Gayelynn McKinney

Gayelynn McKinney serves as an Applied Instructor in Jazz Percussion at Oakland University's School of Music, Theatre and Dance. An acclaimed Detroit-based jazz artist, she has performed internationally at Montreux-Jazz Fest, New Orleans Jazz Fest, and the Kennedy Center, collaborating with legends including Aretha Franklin (as her final touring drummer), Chaka Khan, Marcus Belgrave, and Roy Hargrove.

Education

• Bachelor of Music, Oakland University

Artistic Focus: McKinney's work spans jazz percussion performance, composition, and modern jazz innovation. Her creative trajectory evolved from early Detroit scene training to internationally recognized projects exploring rhythmic fusion and contemporary jazz expression, evidenced by solo works like "Zoot Suit Funk" and group leadership in Straight Ahead and McKinFolk.

Accolades

• 2014 Kresge Artist Fellow (with Straight Ahead and McKinFolk)
• Grammy Nomination (with Straight Ahead)
• Detroit Black Music Award
• 2021-2022 triple Detroit Music Awards: Outstanding Jazz Composer, Instrumentalist, and Modern Jazz Artist/Group

Professional Impact: As co-founder of Straight Ahead, McKinney shaped Detroit's jazz landscape while touring globally. Her historic role as Aretha Franklin's final drummer included performances for Hillary Clinton and at the Tribeca Film Fest. Current activities center on teaching jazz percussion and ongoing creative projects at Oakland University.