The son of singer-songwriter Bob Levinson, Justin Levinson grew up inVergennes.[1][2] In high school, he was introduced toLester Bowie andFontella Bass, who were traveling on a grant to bring jazz to rural areas. He attendedBerklee College of Music in Boston, accepted in part due to a letter of recommendation from Bowie.[3][4] He started out studying jazz trumpet, before switching to and getting his degree in songwriting.[5]
On his earlier releases, Levinson's sound has drawn many comparisons toBen Folds.[6][7]
Levinson released his first album,1175 Boylston, in 2006, while a student at Berklee.[2] On the album (which was named after Levinson's address at the time), he supplied the vocals and played piano, trumpet and trombone while his father played guitar, bass and drums on some tracks, with fellow Berklee student Adam Popick supplying the remaining instruments.[8] The single "City With Two Streetlights" spent eight weeks on theCMJ Top 25 charts.[9] Faculty members of the Berklee songwriting department also voted the album's opening track “Sunny Day” the best song of the year.[10] Following the album's release, Levinson played the 2006 International Pop Overthrow Festival, and was named Best Male Artist at The 4th Annual IAMA (International Acoustic Music Awards).[11][12]
In 2007, Levinson, by then a graduate of Berklee, released his second album,Bury Your Love.[2] Many reviews of this record noted the influence ofElton John.[13][14] The same year, he won the ASCAPLUS award and was a finalist in the USA Songwriting Competition.[15][16]
Levinson's 2009 release,Predetermined Fate, had a more country-influenced style.[17][18] One single on the album, "Waiting For Someone To Love Me", was played heavily onSirius, and he was nominated for the Sirius singer-songwriter discovery of the year.[19][20] Another track, “Losing You To Tennessee”, was featured onVirgin Airlines flights.[21]
In 2012, Levinson releasedThis Side of Me, This Side of You, his first album with his band, The Valcours.[22] The band is made up of Sean Witters on guitar, Seth Barbiero on bass, Josh Glass on organ and synthesizer, and Simon Plumpton on drums and sampler, with Levinson writing the songs, and the group writing the arrangements.[23] Levinson plays piano and provides vocals.[24] The album included a number of guest contributions as well.[25] Boston-based recording artistWill Dailey appeared on the track "Let You Go", Burlington singer/songwriterGregory Douglass contributed to "Love You Goodbye", andLiz Longley was on "I Was So Wrong."[26][27][28]
In 2013, Levinson released the three-song EPTake My Time.[29] Noted in reviews as a slight departure from his work with the Valcours, the EP took a more country-influenced turn on the third and final track, “Bid The Rest Goodbye”, which employs steel guitars and fiddles.[30][31]
Early 2017, Justin Levinson released his fifth studio albumYes Man. The album was produced by Adam Popick. After touring California, he was invited bySongs & Whispers, a European booking agency, to tour Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium.[32][33][34]
During 2018, Justin Levinson collaborated withAnna Nalick on a new single titledA Part of Me.[35]
Collamer Circle is the fifth full-length studio album by Justin Levinson, marking his return to the music scene after a six-year hiatus. Released in 2023, the album is a culmination of Levinson's journey as an artist, reflecting his growth and evolution both personally and musically. The album showcases a blend of power-pop, soft rock, and introspective lyricism, all of which are underscored by Levinson's signature storytelling and melodic sensibility.[36][37]
Collamer Circle has been praised by critics as Levinson’s most accomplished work to date. Reviewers have highlighted the album’s rich melodies, thoughtful lyrics, and the seamless integration of various musical styles. The collaboration between Levinson andBen Patton has been lauded for bringing out the best in both songwriters, resulting in an album that feels both nostalgic and fresh.[38][39]
Levinson works for Champlain Community Services, an organization dedicated to help provide services and self-advocacy to developmentally disabled adults.[52] He facilitates a show calledThe Advocacy Team, which airs on Vermont Community Access Media.[53] The show features clients of Champlain Community Services interviewing local celebrities.[54]
^Livewell, Shannon (2014)."The Charger Bulletin » Livewell's Latest".chargerbulletin.com. RetrievedApril 17, 2014.Lester Bowie and Motown legend Fontella Bass. They were both on a grant to bring jazz to rural areas and they happened to come to Vergennes, VT, where I was in school
