Jesse’s rapid spiritual development and love for teaching the Bible led the church brothers to suggest he attend SWCC in Terrell, Tx, instead of the colleges of his choice: Howard University for FBI career training or Pepperdine University for an aspiring Dental career. It was at Southwestern where everything came together - music, performance, showmanship, and leadership after becoming soloist and 'first choice' to represent the school under master music craftsman, A. Hugh Graham; as well as the grinding, unflappable, and relentless Dr. Jack Evans. After touring and performing around the nation several times young Jesse found his own unique ministry; and upon graduating SWCC the stage was set to launch The FABULOUS MUSIC MAKERS back in his beloved Louisville, KY hometown. Having "tired" of the warmed-over, bass-less music being circulated throughout the brotherhood, Essej—as he renamed his music persona, began to write his own songs and produce music designed to reach the un-churched. Essej’s music was laced with sound biblical lyrics, carried along by driving bass vocals that sounded like the bass guitar he played; yet, remained true to the acapella framework of his new "love", the Church of Christ.