The dynamic voices of Youthful Praise have been wowing audiences for over sixteen years. Formerly known as the Teens of T.F.T. they have grown within their home church of Turner's Faith Temple (Bridgeport, CT Bishop J C White & Evang Gloria White, Pastors), into an effective ministry that dazzles and delights through the gift of song.
As the leader of Youthful Praise, JJ Hairston has become a major player on the gospel music scene. The energetic aggregation took the country by storm with the hit debut single "Awesome God" a decade ago. Several hits and projects later, the former James Hall & WAP tenor checked in with GospelLyfe to answer our 5 Questions.
JJ is a native of Brooklyn, NY, where he attended Mt. Sinai Cathedral, C.O.G.I.C. where his grandfather, Bishop Clarence Sexton Sr., was the Pastor. However, his love for gospel music began at his current church when his friend, the late Shawn Brown, asked him to come to choir rehearsal. It was then that James gave his heart, as well as his voice, talent, and his feet to the Lord. Inspired by the writing ability of his friend Shawn and his pastor, Bishop White, James began writing his own songs such as "He is the Spirit" and "Garment of Praise." Since then, James has been called upon to write and direct for many well-known artists.
JJ's ultimate desire is that young people would see him as an active young man, yet as a servant of the Lord and realize you don't have to be old to be saved.
In August of 2001, after much anticipation, the choir released their first live recording Awesome God on Evidence Gospel label, a division of Gospelflava.com. The smash title single "Awesome God" caught on with church choirs nationwide and spread faster than anyone ever imagined. The song has been performed over and over, but none quite like the original, first recorded by YP.
This debut release garnered critical acclaim as it earned Youthful Praise recognition industry wide. Among the nods, the 2003 Stellar Award nominations for Choir of the Year and Contemporary Choir of the Year, the Soul Train Award nomination for Gospel Artist of the Year, the Gospel Music Workshop of America Excellence Award nomination for Choir of the Year and the Gospel Truth Magazine Award for Contemporary Choir of the Year.
Their follow up projects included several guests appearances from a who's who list of music powerhouses. The projects featured popular and chart topping singles which garnered the choir international attention and acclaim.
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