By Sym Posey | The Birmingham Times
At just 12 years old, London Koi Jones already carries the poise of a seasoned performer.
The Birmingham native and seventh-grader at the Alabama School of Fine Arts is quickly making a name for herself across the Magic City and beyond, with a voice that blends classic R&B soul with youthful charisma. From performing the national anthem at a New Orleans Saints game to singing for Birmingham’s mayoral inauguration, London’s journey is only beginning — but her love for music started long before she stepped onto big stages.
According to her mother, Renee Jones, the first signs appeared when London was barely a toddler.
“She was singing ‘Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star’ and held the note,” Jones recalled. “I looked at my husband and said, ‘She can sing.’ Music has always been around her — even before she was born.”
London grew up surrounded by music from multiple generations. Her mother often played CDs during car rides, filling the car with classic voices that would eventually shape London’s sound.
“We always listened to old school music — Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Beyoncé,” London said. “Hearing the beats and their vocals kind of sunk into me.”
Those influences still guide her style today. London describes her sound as rooted in rhythm and blues.
“I feel like I give an R&B, soulful sound,” she said. “I think it comes from always being around my grandparents and hearing my grandma sing to me all the time. I’ve always felt like an old soul.”
Discovering Her Gift Early
London’s musical development began almost as soon as she could talk. By age three, she was taking voice lessons and performing in preschool productions at South Highland daycare.
At four, she began working with a vocal coach who typically didn’t take students so young.
“I asked her to just meet London,” Jones said. “I told her, ‘She’s different.’ After that first meeting, she’s been training with her ever since.”
In addition to singing, London spent seven years dancing and frequently performed in school productions. Today, she continues building those skills at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, where she studies acting and dance alongside her academic classes.
“This is my first year there,” London said. “The teachers are amazing, and they’ve taught me so much about working with a cast and building performances.”
Big Stages, Big Dreams
One of London’s most memorable performances came when she sang the national anthem before a New Orleans Saints game at the Caesars Superdome.
“It had 80,000 people there,” she said. “When I first got there, I was nervous. But once I started singing, my mind just went blank. It was just me and the music.”
Her growing résumé also includes singing at basketball games and at Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin’s 2025 inaugural celebration.
“It was really cool to be in a room with powerful people,” she said. “And for them to choose me to perform was really exciting.”
London says performing brings a sense of calm.
“When I sing, it just feels natural,” she said. “It’s been a part of me for so long — it just feels like me.”
Balancing School and Stardom
Despite her busy performance schedule, London maintains a routine that balances schoolwork, creative development, and time simply to be a kid.
“My parents keep me on schedule,” she said. “I have voice lessons on Mondays, acting on Tuesdays, and I usually do my homework at school. But I still make time to call my friends or just relax.”
Jones says the family works hard to keep London grounded.
“We’re always running,” she said with a laugh. “But our goal as her parents is to support her while making sure she enjoys the journey.”
London is the youngest of seven siblings and proudly calls herself “blessed” rather than spoiled.
Mentors and Musical Growth
As her career develops, London continues learning from industry veterans. One of her mentors is David C., formerly of The Temptations.
“He’s taught me so much about vocal control and crowd interaction,” London said. “And he always reminds me not to be too hard on myself.”
Those lessons are helping shape her artistry as she prepares to release her first EP, featuring four songs co-written with collaborators.
“I’m really excited about it,” she said. “It shows different parts of my voice — not just the big belting, but other ranges too.”
Looking Ahead
In five years, London sees herself performing on bigger stages, acting in films, and using her voice to inspire others.
“I want to be big in the industry,” she said. “But I also want to help people and be a positive impact, especially for kids my age.”
Her mother says the ultimate goal is purpose — not just fame.
“I want whatever God has for her,” Jones said. “We want her to live in her purpose, stay humble, and help others along the way.”
London already has a message for other young dreamers.
“If you believe it, you can achieve it,” she said. “You have to support yourself first before anybody else can support you.”
And if her confidence at age 12 is any indication, the Magic City may soon be cheering for one of its brightest rising stars.
