WHO IS JOSHUA WATKINS?

Photos by Jason Brown

Joshua Watkins is a Detroit-born drummer, composer, bandleader, and educator. Raised in a family deeply rooted in music and shaped by his upbringing in the church, Watkins developed a strong foundation in music from an early age. Those roots continue to influence the way he approaches life and music, both as a person and as an artist. 

That foundation continued to shape his musical journey, leading him to Michigan State University in 2019, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Jazz Studies. While there, he studied under renowned educators and musicians including Rodney Whitaker and Randy Gelispie and performed with the MSU Jazz Orchestra I. In 2022, he received the Outstanding Drummer Award at the Jazz at Lincoln Center Jack Rudin Jazz Championship in New York City, where the MSU Jazz Orchestra I was awarded first place. His time at Michigan State also provided opportunities to perform internationally, including a tour of Japan with the ensemble featuring concerts and educational outreach.

After completing his studies at Michigan State, Watkins relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, where he is continuing his studies at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University while becoming increasingly active in the city's music community. His time in Baltimore has become an important part of his continued growth as a musician, both academically and professionally.

Since arriving in Baltimore, Watkins’  has performed and collaborated with artists including saxophonist Tim Green, Sean Jones' Dizzy Spells, and Presence, the ensemble led by Green and Jones. He has also toured throughout North and South America with pianist and composer Julius Rodriguez, performing in cities including Buenos Aires, São Paulo, and Rio de Janeiro, as well as throughout Europe with Grammy Award-winning vocalist Ledisi, performing in cities including Paris, Madrid, Valencia, Budapest, Athens, and across Germany, Portugal, and Poland.

Alongside his performance career, Watkins is committed to music education and community engagement. He teaches drums at Carl Grubbs' SAX Camp at Loyola University Maryland, sharing his experience with the next generation of young musicians.

As a bandleader, Watkins leads Joshua Watkins & Ascension, a group that reflects his musical journey and his deep roots in faith. Combining modern  jazz fusion and gospel influences, Ascension explores the highs and lows of life through an evolving musical language. The band's debut album, REDEMPTION, released in May 2025, serves as a soundtrack to Watkins' journey through his personal faith, challenges, growth, and triumphs.

From his foundations in Detroit to his life and career in Baltimore, Watkins continues to grow as an artist, while building a career rooted in God, intentionality, and a commitment to becoming a little better everyday. Through his music, Watkins hopes to share his story, connect with others, and leave a lasting impact on those around him.

#theonlytrajectoryisupwards.