The Life Of B. Jareal
Brandon Jareal Harris, born on May 14, 1986, in Detroit, Michigan, has always been surrounded by music and creativity. Raised in a musically gifted family, Brandon’s passion for the arts was evident from a young age. He began singing at just three years old at his family’s church, Locket Memorial Church of God & Christ, where he regularly participated in holiday programs and special events. Recognizing his talent early on, his grandmother became his biggest supporter, encouraging him to refine his musical skills through piano lessons and by joining the Boys Choir of Detroit, where he performed solo pieces. His talent earned him second place in a local talent competition at Detroit’s TCF Center, formerly known as Cobo Hall and/or Cobo Center.
Brandon’s artistic interests extended beyond music. As a child, he attended a summer art program at Wayne State University, developing his drawing and painting abilities. He also studied modeling and acting at John Robert Powers Acting School & Modeling Agency, and began writing his own short stories, plays, and songs. After losing his father to a violent crime in 1992, writing became a therapeutic outlet for Brandon. He created stories, musicals, and plays, which he and his cousins would perform for family and neighbors.
Throughout elementary and middle school, Brandon excelled academically, earning honor-roll distinctions and several essay writing awards, including recognition from the Michigan Educational Assessment Program. He also developed an interest in athletics, joining the track and cross-country teams.
During high school at Edwin C. Denby High School, Brandon’s reputation for his musical talents flourished. He joined the school’s Concert Choir and male vocal class under the late Sylvia Greenwood, receiving classical vocal training and earning top marks in the Solo & Ensemble Festival Competition for three consecutive years. Brandon’s love for songwriting grew, and he was praised for his arrangement of the school’s theme song. Elected president of the Concert Choir in his junior year, he began training fellow students vocally and musically.
Brandon graduated Cum Laude from Oakland Community College in 2010 with an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts. He then relocated to Kalamazoo to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies at Western Michigan University (WMU). While at WMU, Brandon interned with InterAct of Michigan, providing mental health services to individuals with severe challenges. He later joined CARES – Community AIDS Resource and Education Services, becoming a certified HIV Prevention Specialist and Program Coordinator.
Academically, Brandon achieved membership in several honor societies and graduated Summa Cum Laude from WMU in 2014 with a 3.95 GPA. Despite his academic commitments, Brandon continued to create music, releasing two unofficial EPs: “Realistically Speaking” and the Christmas album “My Greatest Gift,” both of which were well received by his supporters.
After graduating, Brandon relocated to Dallas, Texas, to pursue a career in Public Health and Health and Human Services. At the same time, he rekindled his passion for music, beginning to write and create again. As his commitment deepened, Brandon decided it was time to move beyond local recognition and take his music career more seriously. In August 2020, he released his debut album, “No Holds Barred,” marking his official entry into the music industry as B. Jareal. He continued to build on this momentum with the release of his second album, “Recovering Romantic,” in May 2023, further establishing his presence as a recording artist.
Brandon’s lifelong dream is to inspire and motivate others through his music and artistic talents, promoting physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
The Life Of B. Jareal
Brandon Jareal Harris, born on May 14, 1986, in Detroit, Michigan, has always been surrounded by music and creativity. Raised in a musically gifted family, Brandon’s passion for the arts was evident from a young age. He began singing at just three years old at his family’s church, Locket Memorial Church of God & Christ, where he regularly participated in holiday programs and special events. Recognizing his talent early on, his grandmother became his biggest supporter, encouraging him to refine his musical skills through piano lessons and by joining the Boys Choir of Detroit, where he performed solo pieces. His talent earned him second place in a local talent competition at Detroit’s TCF Center, formerly known as Cobo Hall and/or Cobo Center.
Brandon’s artistic interests extended beyond music. As a child, he attended a summer art program at Wayne State University, developing his drawing and painting abilities. He also studied modeling and acting at John Robert Powers Acting School & Modeling Agency, and began writing his own short stories, plays, and songs. After losing his father to a violent crime in 1992, writing became a therapeutic outlet for Brandon. He created stories, musicals, and plays, which he and his cousins would perform for family and neighbors.
Throughout elementary and middle school, Brandon excelled academically, earning honor-roll distinctions and several essay writing awards, including recognition from the Michigan Educational Assessment Program. He also developed an interest in athletics, joining the track and cross-country teams.
During high school at Edwin C. Denby High School, Brandon’s reputation for his musical talents flourished. He joined the school’s Concert Choir and male vocal class under the late Sylvia Greenwood, receiving classical vocal training and earning top marks in the Solo & Ensemble Festival Competition for three consecutive years. Brandon’s love for songwriting grew, and he was praised for his arrangement of the school’s theme song. Elected president of the Concert Choir in his junior year, he began training fellow students vocally and musically.
After high school, Brandon attended Oakland Community College, where he independently produced and recorded his first EP demo, “Revealed.” This project showcased his abilities in songwriting, production, and performance, earning him local acclaim. Inspired by legendary artists like Mariah Carey, Donnie Hathaway, Tank, Brandy, Fred Hammond, and Karen Clark Sheard, Brandon continued to develop a unique sound and artistic identity. He also founded BullzHead Productions, a company aimed at supporting independent music projects for himself and other artists.
Brandon graduated Cum Laude from Oakland Community College in 2010 with an associate’s degree in Liberal Arts. He then relocated to Kalamazoo to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Family Studies at Western Michigan University (WMU). While at WMU, Brandon interned with InterAct of Michigan, providing mental health services to individuals with severe challenges. He later joined CARES – Community AIDS Resource and Education Services, becoming a certified HIV Prevention Specialist and Program Coordinator.
Academically, Brandon achieved membership in several honor societies and graduated Summa Cum Laude from WMU in 2014 with a 3.95 GPA. Despite his academic commitments, Brandon continued to create music, releasing two unofficial EPs: “Realistically Speaking” and the Christmas album “My Greatest Gift,” both of which were well received by his supporters.
After graduating, Brandon relocated to Dallas, Texas, to pursue a career in Public Health and Health and Human Services. At the same time, he rekindled his passion for music, beginning to write and create again. As his commitment deepened, Brandon decided it was time to move beyond local recognition and take his music career more seriously. In August 2020, he released his debut album, “No Holds Barred,” marking his official entry into the music industry as B. Jareal. He continued to build on this momentum with the release of his second album, “Recovering Romantic,” in May 2023, further establishing his presence as a recording artist.
Brandon’s lifelong dream is to inspire and motivate others through his music and artistic talents, promoting physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
