JJ Hairston

Born in Bridgeport, Connecticut, on June 22, 1974, James "J.J." Hairston grew up in Stamford. Hairston grew up in Stamford and developed his interest in music in church, where he sang before directing the Bridgeport Cathedral choir. In the early 2000s, he formed the group Youthful Praise, which combines gospel standards with contemporary arrangements reflecting urban influences. The group quickly established its reputation with a series of albums and well-attended performances. After several albums with Youthful Praise, Pastor J.J. Hairston signed the Miracle Worker album in 2019, followed by other live recordings such as Believe Again (2022), Believe Again Vol. II (2023), Joy Is Here (2023) and The Live Reunion: Washington DC (2025), including the hit "Lifted Up".