S1 E8: Creating Noise with Syreeta Thompson

Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Syreeta Thompson takes us on a musical journey from her Chicago roots to becoming "New York's Trumpet Lady," revealing how determination and authenticity built her remarkable career.

Named after Syreeta Wright, Stevie Wonder's wife, her life was immersed in music early on. Growing up with jazz and soul as her soundtrack, she first tried clarinet before discovering her true voice through the trumpet. "It was the loudest instrument in the band," she laughs, "I wanted to be heard."

Under the mentorship of Bill Fielder (who also taught Wynton Marsalis), Syreeta spent two years focusing on breathing before playing a single note, building the foundation for her signature sound – a fusion of jazz, classical technique, and gospel soul that has topped both jazz and gospel charts.

Beyond her music, Syreeta advocates for women in the industry. Her custom trumpet, encrusted with 10,000 Swarovski crystals, reflects her bold artistic vision. Her upcoming documentary Blow Yo Horn: Making Music in a Man's World amplifies female instrumentalists. As an educator partnered with Berklee and Juilliard, she instills her "winner mindset" in the next generation.

Discover Syreeta’s projects, including her new single With You I'm Born Again featuring Tony Lindsey from Santana, plus upcoming performances at Lincoln Center and in Los Angeles.