nationality (don’t knew if she has it still), he could theoretically also get citizenship easily (some paperwork). But Japan doesn’t recognize multiple nationalities, so he probably is not a Japanese national. Applies some conditions like the renouncement of his U.S citizenship (though many Japanese that also have American citizenship keeps it secret to the Japanese authorities).
Camilo Arjona Interesting, I didn't know that.
It's not his mother who is Japanese. It was his grandmother. His mother is American.
MonMon298 Japan doesn't allow dual citizenship! My mom's German and I hv German citizenship but I hv to forfeit German citizenship to become Japanese citizen!
I remember seeing a story about Jero (Jerome) a while ago. Glad he successfully followed his dream. Good to see that he is helping to keep this genre of Japanese music alive.
This guy I saw at 24 Hour television if I'm not mistaken... This guy is so amazing... He's gonna make his haters cry because he proved them wrong.. Well done, Jero!
Listen to Jero, he's gonna make you smile.
This is wholesome it reminds me of my grandma, she always encouraged me to sing and to do my best, now she is resting in peace but this reminds me of her
I’m a big Jero fan. Thank you for doing this interview! So glad he’s still doing really well. :)
JuriAmari he retired from music to focus on his IT career though 😔
Still a fan of Jero, hope he's doing well these days!
Your voice is amazing Jerome, I've only experienced Enka via 80s anime and the Yakuza video games, but dear god, you've got a natural talent. It's deep like country music, but without the racism.
Would love to see a full documentary of Jero, I have listened to Jero's music for about maybe 1 or 2 years. Keep up the good work. I have been listening enka for about 5 years and always had a strong interest in the enka melody since childhood due to daily enka music that my mom plays while she cooks. In these past 5 years, my enka interest is stronger than ever. I listen to it everyday when ever I could.
I discovered him after he retired. I would have LOVED to hear his rendition of Misora Hibari's Yawara (which I also discovered very recently)...
This is so inspirational!
i still recall your debut in Japan! I loved your first hit! Your grandmother would be so proud of you! Fighting!
Love this story. Finding his niche that also connects him with his family is really special.
I found Jero randomly. I listen to Japanese and Taiwanese enka because it reminds me of my grandparents and other older relatives. Jero is so inspiring.
I was recommending this guy a few days ago but it had been a few years that I forgotten his name. 😧 glad he is still successful!
Singing Blues in Japan yeah !!!
Awwww...I can see his love for his grandmother. So sweet
That's my dude right there !! So happy to see a video on him
it is amazing because he can vibrate japanses's heart by his voice in japanese.
I love this story! Such a happy thing he is living his dream! He has a beautiful voice and personality 😍
ジェロ~もう歌は歌わないんだろうな 今もファンがいるようですよ海外はハーフに差別的な考えの人がいるんですね 純粋な血じゃないと受け入れない人がいるけど、そんなの関係ない
人間性が1番です どんな国にも狭い教養しかない人がいますね 捉え方はそれぞれですけど
ジェロは活躍して楽しませてくれた素敵な人です
So proud for him.
On TV is a guy Ike Nwala.
This was a really good story. ⭐️🙌🏻
Love hearing stories like this... keep up the great work man!! 👍🏽👍🏽🎵🎶
I heard about the story years ago. It's good to see he still doing well in his chosen craft. Make Grandma proud!
Wow!! Lovely! Thank you so much for sharing this.
This makes me feel that even when we cannot see the purpose in the direction of our lives the next generation proves what that purpose was! She nurtured her love of Enka into him and it blossomed!
What a beautiful way to put it.
What a cool guy and beautiful culture!
This is awesome. I listened to this style of Japanese blues years ago, so this to me is vintage and well done.
Awesome! He is one of the coolest people I ever met. I had not idea at the time, how popular he was. I'm proud to know him!
love how he looks like a gangsta rapper from the 90s/early2000s but he sings enka in flawless japanese and with the voice of an angel😂🤣😂🤣
9th .... wow a black person saying in japanese and live in japan .. i love how the guy appreciated japanese music and culture
Serate Vibes
His grandmother is japanese, so of course he should know the culture.
Quarter Japanese. Gotta respect your roots man, otherwise grandma's going to be disappointed.
Michaël Kaspers bob sapp was a punching bag in Japan LMAO
@ኄኖክ ኃይሉ His grandmother married an African American serviceman during WWII times. His mother is half black.
The man sings beautifully. Prepare to swoon!
THIS IS AMAZING. He sounds great!!! Enko is great but would love to hear more mainstream stuff. He is so good
His voice is fantastic
Wonderful story! Go Jero!
i saw him over 10 yrs ago when he just about debuting. glad he is still around. :)
This is soooo awesome! Kudos to him!
Now all we need is for this guy to sing BAKA MITAI while staring at a photo of his grandma
I still love this guy and listen to his music. Wonder what he is doing today on Thursday, 11/28/24 which is Thanksgiving day in America. I know he has a lot to be thankful for. Hope his family us doing well.❤.
Jero is my frikkin hero! So awesome!
To be honest, I'm surprised he was so well received by those older people!
It’s sad that he stopped his career 😢
First time I heard about Jero was when I was taking some sort of music class in university some years ago. We didn't play instruments in that course, but was more of where music originated and stuff like that. Interesting to see him sing enka and it's awesome.
Oooh it's so pretty. His voice is beautiful! I never knew about Enka but I wanna listen to more of it.
Hell yeah, glod you made a video about him !! His enka is so good
The best Enka singer in Japanese history!!
Strangly this video made my day
So interesting! It's too short, we want more about his story...
Wow! Much respect to this guy...
I'm so proud,but his grandmother must be real proud of him now.She teach him very well smart guy.After all he is Japanese American.These people are very intelligent if you have Japanese bloodlines part of who you are well blossom eventually.This is an amazing story.He sings Enka music well.
Awesome......honestly...its hard cz u must have the heart to do it...I love ENKA..ITS MY LIFE
What a cool story!
I'd love to see Jero on "natsu melo" show which showcases "oldies" on New Year's eve. Here's hoping🙆♀️
So so cool
88rising needs to see this
Clippygoat wow someone actually made a really good comment finally. I see some rap enka fusion in the future.
No non on nonono no no
Alien Machine: Wanted dead or alive for suggesting we mix Rap and Enka
what a cool life, well done dude!
Love this video!!! Love from Chiba-ken!
wow its great that he become popular enka singer now...his late grandmother will b so proud of him...so sad 😉😭
I totally respect this man
This got recommended since I started listening to enka more lol.
Pretty cool.
I first saw his interview on CNN Asia, years ago.
I'm japanese. My mom, aunt and grandma actually love his songs. Dad prefers 80s hard rock though like Deep Purple and Led Zeppelin.
Haha this is so cool! His success and the respect people have for him is very inspiring!
OMG so awesome, I am blown away! Love this!
I too, have a grandmother from Japan who introduced me to enka.
I must make haste.
This was so wholesome!
I waited forever for this. :D
Such a beautiful story 👏👌❤👵🏽.
For all the people who can’t be assed to read the description: Jerome (Jero) is 1/4 Japanese.
i can see the nippon features in him. Plus he is quite petite like most japanese men.
chipette he is half Japanese. His grandmother was Japanese and his grandfather was Black.
Honoring your Grandmother! That is so cool.
Wonderful!
彼はとても凄い！
Love this so much! 😍😍😍
Afro Samurai of music world
NANI?!?!?!
Meme's old, bro.
fireaza omae wa mou shindeiru
fireaza Memes are eternal
your next line is... "that's cultural appropriation!"
Elite Reborn Not January memes bro
I love this guy ~ ! MUCH respect ~ !!!
never a gaijin able to sing japanese like he was a native. so lucky to discovered him in Enka playlist in Spotify
Blessings
Great story!!
wow this is amazing!!he has great voice 😉😬
So inspirational
Really interesting I just learned about this genre today
Goddamn, that's impressive. I'm in awe, really, good for you man!
いーことしてんじゃん。応援決まり📣
This dude is inspiring
Wow. Really cool piece
0:04 these music videos are LIT