About J'Orren

     J' Orren, is the Christian ministry of Johnnie O. Givens Jr., singer/rapper/songwriter/producer.​ A faithful and God-fearing man, J’Orren was born to Johnnie "Orren" Givens, Sr. (father) and Sharon "Sherry" A. McKinnon (mother) in Gainesville, FL. Raised in Palatka, a small town south of Jacksonville, FL., J'Orren began singing in church at a very young age under the tutelage of his late and dear grandmother Loretha Johnson-West, an advanced pianist at Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. He was surrounded by two major categories of music from a very young age. Givens, Sr introduced a youthful J'Orren to the tempo rich harmonies of gospel Quartet groups; while Sherry fancied him with the melodic melodies of her favorite R&B artists. Both parents are credited with creating their son's zeal for music as they reared him in separate households. It is the afore mentioned three family members who are credited with grooming, supporting, and encouraging a youthful J'Orren to develop his talent. But, it is his mother who is responsible for developing her son's passion for singing. "Sherry" as she is widely known, is a dynamic vocalist who nearly reached the pinnacle of stardom in a music career after having had the opportunity to record with renown producer, Babyface when J'Orren was just nine years old. It was his mother who always pushed him to utilize his God-given talent of singing every chance he got. As a single mother, Sharon's dedication to singing naturally reverberated in the ears and mind of an enthusiastic J'Orren as he recalls hearing his mother's, "powerful vocals and range daily around the house, and often at various public venues."  

 

     As J’Orren grew into an adolescent he learn to mimic nearly every artist from late 80's and early 90's R&B groups like New Edition, Boyz II Men, Silk, KC & JoJo and other popular bands. He began to cultivate his gift by incorporating the dynamics of childhood Gospel groups like The Canton Spirituals and Dawkins & Dawkins, artists like Smokie Norful and Marvin Sapp. By the time he had reached age fifteen, J'Orren had become a local and notable soloist in his community. By nineteen he had married his longtime wife, Robin (Wise) Givens of Palatka. The two began a family and J'Orren completed his first mini-album titled, 'Entry' around age twenty. This early success afforded J'Orren opportunities to connect with labels such as Arista, Motown, Epic, and Def-Jam records. Thankfully, none of those options were in Gods will for him!

 

     At the mature, yet tender age of twenty-one J'Orren surrendered his life to The Lord and his passion for music transformed into something far greater...a passion for Christ! J'Orren began to diversify his sound and ministry by incorporating graceful melodies of groups like Mercy Me, Casting Crowns, and Third Day into his divine arsenal. A combination of two eras of music, across multiple genres and several bands/artists guided by The Spirit of God, and you get...J'Orren, perhaps the most versatile and dynamic Christian artist you've never known! Possessing some of the music industries most pristine falsettos, melodic & harmonic vocals and polished pitch, J'Orren is a must hear for all music lovers, not just devoted Believers! A talented vocalist and prolific songwriter, J’Orren focus is more on pleasing God over himself or others. He has composed an assorted collection of Spirit-filled songs across several genres; BUT, in keeping with one central theme and message---the Gospel of Christ, and the hope it brings!

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     No matter the delivery method (singing or rapping), traditional or contemporary, old school or new J'Orren assimilates R&B, Pop, Techno and even Country styles of music into the familiar soul-stirring and spirit-moving sounds Christians have come to enjoy! J'Orren's ministry remains replete with biblically sound metaphors and similes serving to remind all Christians to love, trust and obey Gods Word. Every song is written, fueled and filled with power of The Spirit of God, and delivered by the authority of Jesus!