BJ Griffin, born just a few houses down from Hitsville U.S.A. in Detroit, Michigan, is a genre-defying global entertainer and visionary artist known for his extraordinary blend of classical, jazz, pop, and soul music. Raised in Virginia Beach, VA, BJ began his musical journey early, joining the Virginia Youth Symphony Orchestra, where he performed on stages around the world, including in China and Greece. His early exposure to international performance shaped his career and fueled his passion for creating boundary-breaking music that fuses multiple genres.
At James Madison University, BJ pursued studies in music education, cello performance, and the music industry, where he discovered a love for singing. While there, he joined the all-male a cappella group Exit 245, gaining valuable performance experience across the East Coast. This period laid the foundation for BJ’s future work, as he began experimenting with blending his vocal talent and classical training on the cello, forming the basis for his signature performance style.
After college, BJ moved to New York City, where he thrived as a freelance cellist while teaching at the prestigious Interlochen Arts Camp in Michigan. It was at Interlochen that BJ debuted as a singing cellist in 2011 during a faculty composer recital, merging his skills in both disciplines. His performances as a solo artist showcased his ability to break genre barriers, combining the intricacy of classical music with the energy of jazz and pop. This innovative blend set BJ apart from other musicians and became the driving force behind his career.
After some time in New York, BJ decided to return to his hometown, accepting a teaching position. It was then that BJ began a long-term collaboration with pianist Jason Brown (JB), a fellow James Madison University alumnus. The duo initially built their local presence by attending and hosting open mic nights. As their chemistry on stage grew, so did their audience. Their breakthrough came when their rendition of Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel” went viral, drawing widespread attention online. This marked the start of their 14-year creative partnership, during which they co-founded Galaxy Music, a private music school where they taught and inspired the next generation of musicians.
In 2013, BJ had his debut performance at the Norva in Norfolk, VA with his band BJ Griffin and the Galaxy Groove, a dynamic ensemble that combined his love for classical, pop, jazz, and soul music. The band quickly gained a reputation for delivering electrifying live performances, captivating audiences with their genre-bending sound. They performed alongside legendary acts and at major music festivals, solidifying BJ’s status as an innovator in the industry. His performances were not limited to international stages, as he became a featured artist at The NAMM Show from 2018 to 2020, bringing his unique blend of cello and vocals to the forefront of the music community.
BJ’s classical background also led to his solo debut with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, an impressive milestone that reflected his versatility as a musician. With each performance, BJ demonstrated an ability to transcend traditional musical boundaries, whether playing solo or alongside a symphony orchestra. His unique sound attracted attention, allowing him to share stages with some of the world’s biggest music icons, including Ms. Lauryn Hill, Smash Mouth, Sir Sly, Andy Grammer, Lionel Richie, and Erykah Badu. His ability to adapt his sound to different genres allowed him to perform at prestigious events like the Voll Damm International Jazz Festival in Barcelona, where he became a regular fixture, performing annually from 2016 to 2021.
BJ’s talents reached an even wider audience in 2023, when he appeared on America’s Got Talent. His soulful rendition of “Let’s Stay Together” mesmerized the judges and captivated millions of viewers, further establishing BJ as a global force in the music world. The performance was a defining moment in his career, showcasing not only his exceptional vocal ability but also his signature combination of singing and cello playing. BJ is currently in the studio working on his highly anticipated debut studio album, which is set to be released in 2025.
Beyond his role as a performer, BJ is also a successful entrepreneur. In 2011, he founded Big Juicy Entertainment (BJE), a talent development and production company dedicated to raising the tide for artists across genres. Through BJE, BJ has provided opportunities for both emerging and established musicians, fostering artistic growth and encouraging collaboration. He has worked closely with organizations like The ViBe Creative District and Zeiders American Dream Theater to produce innovative music series and events that highlight local and national talent. BJ’s commitment to empowering the next generation of musicians is a core part of his mission, and he continues to be a driving force in the arts community. BJ also serves on the boards of both the ViBe Creative District and the Academy of Music, furthering his dedication to the arts and local culture.
BJ’s dedication to music education has been a consistent theme throughout his career. He spent six years teaching in public schools through the non-profit organization Academy of Music, where he brought music education to underserved communities and mentored young musicians. Along with his longtime collaborator Jason Brown, BJ co-founded Galaxy Music, a private music school that focuses on individualized instruction. His belief in the transformative power of music has inspired countless students, and his passion for teaching reflects his desire to give back to the community that helped shape his own musical journey.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, BJ discovered a new passion: freediving. Immersing himself in the serene waters of the Florida Springs, BJ found peace and healing through the practice of diving. He quickly pursued advanced certifications in both scuba diving and freediving, training with elite instructors in Mexico, Spain, Dubai, the Maldives, Thailand, and Bali. As a Master Freediver and assistant freediving instructor, BJ has embraced his role as a black, plus-sized diver breaking stereotypes, sharing his underwater adventures with a devoted following on social media. His story of challenging societal norms has been featured in major publications, including BuzzFeed, Brut Media, and REI’s Podcast.
In addition to his love for diving, BJ co-founded Dive for Peace with his diving partner Andrew Desloover, an organization that promotes wellness and mindfulness through freediving. Dive for Peace creates a safe and supportive space for individuals from all walks of life to explore the therapeutic benefits of the ocean. BJ’s ability to combine his love for music and diving led him to offer sound healing sessions, incorporating the power of sound frequency to enhance the rejuvenating experience of freediving. These sessions have allowed BJ to merge his two passions in a unique and powerful way, promoting inner peace and healing for those who participate.
BJ’s life has been filled with personal challenges, including overcoming a rare form of cancer and surviving multiple car accidents. Despite these obstacles, BJ’s unwavering determination has only strengthened his resolve to use his platform to advocate for mental health awareness, self-love, and creative expression. His personal journey of resilience and growth has inspired many, and his message of perseverance continues to resonate with audiences around the world.
BJ’s impressive accomplishments include performances with world-renowned artists, prestigious festival appearances, and a successful teaching career. His work as an entrepreneur and advocate for mental health and wellness has earned him recognition across multiple fields. With his debut album on the horizon and his continued work with Big Juicy Entertainment and Dive for Peace, BJ Griffin’s impact shows no signs of slowing down.
From his beginnings in Detroit to his success as an international musician and freediving advocate, BJ Griffin is a creative powerhouse whose influence transcends genres and industries. His story is one of resilience, passion, and innovation, and his journey continues to inspire people across the globe. Whether performing on stage, mentoring young musicians, or diving into the depths of the ocean, BJ’s mission is clear: to uplift, inspire, and create positive change through his diverse talents.
