Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Jovaughn Mixon, known professionally as J.MIXX, is a versatile and passionate music producer, songwriter, and artist whose journey is as dynamic as the beats he creates. Raised in a musical household, Jovaughn was surrounded by the rich sounds of blues from an early age, with a mother, Joanna Connor, who became a legendary blues musician in her own right, and a father, Stan Mixon, a powerhouse bass player from Chicago. His grandmother, Barbara Karman, a Brooklyn native, was also an integral part of his upbringing, joining the family in their musical endeavors.
Growing up on the road with his parents’ bands, J.MIXX was immersed in music, traveling from gig to gig and learning the ins and outs of live performances, road life, and the intricacies of the music industry. As a child, he picked up the drums and would occasionally perform with his mother’s band, sparking a lifelong passion for music. His early exposure to various genres gave him a versatile musical palate, shaping his sound and approach to production.
However, it wasn’t always a straight path to music. In high school, Jovaughn found success on the basketball and football fields, earning attention from small colleges before realizing that the small-school dream wasn’t for him. As he navigated life after high school, his focus shifted from sports to a more carefree lifestyle, marked by partying and distractions that followed a period of uncertainty. But as life
often does, a pivotal moment occurred when he invested in an MPC 5000 and an iMac, with no prior knowledge of music production. This leap of faith set him on the path to becoming a producer.
His journey wasn’t without challenges. Despite securing his first placement with Tinashe within a year and a half, the road to success was fraught with setbacks, failures, and moments of doubt. Jovaughn worked tirelessly, often juggling side jobs to support his dreams—bartending, driving for Uber, and delivering food—while learning the ropes of the music industry. Realizing that he couldn’t stay “half-in, half-out,” he took the plunge, quitting his day job and fully committing to his music career.
Seeking new opportunities and growth, Jovaughn moved to Los Angeles, where he faced the heartbreaking loss of both his father and grandmother within six months of each other. This profound loss changed his perspective on life and fueled his dedication to his craft. Determined to turn his pain into purpose, he restructured his life—adopting a rigorous work ethic, cutting out distractions, embracing a
healthier lifestyle, and focusing on his music with a renewed sense of clarity and discipline. The results speak for themselves. His hard work and relentless pursuit of excellence led to collaborations with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Notably, his contributions to Chris Brown’s 11:11 album earned him a Grammy nomination, marking a major milestone in his career. With a reputation for blending versatility, creativity, and a deep understanding of music, J.MIXX continues to rise as one of the most exciting producers in the game.
A true testament to resilience, transformation, and unwavering passion, J.MIXX’s journey is only beginning. With a heart full of gratitude and a vision for the future, he is poised to keep pushing boundaries and creating timeless music for years to come
