GRAMMY® Award nominee and Stellar Award, Billboard Music Award ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Award, & ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Award winner, JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise are back with their new single, “Lifted Up” ft. Tamela Hairston.
“Lifted Up” serves as a pre-Easter anthem celebrating the endless reign of our resurrected Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ.
J.J. Hairston and Youthful Praise (affectionately known as YP) have continued to solidify their legacy in the Gospel music industry, earning both national and international acclaim. Originally founded in 1991 as a 35-member church choir in Bridgeport, CT, Youthful Praise has evolved into a powerhouse, consistently topping the Billboard charts and inspiring worshipers worldwide.
Hairston and YP’s breakout hit, “You Deserve It,” remains a staple in modern gospel music, having dominated the charts and set the stage for numerous accolades. The song was named #1 on Billboard’s Hot Gospel Songs Chart in 2017 and remains one of the most impactful worship anthems in recent history. Over the years, Hairston and YP have amassed an impressive collection of awards, including multiple Stellar Gospel Music Awards, a Billboard Music Award, an ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Award, and a Grammy nomination for Best Gospel Performance/Song.
Their music ministry has graced prestigious platforms such as Good Morning America, the Stellar Gospel Music Awards, T.D. Jakes’ MegaFest, the Essence Festival, and the McDonald’s Inspiration Celebration Gospel Tour. In addition to his music career, J.J. Hairston is now the Senior Pastor of The Gathering Place church in Washington, D.C., where he leads a vibrant and growing congregation alongside his wife, Trina.
His ministry continues to expand beyond music, impacting lives through both worship and leadership. Hairston is also the CEO and founder of Jamestown Music, a label dedicated to producing gospel music that inspires and uplifts listeners. Through this venture, he remains focused on creating music that helps audiences deepen their relationship with God. J.J. Hairston continues to be a dynamic figure in both the gospel music world and the faith community, committed to leading through song, ministry, and service.
