Born into a family of jazz musicians in Vero Beach, Florida, York was introduced to the music of Charlie Parker in the 9th grade. This ignited his exploration and love for jazz history. His research for what became Jazzistry started with the questions: Who most influenced the constantly evolving art form? How did history impact the sound?

He attended Southern University at Baton Rouge as a music education major and became the first jazz studies major under clarinetist Alvin Batiste. After graduate study in classical saxophone at the University of Michigan under Donald Sinta, York toured with the Duke Ellington Orchestra under the direction of Mercer Ellington. In 1977 he formed his own band, Vincent York’s new York Force.

York has recorded and/or performed with noteworthy jazz artists including Ray Charles, Marcus Belgrave, Louis Smith, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughn and Motown stars such as The Temptations, The Four Tops and Aretha Franklin. He was also the musical director for Martha Reeves. 

York has 2 recordings, Vincent York’s new York Force and Blending Forces; the first was voted Best Jazz Album of the Year by MetroTimes.  

York continues to play Straight-Up jazz whenever possible. His performances at The Blue LLama Jazz Club, the Detroit Jazz Festival and other venues, you can hear the depth of his understanding of the foundations of jazz while showing where jazz is headed. York’s concerts and annual performances- including Kerrytown Concert House’s International Jazz Day Concerts– showcase his artistry, composing talents… and continuing development as a virtuoso jazz musician.