Will Compton is an American saxophonist, composer, and producer whose music bridges the worlds of jazz, R&B, and modern electronic production. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, his sound blends the soul of classic horn-driven grooves with the texture and depth of contemporary production — a style that comes to life in his upcoming album States of Sovereign.

Born on February 17, 1986, Compton grew up surrounded by music. Some of his earliest memories involve rummaging through his parents’ vinyl collection — spinning records by the Isley Brothers, Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, the Doobie Brothers, and The Blues Brothers. Those records laid the foundation for his lifelong fascination with rhythm, melody, and emotion in music.

At age nine, a friend introduced him to the Christian rock band NewSong and their album People Get Ready. The saxophone solos on that record hit him like “a lightning bolt,” as he recalls — igniting an immediate and enduring passion for the instrument. That same year, he began saxophone lessons and never looked back.

By middle school, Compton’s drive and natural ability were already apparent. He spent countless hours in the basement practicing, often trading homework for late-night sessions with his horn. His dedication paid off: by seventh grade, he was earning top chairs in both regional and All-State bands, distinctions he would maintain throughout high school. He even performed at a fundraiser for South Carolina Governor Jim Hodges while still in middle school.

In his senior year, Compton auditioned for Berklee College of Music and was awarded a scholarship to attend. Moving to Boston in 2004, he immersed himself in a community of musicians from around the world. At Berklee, he studied with renowned saxophonists Walter Beasley and Dino Govoni — even sharing the stage with Beasley during his time there. Compton honed his craft both in the classroom and in the city’s legendary clubs, performing at venues like Wally’s, Slade’s, and Scullers Jazz Club, often practicing up to eight hours a day.

After graduating, Compton moved to Atlanta in 2008, where his career began to flourish. He became a fixture in the city’s vibrant live music scene, performing with top corporate and touring bands that took him across the globe. His versatility and distinctive tone quickly earned him a reputation as one of Atlanta’s most in-demand saxophonists.

In 2011, Compton began performing with Grammy-winning artist Tony Rich of The Tony Rich Project, recording an album together and solidifying his standing as both a live and studio musician. While in Atlanta, he has performed with multiple other artists including Angie Stone, Ann Nesby, contributed to the Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta television series, and worked in the horn section on studio projects with Roman GianArthur.

Around 2016, Compton turned his focus toward original music, diving deeply into music production, sound design, and electronic genres like dubstep, future bass, and progressive house. This period of exploration laid the groundwork for States of Sovereign, his upcoming full-length album that merges saxophone-driven soul with electronic soundscapes.

His first single, Sovereign (2022), introduced audiences to this hybrid style, followed by Note of Levity (2024), which climbed to #11 on the Radio Airplay Experts Smooth Jazz Chart. A live session at Tree Sound Studios captured both tracks with a full band, highlighting the energy and emotion that define Compton’s performances.

A lifelong admirer of David Sanborn — his greatest musical influence — Compton continues to pursue the same kind of deep, physical connection with the saxophone that defined Sanborn’s artistry. His mission is clear: to create music that connects powerfully, combining soulful expression with innovative sound design.

With States of Sovereign on the horizon and an expanding schedule of live performances, Will Compton stands at the forefront of a new generation of saxophonists — one foot rooted in tradition, the other pushing boldly into the future of jazz and beyond.