J Roman
Brace yourself for the surfacing of the music industry's best kept secret, singer-songwriter-producer J.Roman. Born and raised in Chicago, J's passion for music began evolving around the same time as his love for the Cubs, before he could even take his first step. Conveniently, J. grew up immersed in music and sports, writing his first song at the mere age of seven and eventually becoming all-state, all-conference in baseball.
After high school, however, sports took the backseat to his first love as J. began focusing more on his music career, soon graduating from Elmhurst College with a Music Business degree. He auditioned for the hit TV series "Making the Band" and managed to beat out thousands of competitors landing a spot in the Top 25 semi-finals. In the summer of 2001 he co-created Vi3, a new group managed by Justin's long time friend and confidant, B-96/Chicago Music Director Erik Bradley. Vi3 became an overnight sensation in the Midwest, quickly signing with MCA Records and landing a Levi's sponsorship.
Vi3's MCA album ... So Tight broke new ground introducing audiences across the nation to their unique hip-pop sound. In addition to having written seven of the nine tracks on ... So Tight, Justin is also responsible for writing and co-producing Vi3's Top 40 single "Eyes Closed So Tight". Before parting ways, Vi3 toured with Nick Carter and took home top honors at the Chicago Music Awards two years in a row.
With an impressive resume, Justin returned to his roots and decided to pursue his initial dreams as a solo artist. Drawing inspiration from musicians that have perfected their craft, such as Michael Jackson, Prince, R.Kelly, Brian McKnight, 2pac, Twista, Bon Jovi and Journey, J.Roman emerged stronger and more determined than ever. His first solo single was the duet "Where Are You?" that J. also wrote & co-produced. There were actually two versions of this debut single released nationwide, one with Soluna & one with Natalie...the later being released on Universal Records.
In addition to having shared the stage with the likes of Nelly, Christina Aguilera, P.Diddy, LL Cool J, Missy Elliott, Snoop Dogg, Backstreet Boys, Frankie J., and Shakira, J.Roman also headlined two Seventeen-JCPenney Mall Tours and in 2003, four-time award winner J.Roman was named Song Writer of the Year at the Chicago Music Awards. One of his greatest accomplishments, though, occurred during the fall of that same year when J.Roman was hand picked to perform on select dates on the Mariah Carey "Charmbracelet" Tour.
With an ever growing desire to expand his horizons, J.Roman added on-air radio personality to his list of credits in 2004 with the Stylz & Roman radio show on his hometown radio station, B-96. Amazingly enough, amidst touring, radio, songwriting, recording, and promotion, J. is able to sustain a balance by always keeping his goals in perspective and constantly maintaining a strong relationship with his fans.
His fans, after all, are to whom he has attributed the majority of his success, knowing that without their loyalty and support, he would never have the opportunity to pursue his dreams, let alone see them become a reality. Although it is just beginning, the journey thus far has been nothing short of incredible, and as for what's to come? Hopefully you'll be right there by his side for all the excitement as this next chapter of his life unfolds.
Written by: Jennifer Jordan Callahan
