Jacob Lee Bernz was born and raised in New York's Hudson Valley surrounded by the musical friends and colleagues of his father, two-time Grammy winning producer/musician David Bernz. Pete Seeger was a family friend and frequent presence in Jacob's life. His grandfather, Harold Bernz, helped start People's Songs, the precursor to Sing Out magazine. His great grandfather was Walter Lowenfels, the poet who co-wrote Wasn't That a Time with Lee Hays. Songwriting literally runs through Jacob's veins.
Growing up in a house full of musical traditions, Jacob began writing his own songs and playing at a young age. In his early 20s he's become a prolific songwriter and an accomplished musician. Through his friendship with Pete, and as a member of Clearwater's Power of Song, Jacob has had the opportunity to play at many distinguished venues including The Guthrie Center, The Tarrytown Music Hall, New York's Symphony Space and Lincoln Center Out Of Doors. He's been fortunate to share the stage with notable musicians including David Amram, Guy Davis, Livingston Taylor, Jackson Browne, Tom Chapin and Arlo Guthrie.
Jacob’s CD Can You Hear Me Now, debuted in October, 2015. The CD is a unique collection of all original songs with talented world-class musician/producer Jeff Haynes. His latest collaboration, with brilliant musician/producer Andy Stack, Dream Ballads, was completed in September 2016.
Jacob's music is distinct, crossing many genres including folk, jazz, blues and pop, and in the process creates a style and genre all his own. Take a listen and hear for yourself!
"A young man in my town has a beautiful tenor voice... Want to feel more optimistic about the world? Listen to young people. Here's one of them." - Pete Seeger
"Jacob is an amazing musician. He's absolutely unique. There's nobody that sounds like him - nobody!" - Jeff Haynes, world class percussionist and Grammy Winning Producer
"An extraordinary young musician and songwriter, mature far beyond his years with a keen sensitivity and gentleness." - Connie Hogarth, peace activist
"You can tell that Jacob Bernz is meant to play this earthy full-out style of acoustic world music."- Guy Davis, world renowned blues artist
Jacob Bernz's powerful songs are an artful mix of youthful passion and deep roots." - Andrew Revkin, New York Times journalist and musician