Before launching his solo career as a neo-soul singer, Javier Colon logged two years as lead vocalist of the Derek Trucks Band. When he left the lineup in 2002, he’d already recorded some demos on his own, which helped him score a solo contract with Capitol Records. Colon recorded two albums for Capitol, both of which were released under his first name only. Javier, his self-titled debut, enjoyed moderate chart success in 2003 with its mix of R&B, neo-soul, and Latin pop. Left of Center followed in 2006. He issued his next recording, The Truth: Acoustic EP, on his own label in 2010. One year later, he began competing in The Voice, an NBC singing competition. ~ Andrew Leahey