Meet Tracey Artis-Farley | CEO, Music Executive, Speaker, Philanthropist and Author

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tracey Artis-Farley and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tracey, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I’m CEO, music executive, speaker, philanthropist, and published author. I own JazJordan, Inc. and I Hear Music Inc., and I’m also the executive director of the Midwest Black Family Reunion (BFR). I’m known as a “heavy hitter” in the gospel music industry specializing in marketing, brand consulting, and radio promotions since 1996.

I served as the Vice President of Gospo Centric Records and Vice President of Sony Gospel before launching my promotions and marketing firm, I Hear Music, Inc. that produces the signature annual event “The I Hear Music in the Air Conference” that has been in operation for over 24 years in Cincinnati. I was always determined to be successful. I felt like I started from the bottom up, and I had to achieve. So, I seek to encourage others and to build new things and concepts that did not exist. I think inclusion is important which is why I am always open to meeting new people, taking on new projects, and to learning new skills.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m uniquely me because I was always determined to be successful. I seek to encourage others and to build new things and concepts that did not exist. I think inclusion is important which is why I am always open to meeting new people, taking on new projects, and to learning new skills.

I believe in the scripture, ”To whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48). Being in the music industry as long as I have requires resilience, faith and being willing to constantly evolve because the music industry is constantly changing. God, family, friends, and a strong network of colleagues and mentors have been essential to my success over the years, and I’m so grateful for their support. As far as leadership, I want to ensure I do my part to encourage everyone to uplift, strengthen, and encourage each other and to include others who want to make a difference. We’re better together, and communities, families, and organizations are important.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Definitely the Cincinnati Black Music Hall of Fame in downtown near The Banks; I’m a 2025 inductee! Aroma Restaurant and Sushi in Kenwood has great food. Something to Wine About is a new self-service wine bar downtown that’s great for a night out. Other places: Great American Ballpark, home of the Cincinnati Reds; Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove, where the Black Family Reunion takes place every August; and Fountain Square. The whole city is great and has lots of things to do for everyone.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother. She was driven and passionate about her family and her community and that made me determined and confident that I could do anything. Also, my husband and my two children. And God.

Website: https://myblackfamilyreunion.org/ AND https://ihearmusicintheair.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/traceyaartis

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/tracey-artis-4598242b

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracey.artis.7