Born in Newark, NJ, PJ began to sing and fall in love with music at a very young age. PJ first started singing for his family and friends and eventually joined his school choir. Despite moving around a lot during his childhood and teenage years, he always belonged to the choir of which ever school he was attending at that time. In addition to being a part of the school choir, while in High School, he would also begin to sing in local talent showcases and as well as a few churches. While still developing and honing his craft, he developed a love for all genres of music.
Bio
“I LOVE ALL MUSIC! I grew up listening to different genres music and various artists from different musical eras. One moment I could be listening to a song that’s on the radio today and then later in that same day, I maybe listening to a Bessie Smith recording from the 1920’s or an Aretha Franklin or Frank Sinatra recording from the 60s. Although I’m extremely strict about ONLY singing gospel music, I SIMPLY LOVE AND ENJOY ALL MUSIC!”
It wasn’t long before PJ realized gospel music was his calling. He knew that the joy and passion he felt whenever he sang was a sign from God: not only was music his purpose but also his ministry. As PJ reached his teenage years, his love and conviction for his faith, church and gospel music grew even stronger.
“Even though I have a love for all music, there’s nothing like when you hear a gospel song that really touches your spirit. The feeling I get when I’m in church and the feeling I get when a gospel song touches my soul . . . it’s completely unparalleled, there’s nothing like it ANYWHERE!” Although he loves all styles of gospel music, his favorite in particular is traditional gospel, his main influence being the late great Mahalia Jackson. “I love listening to gospel music more than anything. Whether its spirituals sung by quartets and choirs from the early 1900s or the gospel music of today, I listen to it all. However, traditional gospel music is what undeniably reaches and nourishes my spirit, and it never fails. Listening to a recording of traditional gospel singers such as Mahalia Jackson, Bessie Griffin or Brother Joe May . . . there’s no other feeling like it.”
PJ was blessed with the opportunity to intern at Sony Music Entertainment for RCA Records & RCA Inspiration. He thoroughly enjoyed his time there and learned even more about the functionality of the music business and got a chance to see the more technical side of radio and A&R. Having this meaningful exposure to the music industry further inspired and motivated PJ to sing and spread the ministry that God has placed on his heart. These humbling experiences made PJ realize without a doubt how evident God’s plan and purpose was for his life.
“There is a lot in this world that I am unsure of . . . but one thing I am MOST CERTAIN of is the calling and plan God has for my life. I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life and my plan is to follow God’s purpose on my life and pray that He leads me, guides me and directs me in the way He would have me to go. I asked God to remove any self-doubt and fear that I may have possessed so that I can efficiently fulfill my calling and follow His will. Where He leads me, I will gladly follow and I will thank Him and glorify His name every step of the way.”
“I absolutely LOVE what I do, but most of all I LOVE WHO I SING ABOUT! I thank God every chance I get for bestowing the gift of singing on me and I promise to follow His will and make Him proud! One of my favorite scriptures comes from 1st Corinthians 4-31 that explains how we all have different gifts and purposes and we all play a different role in the body of Christ. We all may have different assignments and purposes in life but none of them are greater than the other and no matter how different our paths may be, we are all still doing our part in the body of Christ to glorify God. And I fully intend on doing everything in my power as a part of the body of Christ to do my part and continue with my ambition to spread the Love of God and to minister joy, hope and inspiration through song to the world and touch as many souls as I can”.
At this point, PJ has sung at many churches as well as different events and concerts . Not only has he sung at many churches, he deeply enjoys the worship and fellowship he experiences with all the different congregations he comes in contact with. PJ is constantly on a mission to reach as many people as he can while giving God the glory. Judging by his work ethic and determination, he shows no signs of slowing down. In fact, he’s only just beginning.
“I can’t thank God enough for blessing me and allowing me to do what I do . . . but I’m only in the beginning of my purpose, this is merely the prelude for what’s to come and what God has in store for me.”
