Sean Jones: The Soulful Hitmaker Bringing Magic to Every Stage

There are voices that entertain, and then there are voices that move you. Sean Jones has the kind that does both. A Juno Award-winning R&B artist and actor, Sean has built a career that blends old-school soul with contemporary flair, earning him a devoted following and the opportunity to share stages with legends like Stevie Wonder, Natalie Cole, and Beyoncé.

Sean is keeping the momentum going with his latest residency at the Windsor Arms Hotel. With a career that has taken him from sold-out shows to the silver screen—and even 30,000 feet in the air as WestJet’s first-ever musical ambassador, Sean Jones continues to captivate audiences with his signature mix of passion, authenticity, and soul. PVM Magazine sat down with him to talk about his journey, upcoming projects, and the magic of music that brings people together.

Congratulations on your new residency at the Windsor Arms Hotel! What can audiences expect from these shows, and how does this residency differ from your previous ones, like Soul In The City at Casa Loma?

Thank you! The Windsor Arms residency is something truly special. It’s an intimate, soulful experience where I get to connect with the audience in a way that’s different from my past residencies. Soul In The City at Casa Loma was a high-energy, open-air concert series with a big band, while the Windsor Arms shows lean into a more stripped-down, storytelling vibe. It’s all about the music, the emotion, and creating those unforgettable moments where every note feels personal. This is more of a lounge vibe. Nice and relaxed. Almost like I'm singing to you in your living room....a very chic and beautiful living room! I also want it to be a spot where other artists can just drop in and sing a tune if they feel like it. My stages are always open to other artists who want to share their gifts. 

You recently wrapped up your Summer Soul series, with performances at iconic venues like Harbourfront Concert Stage and El Mocambo. What were some standout moments from those shows?

Summer Soul was incredible! Playing at the Harbourfront Concert Stage, right by the water with that skyline backdrop, was unreal. Seeing people up on their feet, dancing and singing along under the summer sky—there’s nothing like it. And El Mocambo has such a legendary history. Sharing that stage with Jackie Richardson and Sammy Jackson for a great cause, supporting TRUST 15, was definitely a highlight. Anytime I get to mix music with giving back, it’s a win.

You’ve shared the stage with legends like Stevie Wonder, Beyoncé, and David Foster. Is there a particular collaboration or moment that stands out as a "pinch-me" experience?

Oh, there have been quite a few! But if I had to pick one, getting the chance to sing for Stevie Wonder was surreal. He’s been such a massive influence on my music, and to not only meet him but to perform for him—man, that was something else. Another moment that stands out is opening for Ellen DeGeneres on her arena tour. Walking out in front of tens of thousands of people, feeling that energy, it was a next-level experience.

You’ve also made waves with WestJet Boarding Sessions as their first-ever musical ambassador. How did that collaboration come about, and what was the experience like bringing live music to such a unique setting?

That was such a wild and fun ride! WestJet wanted to reimagine how they connected with their passengers, and music was the perfect way to do it. They reached out, and we came up with this concept of The WestJet Boarding Sessions, where we recorded new renditions of some iconic Canadian classics for passengers to enjoy as they were boarding and exiting the aircraft. I also got the opportunity to conduct interviews with Sarah McLachlan, Buffy St. Marie, Burton Cummings, and Florence K., all of which were made available for passengers to watch as they were flying to their destinations. 

Your Holiday Soul concert in Hamilton sounds incredible! What inspired you to create this festive performance? 

I’ve always loved Christmas music—it’s nostalgic, it’s soulful, and it brings people together. Holiday Soul is about recreating that magic live on stage. We’re mixing classic holiday favorites with R&B and soul, plus some original music. And we had an incredible lineup—Divine Brown, Jackie Richardson, the Hamilton Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. The audience got big vocals, lots of holiday spirit, and a real feel-good night of music.

These concerts are supporting local food banks, which is such an important cause. Why was giving back to the community such a key part of this project for you?

For me, music is about more than just entertainment—it’s about connection and impact. The holidays can be a tough time for a lot of people, and food insecurity is a real issue in so many communities. Partnering with Hamilton Food Share felt like the right way to use this concert to give back. If we can bring people together through music and also help families in need, that’s what it’s all about.

Are there any upcoming films or television projects you’re excited about?

Actually, I filmed something very cool last year that will be released later this year. I can't say anything about it yet, but I can say that I am now part of a hugely popular and iconic series. I'll leave at that for now! 

If you could put together your dream lineup for a one-night-only soul concert, who would be on the bill?

That’s a tough one because there are so many legends! But off the top of my head—Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, Donny Hathaway, and Whitney Houston. Just absolute icons. And if I could throw in a few current artists, I’d love to see Anderson. Paak, Bruno Mars, Doechi, H.E.R., and PJ Morton on that stage. That would be a night to remember!