Laura-Simone is a 20-year-old bassist and vocalist whose artistry has already graced prestigious stages, such as BBC Proms, Carnegie Hall, Detroit Jazz Festival, Blue Note at Sea, and more. She was handpicked by Marcus Miller to join a five-person bass ensemble for Bass, a groundbreaking exhibit by Oscar-winning director Steve McQueen, performing alongside legends such as Meshell Ndegeocello, Mamadou Kouyaté, and Aston Barrett Jr.

In 2026, Laura-Simone was selected for the Sisters in Jazz Program through the Jazz Education Network, working with Terri Lyne Carrington and Ellen Rowe. She also received the Living Jazz Fellowship in 2024, during which she trained intensively with Linda May Oh, Allison Miller, and Alicia Olatuja. Laura-Simone has also performed with Etienne Charles’ Afro-Caribbean Big Band through Jazz Aspen Academy.

As a bandleader, she leads her own group, performing across the state and gaining recognition for her dynamic performances.

Merging her love for music and activism, Laura-Simone founded the Queen Amina Music Program during high school to inspire 4th–8th grade girls through jazz history, improvisation, and performance. With grant funding, she hosted masterclasses and a public concert featuring Grammy-nominated saxophonist and Oscar-winner Tia Fuller.

Currently a junior at Michigan State University, Laura-Simone continues to grow under the mentorship of renowned bassist Rodney Whitaker while championing equity and excellence in jazz.