Viral UC Davis video launches artist alum onto world stage

A local musician with big dreams captured the hearts of millions around the world and landed a record deal after a video of their iconic UC Davis commencement walk went viral. 

Wearing their namesake blue bandana, Jesse “Lxttle Boy Blue” Williams electrified the audience when their name was called to walk, performing the splits a dozen times and dancing across the stage.  

“That moment meant so much to me,” Williams said, reflecting on their journey from a struggling high school student to a celebrated university graduate. “Knowing all I have endured … I didn’t think I would ever make it to that moment.”

The spontaneous act of joy and celebration was captured on video during the 2023 Black Graduation ceremony, and UC Davis’ Cal Aggie Alumni Association shared it on social media to generate excitement ahead of this year’s commencement season. 

The video quickly went viral, amassing over 24 million views worldwide. 

It was shared by high-profile artists, like Snoop Dogg and Warren G, and captured the attention of Hollywood celebrities like Spike Lee, Gerard Butler, Jo Koy and Amanda Seales. The video has been translated into several languages, including Portuguese, Chinese and French, and has also been shared by popular social media accounts like The Shade Room and Daily Dose of Internet. 

“This all happened in the blink of an eye and I’m just so grateful to the alumni association for thinking this video was worth sharing,” Williams said. “They literally changed my life.” 

‘Feeling Blue’ debut album set to release this year

Post-graduation, Williams has channeled their energy into music, creating a unique genre they call “new nostalgia,” a blend of neo-soul, R&B, and alternative influences. 

Influenced by the rhythm and sound of iconic performers like Michael Jackson, James Brown and Prince, Williams joined talent shows and open mic nights as a young child, and even auditioned for America’s Got Talent a few times. 

“When I was a kid, I used to watch videos of these great performers on YouTube and when I saw how the crowd reacted, I knew I wanted to do that when I got older,” Williams said.

Since the video’s viral success, Williams was signed to a global independent record management company, Red Light Management, which represents major recording artists like The Strokes, Chris Stapleton, Lionel Richie, the Alabama Shakes and Counting Crows.

Williams’ upcoming debut album, “Feeling Blue,” is targeted for release in September. 

In fact, the first song on the EP is called “Manifestations Affirmation,” and the opening line is, “I’m gonna be somebody famous.” 

“Words are powerful,” Williams said. “I said I was going to get into UC Davis, and I did. Now, I’m manifesting my music career.” 

They envision one day bringing a Grammy back to UC Davis, not just as a personal achievement but as a symbol of pride for the university and its students. 

‘Learned to accept myself’ in Davis

Born in Oakland to a Black mother and Samoan-Filipino father, Williams had a vibrant and eclectic upbringing. Their family moved often, living in cities throughout California and Hawaii, but music and dance were a constant source of hope and inspiration. 

“I was very frustrated as a kid because I couldn’t find myself, but I really loved dancing, so I gravitated toward music,” Williams said. 

Despite facing academic challenges in high school, where they graduated with a 0.9 GPA, Williams never lost sight of their dreams. 

As an English major at Feather River College, a community college in Plumas County, Calif., Williams discovered their passion for storytelling through the campus journalism program. They were elected student body president and became the first Black graduate to speak at the school’s commencement ceremony. 

“It was so impactful for me to look back and say, ‘Oh wow, I did all that,’” they said. 

When Williams transferred to UC Davis in 2021, they found a welcoming space that allowed them to grow into the artist and person they are today. 

Williams’ bright spirit and infectious energy are well known around the tight-knit college town, where they have performed many times over the years. And Davis is where they embraced the name “Blue,” a moniker given prophetically by Williams’ late grandmother who predicted her daughter would have a child “draped in blue who would bring light and inspiration to the world.” 

“Your name is the first thing that’s given to you in this world and it’s the last thing you’re remembered by,” Williams said. “I never really accepted being called ‘Blue’ until I came to Davis. It was here that I learned to accept myself and I found my community.”

As Lxttle Boy Blue continues to make strides in their music career, their journey is a vivid reminder that with hope, love, determination – and a little bit of blue magic – anything is possible. 

To learn more about Lxttle Boy Blue, check out their music on Spotify and follow them on all social media channels @LxttleBoyBlue.