Meet The Ladies of J’Kar

Janora ( Lady J) Winkler, wife of Larry (WINK) Winkler was born on October 10, 1960 in Salisbury NC. Her parents moved the family to Baltimore in 1971. Growing up in the church and singing with the family gospel group (The Phifer Family Inspirational Singers) was the start of Janora’s musical career. Janora had a successful professional solo career performing as Lady J, and was a promoter for The Historic Arch Social Club who hired background singers for events and eventually met these awesome ladies and J’KAR was formed. We love each other and we love what we do. We’re going to ride this wagon until the wheels fall off or until WE fall off the wagon.

Glennise Cain is a proud Baltimore, Maryland native, a devoted mother of four adult children, and a loving grandmother to three. As the second of six siblings born to Arthur and Anita Cain, Glennise was raised in the Baptist Church, where her faith became a cornerstone of her life. That strong spiritual foundation helped shape the kind heart and loving spirit she’s known for today.

Music has always played a central role in Glennise’s journey. With a deep passion for both Gospel and R&B, she has served as a Choir Director and continues to lend her powerful voice to a variety of platforms. In 2006, she contributed to the recorded album Takin’ It To The Streets, and in 2014, she was featured on King of Glory. These opportunities not only enriched her musical path but also led her to the soulful sounds of J’KAR—a collaboration she calls both a pleasure and a blessing.

Glennise looks forward to what lies ahead, with faith that God will continue to use her voice, and the voices of J’KAR, to inspire and uplift.

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 venues, which allowed her more exposure and experience. Karen would later join the Heaven 600 choir, and 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, 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 and made her debut at a club called Sweet Water’s, where she opened for Marlena Shaw. Stephanie Mills’ 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 featured four powerful female vocalists who were a force to be reckoned with. Karen is currently a proud member of J’KAR. She sings all parts, as well as lead vocals. Karen also sings at various weddings and venues when her calendar allows. She loves writing and arranging songs.

Her motto is, “Music Is My Life.”