Soul-Jazz Saxophonist Reggie Codrington Releases New Single “Joy in the Midst” | LISTEN!
Soul-Jazz saxophonist Reggie Codrington finds “Joy in the Midst” of challenges
The inspiring new single is presently collecting airplay and playlist adds.
FAYETTEVILLE, NC (22 MAY 2025): Exuding joy via his ever-present smile and an incandescent spirit filled with hope, optimism, and gratitude, soul-jazz saxophonist Reggie Codrington finds inspiration for songs from his own intense challenges. His parents instilled in him a positive mindset from when he underwent nine surgeries by the time he was thirteen years old due to Ataxic Cerebral Palsy, which affects balance, coordination, and motor skills. Doctors had to cut and transfer muscles from his elbow, wrist, and triceps to improve finger dexterity and slice leg muscles to increase mobility and make it easier for Codrington to walk. Overcoming and triumphing against difficult circumstances continues to impact Codrington’s music, including his new single, “Joy in the Midst,” which is currently collecting radio spins and playlist adds.
Codrington wrote “Joy in the Midst” as his mother was facing her own health challenges.
“Life is not easy, and my life adversities taught me that no matter what we go through, we must keep joy in the midst. My mother instilled in me to keep a positive outlook on life and adversity. Despite the health challenges she had while I was composing and recording this song, I watched her remain joyful in the midst of her own challenges,” said Codrington, who is based in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Codrington’s father, Ray Codrington, was a professional musician who played with Little Richard, Gladys Knight, Jackie Wilson, and others. When his teenage son expressed interest in music, Ray found a small, curved saxophone that made it physically possible for Reggie to play the instrument. Falling in love with the sax, Reggie Codrington made music part of his meaningful mission as an adult.
“Because of my parents’ belief in me and their encouragement, I am so grateful that music is a part of my professional life. My mission is to give hope through music, to inspire people to become great and not allow adversity or circumstances to hinder their potential to dream,” said Reggie Codrington, who majored in music at Howard University.
Keyboardist George Freeman Jr. (Pamela Williams, Gail Jhonson, Eric Darius, Karen Briggs, Marcus Johnson, Althea Rene) produced and programmed the keyboards for “Joy in the Midst,” which is anchored by a sturdy rhythm track deployed by drummer Demetrice Everett and bassist Jermone Randall.
“Joy in the Midst” is the second preview from Reggie Codrington’s forthcoming series that honors his father’s legacy, “The Ray Codrington Signature Series.” Shortly after his father passed away, Reggie Codrington recorded one of his father’s never-been-recorded compositions, “Three Shades of Blue,” and released it as a single last year. The upcoming project will be his twelfth album.
“Another thing I’m really excited about is that I’m going to be recording new music with Michael Broening,” said Codrington about the producer, songwriter, and pianist who has crafted 25 Billboard No. 1 singles.
Codrington released his debut album, “Never Let You Go,” in 1990. Since then, he has recorded with GRAMMY® winner Jeff Lorber, GRAMMY® nominee Paul Jackson Jr., and Billboard chart-topper Nils; and opened for Ramsey Lewis, Charlie Wilson, Frankie Beverly & Maze, Peabo Bryson, Kenny Latimore, Kim Waters, and Kevin Toney. Another career highlight was in 2012 when Codrington was invited to perform at one of the inaugural balls for President Barack Obama.
For more information, please visit https://www.reggiecodrington.com.
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