JAGGED EDGE

Tickets for this performance go on sale to the public on Friday, October 3 at 10am. Interested in reserving your seats before the public? Members of Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts have access to an exclusive presale starting Thursday, October 2 at 10am. Call (727) 300-2000 to learn more about the perks of membership!

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Jagged Edge stands as one of the most successful and influential music collectives of this generation. With founding members Brandon Casey, Brian Casey, Kyle Norman, and Richard Wingo, the group has not only redefined R&B but also influenced the landscape of modern soul and pop music. With over 20 years in the music industry, Jagged Edge has sold millions of records, earned numerous awards, and consistently set a new standard for R&B.

Jagged Edge’s roots trace back to their teenage years at the New Birth Missionary Baptist Church on the East Side of Atlanta, Georgia, where Kyle, Brandon, and Brian sang in the choir. Their shared passion for music and faith laid the foundation for the formation of the group. With the help of a talent scout, the group honed their skills and caught the eye of New Edition’s Michael Bivens—a dream come true considering the group found inspiration from R&B groups such as New Edition and Boyz II Men.

Their debut album, A Jagged Era (1997), didn’t immediately ignite commercial success but laid the groundwork for future triumphs. Despite the lukewarm response to their first single, the breakout hit, “Gotta Be,” originally written for Monica, proved to be a turning point. The group’s persistence paid off as A Jagged Era reached Gold-selling status.

The quartet established more creative control with their sophomore effort, “J.E. Heartbreak.” Released in 1999, “J.E. Heartbreak” solidified Jagged Edge as a juggernaut in R&B with over 2 million albums sold and three Top 20 hits “Let’s Get Married,” “He Can’t Love U,” and “Promise.”

The chart-topping “Let’s Get Married” was inspired by fans who sent videos of the song “Gotta Be” being played during marriage proposals and weddings. Jagged Edge also wanted to create a love anthem that countered the oversexualized themes of R&B at the time.

The remix of “Let’s Get Married,” featuring Rev. Run from Run-D.M.C., was a game-changer in blending R&B with hip-hop, showcasing the group’s versatility and willingness to evolve. J.E. Heartbreak earned them five Billboard Awards and two Soul Train Awards, marking a peak in their early career.