Piano Priest, JJ Keys, 88 fingers, and Little Monk are just some of the words to describe Justin Griggs’ musicianship. Justin, who is now a tenth grader attending the High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) is currently a student the Philadelphia Clef Club of Jazz and Performing Arts.
Outside of the performing arts, Justin is a young activist with the organization FAMM fighting for the rights for change in our criminal justice system in addition to performing at prestigious events such as Wilberforce University Alumni dinner, Philadelphia African American Museum, The Greenlight Foundation, The Senior Law Project, and The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
“None of this would be possible without having God in my life” Justin said. He started playing in church at the age of 8 and attended school at Juniata Park Academy acting in plays, singing in choir, and serving as the school’s official pianist, all of this while he was still obtaining good grades.
At the Clef Club Justin’s right at home where he is now performing alongside some of the young gifted jazz musicians in the Philadelphia region.
When asked what his goals are, Justin simply said, “to become one of the greatest composers, songwriters, and producers in Jazz, R&B and beyond.”