JJ Hairston is a Grammy-nominated, Billboard Music Award winner and seven-time Stellar Award winner. He directs the choir Youthful Praise and they’re releasing their 10th album Miracle Worker on July 26th. On the same date, he’s releasing a book with his beautiful wife Trina Hairston called A Miracle Marriage. I interviewed this busy gospel singer by phone and I’ll have everything eager fans want to know about JJ’s new album, book, and tour. Watch now on Celebrity Myxer!
The self-titled hit lead single “Miracle Worker” features singer Rich Tolbert Jr. The song is about Tolbert’s own journey and testimony. Rich suffers from a rare blood disorder explains JJ in our interview. He further elaborates that doctors could not figure it out so the musician trusted in God to heal him- similar to miracles in the Bible. Thus, the song was collaborated and created. Fun factoid… the track was recorded in two sessions, one half in Abuja, Nigeria at COZA Church and the second half was recorded at Hairston’s home church City of Praise in Landover, MD. At the time of writing, the song peaked Billboard charts at #16 in the “Gospel Airplay” category. You can stream or purchase the album here.
JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise have been on a wildly successful ride. Their prior album You Deserve It features top song of the same name. It’s an infectious worship song that has taken the nation by storm. This propelled their presence to hit national stages such as Good Morning America, the McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour, the Stellar Gospel Music Awards, T.D. Jakes’ MegaFest, and Essence Music Festival to name a few.
JJ Hairston & YP recently kicked off a promotional “Love & Miracles Tour” starting June 22nd through October 4th. Get a complete schedule for the tour and tickets here.
JJ and wife Trina Hairston are releasing the book A Miracle Marriage. He explains in our interview, “My wife and I got married 25 years ago this year. When we first got married we didn’t go through any counseling. We went to the justice of the peace and snuck and got married. We were kids, we definitely weren’t ready for the commitment that marriage requires. So we ran into marital troubles as soon as we got married. We were getting divorced and everything.” Hairston further details, “And God changed us and our relationship. Because of that we went from being in divorce court to marriage counselors. And that’s a miracle within itself. The book details the steps we took to get to that miracle.” You can order the book here.
JJ started a music label as well called JamesTown Music. Artists under his label, of course, include Youthful Praise and adds Phil Thompson who achieved success with his song “My Worship.” Another artist includes Timothy Reddick featured on “You Get the Glory” from the new album Miracle Worker. The label also facilitates as a distribution platform. Artists like Greg Kirkland Jr. have taken advantage of the benefits too.
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
When asked to give inspiration to any upcoming gospel artist Hairston quoted “Romans 8:28” from the King James Bible. He embellished, “Stay true to what God has given you and don’t change to the fad of the day.”
Did you enjoy our interview with JJ? Have you listened to JJ Hairston Miracle Worker song? Be sure to purchase the album and new book. Have any questions for us? Comment below!
