Victor Velazquez is a record producer and artist manager with more than two decades of experience developing and guiding independent talent throughout New Jersey’s vibrant music scene. His work spans gospel, jazz, house, musical theater, and contemporary R&B—driven by a deep belief in music’s ability to uplift, educate, and connect communities.

Born in Trenton, New Jersey, and raised in a multicultural household with African-American and Puerto Rican roots, Victor was immersed in music as both spiritual expression and cultural inheritance. He began performing gospel and Negro spirituals at an early age and later trained as a classical vocalist, singing with Opera Ebony—the longest-running African-American opera company in the U.S. From concert halls to community churches, his voice became a vessel for history, healing, and hope.

As a producer and manager, Victor played a key role in launching Barbara Douglas’s music career—producing her debut single “Shine,” which reached #24 on the Billboard Dance chart, and securing her a deal with Strictly Rhythm Records. He went on to executive produce several Grammy-contending projects, including a remake of LaBelle’s “What Can I Do For You?” featuring the late Sarah Dash. With his family gospel group, The Velazquez Family Singers, he earned two Gospelfest victories and three Stellar Gospel Music Award nominations.

Victor later founded VPM as a platform to support emerging artists while preserving and promoting the Black musical canon. He has led free vocal workshops and performances across Jersey City schools, libraries, and churches—creating original programs like From Mahalia to Mary Mary: The History of Gospel Music and Paul Robeson: His Story, His Songs, which blend historical narrative with live performance. He also co-produced charitable music projects such as While We Still Have Time, which raised funds for Haiti earthquake relief.

His contributions have earned widespread recognition, including proclamations from the Newark Municipal Council and the Jersey City Municipal Council, a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Senator Robert Menendez, and the Urban League Young Professionals Award. But for Victor, the most meaningful rewards are personal: his eldest daughter, Victoria, a Clive Davis Institute and Berklee College of Music alum, now working in arts leadership, while his youngest daughter, Alexia—whom he now manages—is currently performing on Broadway in Hell’s Kitchen by Alicia Keys.

Through VPM, Victor continues to lead artist development, produce genre-blending work, and celebrate the richness of Black music and culture. Recent collaborations include performances with Women of Color on Broadway and features on PBS’s All Arts. He is currently writing a memoir chronicling his family’s musical journey and developing new projects that honor the enduring legacy of Black artistry.

Whether mentoring the next generation, building sustainable artist careers, or telling untold stories through song, Victor Velazquez remains a vital force for creative excellence and community resilience.