Michael Mayo was born on June 1, 1992 in Los Angeles.[1][5] He was raised in the Van Nuys neighborhood of Los Angeles by his father Scott Mayo, a saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist, and his mother Valerie Pinkston, a singer.[6][7] His parents performed with such musicians as Stevie Wonder, Diana Ross, and Luther Vandross, throughout his youth.[1]
In 2017 and 2018, Mayo performed and recorded two EPs as a member of the Shrek-themed jazz/R&B band Shrek Is Love.[8][9] He has also appeared as a featured vocalist on multiple albums by drummer Nate Smith.[10][11][12] In 2019, Mayo performed in the NPR Tiny Desk Concert for fellow Los Angeles–based act Moonchild.[13]
After completing a tour with Herbie Hancock, Mayo was inspired to create his debut album.[4] Mayo released his debut album Bones in 2021 on Mack Avenue Records with production by Eli Wolf, who previously produced for Al Green, Norah Jones, and The Roots.[6] Described by Jazzwise as "a work of startling originality, presenting a musical sound-world which references everything from The Beach Boys to J Dilla," the album features both of Mayo's parents on its closing track.[6] The album's track "Stolen Moments" draws influence from jazz and a cappella singer Bobby McFerrin, featuring more than 250 layered tracks of Mayo's vocals.[2][6]
Mayo's sophomore album Fly was released in October 2024, also on Mack Avenue.[14] In 2025, Mayo performed his own NPR Tiny Desk Concert, featuring songs from both Bones and Fly.[15]
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