Joseph Wooten & The Hands of Soul: The Funk & Fusion Era
Saturday, February 28th, 7:30 PM
Nashville Jazz Workshop
As part of a special Black History Month tribute, the Nashville Jazz Workshop proudly presents Joseph Wooten & The Hands of Soul on February 28, 2026, for an electrifying concert celebrating the legacy and future of Funk & Fusion—two styles born from Black creativity, innovation, and community.
A 3-time Grammy Award–nominated artist, Joseph Wooten is a keyboardist, vocalist, composer, producer, educator, author, and motivational speaker whose career embodies groove, joy, and purpose. Since 1993, he has been the keyboardist and vocalist for the Steve Miller Band, performing on the world’s largest stages, while also maintaining a powerful presence as a bandleader with his own ensemble, The Hands of Soul.
Born into the legendary Wooten family, Joseph is the second youngest of the five musically gifted Wooten brothers, including 5-time Grammy winners Victor Wooten and Roy “Futureman” Wooten, guitarist Regi “The Teacha” Wooten, and the late saxophonist Rudy Wooten, namesake of Nashville’s beloved Rudy’s Jazz Room. Joseph’s musical education began early—performing in clubs and sharing stages with icons such as Curtis Mayfield, War, The Temptations, Ramsey Lewis, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, and many others—absorbing the deep grooves and expressive power that define funk and fusion.
In this special program, Joseph Wooten & The Hands of Soul explore funk and fusion as living traditions—music rooted in rhythm, improvisation, spiritual depth, and collective expression. Expect soaring keyboard lines, infectious grooves, soulful vocals, and moments of joyful spontaneity that invite the audience into the experience.
Beyond the stage, Joseph’s work reflects a deep commitment to humanity and service. He is the author of It All Matters: What I Believe, Words That I Live By, a TEDx speaker, and the co-founder of the nonprofit I Matter! You Matter!, dedicated to empowering young people, supporting veterans, and fostering positive change through music and education.
This concert is more than a performance—it’s a celebration of Black musical excellence, resilience, and joy. Join us for a night where funk meets fusion, history meets heart, and the groove tells a story that still matters.
This concert is part of NJW’s 4-part series “America's Music: A Black History Month Jazz Retrospective” and is made possible by the generous support of the Tennessee Arts Commission.