The leader of the Stellar Award nominated urban inspirational and gospel music ensemble J.J. Hairston & Youthful Praise has a hot new gig. The charismatic choirmaster has been tapped to host “Sunday Praise with J.J. Hairston” on Hartford, Connecticut’s Hot 93.7 FM (WZMX), a legendary CBS radio outlet known in the region as Hartford’s #1 station for Hip-Hop and R&B.
“I feel like it’s a huge opportunity to spread the gospel,” Hairston says of his new gig that kicks off Sunday, March 30th. “This is the first time this station has had gospel music on their station. It’s a Hip-Hop station! So the fact that they’re entrusting me as the host and that they’re trying gospel music is huge! Many of the listeners don’t go to church so this program may be introducing many of them to the gospel for the first time and hopefully, eventually, to Christ.”
The three-hour musical program will air 7:00 – 10:00 A.M. EST each Sunday and can be streamed live online at http://betaplayer.radio.com/player/hot-937. “Initially it was supposed to be a two hour show, “says Hairston who was recruited by the station to host the exciting new platform for faith music. “But the response has been so great that the station decided to extend it an hour.”
Hairston and his choir, affectionately known as YP, are known for their Top Ten mega radio hits such as “After This,” “Resting On His Promise.” “Lord of All” and “Incredible God, Incredible Praise.” The group has been very visible of late. Members of YP recently performed with Miss Piggy on a Lady Gaga network TV special and sang “The Star Spangled Banner” on “Good Morning America.”
Hairston will also perform on the upcoming primetime “Celebration of Gospel” BET TV special that airs April 6 @8:00 P.M. EST. The dynamic choir’s energetic new radio single “It Pushed Me” is slated to hit gospel radio formats in April. Meanwhile, Hairston is putting the final touches on the group’s seventh CD “I See Victory” that is scheduled for release on August 5th. Visit www.youthfulpraise.org for more news and information.
