JJ Lawhorn

JJ Lawhorn is the epitome of a good ol’ southern boy. With hunting, fishing, and working on his truck as just a few of his hobbies, this rural Virginian lives a life most country artists only sing about.

“I grew up working with my hands—you know—doing good hard physical labor,” says the 19-year-old musician with a thick drawl. “I’m proud of my heritage. I’m proud of where I come from.” That sentiment rings true throughout JJ’s new single, “Stomping Grounds,” which encourages each individual to take pride in what they consider to be their ‘stomping grounds.’ The single, co-written with Nashville writers Brian Maher and Jamie Pullen, is the follow-up to JJ’s hit video, “Sittin’ on a Tailgate,” which has now surpassed 350,000 views on YouTube.

Lawhorn was raised on his family’s farm, and until recently, intended to carry on the family business. “I had plans to go to Virginia Tech to study agriculture -- I thought I was gonna be a farmer for the rest of my life.”

But everything changed in the spring of 2010 when producer Jeremy Stover discovered the young singer/songwriter on YouTube.

When JJ isn't in the recording studio, he spends his time in the field, but his music still reflects his Southern upbringing. Influenced by some of the industry’s greatest rebels (Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard), his songs are a perfect blend of sweet melody and raw country sound.

“All of my music is about things that I know—whether it’s sitting on a tailgate, driving trucks in mud, huntin’, or fishing. Average, everyday life,” he says. “I want to make music people can relate to.”

JJ recently completed his first national tour opening for Colt Ford.