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jay Wheeler Credits Grandmother as Musical Inspiration Behind Recent Cover & Rising Career
Reggaeton star Jay Wheeler recently shared how his grandmother,Clara Luz,played a pivotal role in fostering his love for music and inspired his rendition of a classic song as part of a collaboration with McDonald’s. The opportunity arose with the promotion of McDonald’s new “Grandma McFlurry,” offering fans a chance to meet the artist.
Wheeler covered a classic song, referred to as “Cinnamon skin,” acknowledging the pressure of revisiting a beloved tune. “I was actually really nervous as I know it’s a classic, that it’s something that you don’t want to mess up,” he explained. “So, my intention was never to make a better version or anything like that. My intention was just to make my version of a classic song – one that reminds me of my grandmother.”
The singer emphasized his abuela’s lifelong dream of being a performer and how she actively encouraged his musical aspirations from a young age. “My grandmother always wanted to be a singer… and that inspired me. From a very young age, she instilled [that desire] in me. And she always wanted to be famous,” Wheeler laughed, adding, “If you give her a stage and microphone, she’ll dance and sing.”
Wheeler fondly recalled a childhood video of him and his grandmother performing together, foreshadowing his current success. This success was further highlighted by a commercial filmed with his grandmother for the Grandma McFlurry campaign, including a TikTok competition.
Currently on tour, Wheeler is scheduled to perform at The Theatre at Madison Square Garden the week after Puerto Rican Weekend. While known for his reggaetón and trap music, he remains open to exploring other genres. “I’m open to doing anything when it comes to music.There’s no limit. I’m always going to challenge myself to do everything,” Wheeler stated. “Obviously, not everything is going to suit me, but I’ll always try… I’m always going to try and give it my best shot.”
He also hinted at potential future collaborations, mentioning his wife, fellow singer Zhamira Zambrano, and even the possibility of a duet with his grandmother. Wheeler’s grandmother continues to be a source of pride and support as he navigates his burgeoning career.This article is based on reporting from Popsugar.com, authored by Miguel Machado, a journalist specializing in Latine identity and culture.
