Ramone Javon Griffith, known professionally as RJ Griffith, is an inspirational Chicago singer-songwriter who is ready to use his powerful voice to touch the world by song.
Not only is RJ a solo artist, but he’s also the lead tenor for the gospel-inspirational group, Zions Joy. However, outside of music, RJ is using his influence to provide youth with a haven and platform to be who they are and share their talents with his new program, Positive Vibes Only (PVO).
The PVO events bring out amazing youth talent, which may include, but aren’t limited to, singing, dancing and poetry performances by local teenagers. Those who attend the monthly program are also treated to performances by RJ Griffith himself. In addition to the open mic, the youth in attendance have fun dancing, sharing positive affirmations, eating and winning prizes. The monthly Friday event takes place at Family Christian Center in Munster, Indiana and the 2019 schedule will be announced soon on RJGriffith.com.
RJ grew up in Bellwood, Illinois, and was thrown into the spotlight at an early age sharing the role of Jefferson Albert Tibbs with his twin brother Julian (alongside Keanu Reeves and Michael B. Jordan) in the movie “Hardball.” Although he enjoyed the experience and landed additional acting roles in many plays and musicals, including playing the Tin Man in “The Wiz,” RJ soon discovered that his voice was his true talent and decided to concentrate more on his music.
Inspired by the likes of Michael Jackson, James Brown, Luther Vandross and Jamie Foxx, RJ’s passion for singing earned him a collegiate choir scholarship. It also inspired him to become a Worship Leader at his church, performing in front of thousands of people each week.
RJ continues to perform at church, but he began his musical career in October of 2016, when he decided to create his own music with the release of his first EP, “Prey.” “Prey” quickly earned praise from his peers and the gospel/inspirational music community. With the success of “Prey,” RJ didn’t keep his fans waiting long, releasing a three-song Valentine’s Day EP titled, “Direction,” four months later. “Direction” was well-received and caught the attention of the national recording gospel group, Zion’s Joy. Soon after in August of 2017, RJ joined the group as a lead tenor and he is currently touring with them across the country while continuing to pursue his solo career.
With the group, RJ has performed in Nashville, New Orleans, Dallas, and Indianapolis, to name a few, and he has opened for Deitrick Haddon and Jekalyn Carr at the East Coast Gospel Summit in Baltimore. RJ recently made his national television debut with the group during the performance of their new single “What Would Heaven Look Like” on the Mike Huckabee show. RJ is currently spending time in the studio working on his new album, “Good Day,” planned for release in early 2019.
His first single from the album, “Good Day,” has since been put into radio rotation on Rejoice 102.3 Chicago, Soul 106.3 and ABC 7 News Chicago.
