Justin became interested in music at an early age, as he would listen to his Dad strum on an old guitar while his Mom would sing gospel songs. He started taking guitar lessons at the age of 8, but once learning the strings, would sit and listen to music and learned to play by ear. On many occasions Justin accompanied his mother as she sang for local organizations, giving him performing experience early in life. At age 15, Justin picked up the fiddle and taught himself to play by imitating legendary performers. The influences of Bob Wills' Texas Playboys, along with Merle Haggard and Ray Price were the driving force behind him learning to play the fiddle.
Justin played in a local country band during high school, then after a short stint on the road, joined a western swing band once back home. To diversify his skills, he began playing bluegrass with friends and would make guest appearances with them at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo. In the early 1980's, Justin honed his musical skills alongside legendary Texas Playboys Gene Crownover, Glenn "Blub" Rhees, Curly Lewis, Tommy Perkins, Benny Garcia, and even had the opportunity to work with legendary guitarist, Eldon Shamblin. Performing "Faded Love" as Eldon played guitar was a great moment in his career.
Throughout his career, Justin has appeared with performers such as Reba McEntire, Tommy Overstreet, Claude Gray, Virgil Gibson (of the Platters), Cowboy Joe and the Babcock's, Gayla Earlene, Southern Grace Quartet, David Ingles & Oasis Cowboy Band, Gene Watson, Carl Vaughan, and the Baker Brothers. He has performed at Cain's Ballroom in Tulsa, OK, The Stockyards & Cowtown Coliseum, both in Fort Worth, TX, the Oaklawn Opry in Texarkana, TX, Country Stampede Music fest in Manhattan, KS, The Church of Western Swing in Turkey, TX, Marival Resorts in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, as well as a multitude of venues across the Midwest.
Today, Justin enjoys playing bluegrass, country, and gospel music, but also enjoys listening to a variety of genres to expand his exposure to other cultures. He works with a wide range of western swing bands, gospel artists, and other groups throughout the year as his schedule allows.
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