“JJ Hairston’s JamesTown Music Partners with Motown Gospel Ahead of 25th Anniversary Live Recording Celebration”
In an exciting development for the gospel music world, JamesTown Music, founded by the acclaimed JJ Hairston, a GRAMMY-nominated artist and winner of multiple Stellar Awards, has announced a new chapter in its journey—a partnership with Motown Gospel. This significant deal comes at a momentous time, just weeks before the highly anticipated 25th anniversary reunion live recording of JJ Hairston and Youthful Praise. This upcoming event will be the first major project under the new partnership, marking a milestone for both JamesTown Music and Motown Gospel.
The 25th anniversary recording is set to be an unforgettable celebration, featuring reimagined renditions of Youthful Praise’s most beloved songs, including chart-topping #1 hits and timeless classics. Adding to the excitement, the event will also unveil new music that highlights the enduring impact of the choir and JJ Hairston’s unmatched, spirit-led leadership. The stage will shine with performances from special guest artists such as Tamela Mann, Jonathan McReynolds, Melvin Crispell III, Tim Bowman Jr., Wendy Wyatt, Anthem Nights Music, Janae Jones, and the dynamic Nigerian artist Jumbo.
Scheduled for Saturday, November 23rd, the anniversary celebration will take place at The Gathering Place, located at 4703 Marlboro Pike in Capitol Heights, MD, starting at 6 PM. Anticipation is high as fans and fellow artists alike prepare to witness the fusion of history, talent, and faith in an extraordinary evening of worship.
Reflecting on this milestone, JJ Hairston expressed heartfelt gratitude: “This milestone is a testament to God’s faithfulness and the passion of everyone involved in Youthful Praise over the years. We’ve experienced so many moments of joy, challenges, and inspiration. This recording is not just a reunion; it’s a reminder of our purpose and calling in ministry.”
From its humble beginnings in 1991 as a 35-member church choir in Bridgeport, CT, Youthful Praise has evolved into a powerhouse in the contemporary gospel music scene. Under Hairston’s leadership, they have reached audiences around the world with unforgettable songs like “Thankful,” “Lord of All,” and “Awesome God,” along with Billboard Gospel #1 hits like “You Deserve It” and “Miracle Worker.” Today, Hairston, alongside his wife, Trina Hairston, extends his ministry by serving as Senior Pastor of The Gathering Place DC, dedicated to uplifting the community and nurturing a deeper spiritual connection.
Walter Thomas, VP of Artist Development and Head of Motown Gospel and TAMLA, expressed his excitement for the new partnership: “Signing JJ Hairston and JamesTown Music to Motown Gospel is a thrilling step for us. JJ’s powerful voice and impactful ministry have already transformed lives across the globe, and we’re excited to bring his unique vision and passion to our label. This partnership is about elevating voices that inspire, and we’re honored to have JJ and his team join the Motown Gospel family as we continue our mission to reach hearts through exceptional music.”
The partnership between JamesTown Music and Motown Gospel heralds a new era of collaborative excellence, set to resonate powerfully within the world of gospel music and beyond.4o
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