Steve Harvey “shows off” his hilarious Blues skills alongside a 10-year-old Jazz prodigy

In the world of professional music, it often takes decades to master the complex rhythms and improvisational spirit of jazz. However, for Justin Lee, a ten-year-old prodigy from Kalamazoo, Michigan, jazz isn’t just a genre of music—it’s a feeling that has been a part of his life since he was five years old. Justin even celebrates what he calls his “music birthday” on April 7th, the day he first touched a keyboard and embarked on a journey that would eventually lead him to the bright lights of Hollywood.

Stepping onto the Little Big Shots stage, Justin brought with him an energy that was both infectious and remarkably sophisticated. Host Steve Harvey, a noted fan of soul and R&B, was immediately struck by the young boy’s talent. “You had a couple of things going on there,” Harvey noted after Justin’s opening performance. “It kind of sounded like Stevie Wonder, and a little bit like the Average White Band.”

For a ten-year-old to be compared to such legends is a testament to the depth of his musical understanding.

Justin’s mastery of the keyboard didn’t happen in a vacuum. He credits his father for teaching him the ropes, and he continues to hone his skills in the most demanding of environments: the church. Justin serves as the keyboard player for his local church, where he even leads a dedicated jazz segment. “Our pastor really loves jazz,” Justin explained, much to the delight of Steve Harvey, who joked about wanting to sign up for a church that appreciates a good saxophone solo alongside a sermon.

But the musical talent in the Lee family doesn’t stop with Justin. He frequently performs with his sister, whom he describes as a “bad drummer”—using the term in the best possible jazz sense, meaning she is incredibly talented and powerful behind the kit. This family foundation has given Justin a level of comfort on stage that most adults would envy.

He revealed that his favorite part of performing live is the energy of the crowd, especially when they shout his name. With a playful grin, he admitted that he particularly enjoys it when “them girls” are the ones doing the screaming.

The highlight of the evening occurred when Steve Harvey decided to step out of his host shoes and into the role of a blues frontman. Inspired by Justin’s effortless play, Harvey joined him at the piano for an impromptu jam session. “Do you know the blues?” Harvey asked. Justin’s response was classic: “12-bar blues?”

Harvey, who has spent his life navigating the highs and lows of show business, quipped, “Do I know the blues? My whole life been the blues!” What followed was a rare and hilarious moment of television magic. As Justin laid down a steady, soulful blues progression, Harvey took the microphone and began to improvise lyrics on the spot.

“I wrote this song just now,” Harvey sang, “and if you think it’s going to get any better, you can stop thinking anyhow!” The audience roared as Harvey leaned into the “hollering” style of classic blues, even poking fun at his own career. He sang about his multiple TV shows, his large family, and the fact that he momentarily forgot he was on a children’s talent show and not Family Feud.

Throughout the jam session, the chemistry between the veteran comedian and the young musician was palpable. Justin didn’t miss a beat, flawlessly following Harvey’s lead and providing the perfect musical backdrop for his comedic riffs. It was a perfect demonstration of Justin’s earlier statement: “Music is all about the feel and having fun.”

This “feel” is something that cannot be taught; it is an innate sense of timing and soul that Justin possesses in abundance. Whether he is playing for his congregation in Michigan or for millions of viewers on national television, he approaches the keyboard with a sense of joy and reverence for the craft. He isn’t just playing notes; he is telling a story.

As the performance drew to a close, Steve Harvey led the studio in a massive round of applause for Justin Lee. “Big hand for Justin Lee!” he shouted, clearly impressed by the boy’s ability to not only play at a high level but also to collaborate and improvise with a seasoned performer.

Justin’s journey from Kalamazoo to Little Big Shots is a reminder that talent knows no age. He is a child who has found his passion early and has the discipline and family support to see it through. By bringing jazz to a mainstream audience, Justin is helping to keep a classic American art form alive and relevant for a new generation.

As he walked off the stage, Justin Lee proved that he is more than just a “little big shot”—he is a true artist with a bright future ahead of him. Whether he ends up on the world’s biggest jazz stages or continues to lead the worship in his home church, one thing is certain: the world will be hearing much more from Justin Lee.

Click the video below to watch Justin Lee’s amazing jazz performance