Meet the Artists:
J’KAR has shared the same stage with various groups, such as: The Manhattans and Gerald Alston, Bloodstone, The Intruders, The Softones, Harold Melvin’s Bluenotes; just to name a few.
The group is comprised of Karen Brown, Glennise Cain, Janora Lynn Phifer-Winkler (aka Lady J) and their newest member; Dwight K. Smith, “Soulman.”
Janora Lynn Phifer-Winkler (aka Lady J):
Janora was born on October 10, 1960 in Salisbury NC where she lived with her family until they moved to Baltimore in 1971. Up until 2015, Janora was probably one of the shyest people you’d ever meet.
Although Janora was brought up in the church singing on the choir then singing with her family group (THE PHIFER FAMILY INSPIRATIONAL SINGERS) under NO circumstances would she sing lead.
(Remember I said she was shy).
Then came this thing called Karaoke. Although it was still singing, it was somehow DIFFERENT.
Some friends talked her into trying it and the rest is history. Janora or Lady J as she’s also known started a solo career which has resulted in her starting a female R&B group known as J’KAR.
J’KAR is traveling weekly for performances in Baltimore, DC, Virginia, Philadelphia and New Jersey and have opened for some legendary groups.
Today she’s happily married to Larry “Wink” Winkler as of July 22, 2000.
“Dreams really do come true” – Lady J
Karen Brown:
Karen Brown affectionately known as KB has been singing since the age of 5. She was encouraged to share her gift by the church mother some years back. Karen has had many exciting ventures in the music industry. She started her journey with a local group called Nature.
Nature performed at many local locations which allowed her more exposure and experience. Karen would later join the Heaven 600 choir, they traveled to various churches spreading the good news. Gospel has always played a major role in her musical career.
Karen was given the opportunity to audition for the Majestics, who were a very popular gospel group in Baltimore. One of her greatest experiences with the Majestics was opening for the late great James Cleveland in New Jersey. Karen also spent many years on the praise team under the leadership of Jonathan Nelson. Later Karen decided to compete in the Randy Dennis competition where she competed with Tracey Hammond, Toni Braxton and Maysa Leak in the best of the best competition. At this competition she met a few guys who wanted to invest in her as a solo artist.
Karen took a busload to New York, she made her debut at a club called Sweet Water’s where she opened for Marlena Shaw. Stephanie Mill’s sister was closely acquainted with Karen’s management team and assisted with many details along the way. Karen later helped form a group called Vintage which contained 4 powerful female vocalist who were a force to be reckoned with. Karen currently is a proud member of J’KAR. She sings all parts as well as lead vocals. Karen also sings at various weddings and many venues when her calendar allows. Karen also loves writing and arranging songs .
Her motto is Music Is My Life.
Glennise Cain:
Glennise Cain was born in Baltimore, MD, and is the 5th child out of 6 by her parents, Arthur and Anita Cain. She grew up in the baptist church where her mother and grandmother started her off singing at the age of 5 years old.
“Singing is my passion and I love inspiring others through song.”
She and her two sisters learned and sang three-part harmony and were called the Cain Sisters. At the age of 10 years old, Glennise joined the choir at New Saint Mark Baptist Church, where her family attended, and later became the choir director.
She has sang with several gospel groups and while singing with Juan Santiago and Uninhibited Praise, she recorded a CD in 2005 called “Takin it to the Streets.” She also sang on the Gospel album “King of Glory’ Michael Tolorunleke in 2014. She is often solicited to sing solos for weddings, birthday parties and more.
Dwight K. Smith, “ Soulman”
Dwight K. Smith was born in Virginia Beach. His family moved from Virginia Beach to Philadelphia where Dwight started elementary school.
That’s where he first had a taste of the stage. Performing in every school play, the first song he ever sang in public was, “My Way”, by Frank Sinatra.
For his 6th grade graduation, Dwight joined the Challengers Drill Team out of North Philadelphia. Later, he and some of the members of the Drill Team started the group Philly Cream. Philly Cream began performing at casinos and traveling abroad.
Then, Dwight started his group and called it Fire and Desire. They were received well around the Globe as they traveled performing in Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Korea, and Thailand for the grand openings of Planet Hollywood.
Dwight later became the Ringmaster for The Universoul Circus. They called him The Soulman as he journeyed around the country from February to November.
