About
Sam Rucker has a unique musical recipe that is not just heard but felt. The Virginia native has developed a sound that is leaving a unique fingerprint on modern jazz. Sam’s music is powered by deep spiritual purpose, with four studio albums and multiple placements on the Billboard Top 30 Smooth Jazz radio chart. The versatile producer/writer/saxophonist uses bright melodies, tight grooves, and uplifting, gospel-flavored vocals to deliver divinely inspired Smooth Jazz!
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Sam started his career as a young man with three winning performances at Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, NY, which he won playing original songs. Sam attended James Madison University, where he met and played in a jazz quintet with world-renowned drummer Nate Smith. The group, called The After Five Jazz Quintet, played gigs up and down the East Coast, notably opening for Will Downing, and Black Sheep.
After college, Sam returned to his hometown, Va. Beach, VA, where he produced projects for several artists and groups in hip hop, R&B, jazz, spoken word, and gospel. He played with gospel greats Paul Morton, Ron Kenoly, Candice Staton, Lacresia Campbell, and evangelist Morris Cerullo and opened for Ben Tankard. In the early 2000s, Sam gained his first national recording success, producing and performing with gospel rapper Israel the Warrior.
In 2011, Sam produced his first album as a solo artist, “Heat from the Heavens,” and began to focus on developing as a contemporary jazz saxophonist. He began side manning and played with many renowned artists, including Phil Perry, Gerald Veasley, Peter White, Euge Groove, and Cindy Bradly, and he opened for Norman Brown and Eric Benet. Soon after, Sam met and began touring with Norman Connors and his Starship Orchestra. Norman Connors co-produced three songs on Sam’s “Tell You Something” album, including the Franky Beverly cover “Before I Let Go,” which became Sam’s first Billboard Top 30 Smooth Jazz Radio chart hit. While touring with Norman, Sam played with greats Howard Hewitt, Jean Carne, Tom Browne, Ronnie Laws, Azar Lawrence, and Alyson Williams.
“Sam Rucker has a genuine connection with the music and the audience. He plays with a passion that draws you in” – Norman Connors.
In 2014, Sam released his second solo album, “Tell You Something,” which received rave reviews from critics and placed two singles on numerous smooth jazz radio charts, including Billboard. Sam began touring as a solo artist and continued his radio success, releasing his third album, “Redemption” in 2018. Three singles from the album achieved high placement on national smooth jazz radio charts, with the title cut, “Redemption,” becoming another Billboard Top 30 Smooth Jazz radio chart hit. Sam released his fourth studio album, “In Position,” in 2023, which featured another Billboard Top 30 Smooth Jazz radio hit, “Unspeakable”.
With the release of his “In Position” album, Sam began performing shows themed after the album’s message, “getting in position to receive God’s best for your life.” The shows have been a tremendous success and are consistently sold out. Audiences love Sam’s formula of head-nodding groves and excellent musicianship with an inspirational message. The formula exudes creativity and unique expression that leaves an imprint on the listener.
Now a licensed minister, Sam serves as the minister of music at Faith to Faith Abundant Life Ministries in Williamsburg, VA, where he brings his unique musical flavor to the worship experience weekly.
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Listen to Sam’s music on all streaming platforms and follow him on Facebook and Instagram.
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​​Feel the Flavor! The Flavor of Sam Rucker!
"There's lots here to sink your teeth into as this is music that touches the heart as well as the ears."
- Midwest Record, Top 40 Charts.com
Now Available on all streaming apps.
Sam Rucker's musical signature is feel-good grooves that inspire you to get in position for peace and victory in all of life's challenges. Listen on all streaming platforms.