Phylicia Rae is a four-time #1 recording artist on Billboard and Mediabase, lead bassist, producer, and rising force in contemporary jazz. Known for her soulful sound, commanding presence, and undeniable groove, Phylicia made history in 2023 when she became the first female lead bassist to reach #1 on the Billboard Smooth Jazz National Airplay Chart—a groundbreaking achievement in the genre.

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Born and raised in Rochester, New York, Phylicia developed a deep passion for music at an early age. Heavily influenced by the late, great Wayman Tisdale, she has developed a style that blends melodic bass lines, soul, R&B, and contemporary jazz while creating a musical identity distinctly her own.

Beyond the stage, Phylicia is committed to creating opportunities and expanding the culture surrounding contemporary jazz. In 2025, she co-founded the Aloha Jazz Festival in Honolulu, Hawaii, followed by the launch of the ROC Jazz Series in her hometown of Rochester in 2026. Through these platforms, she has helped bring audiences together with acclaimed artists including Lin Rountree, Lori Williams, BK Jackson, and many others.

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Today, Phylicia continues to push beyond traditional expectations of the bass while establishing herself among a new generation of contemporary jazz artists. Through her music, performances, and work behind the scenes, she is creating her own lane, breaking boundaries, and showing young female musicians that there is no instrument, stage, or dream beyond their reach.