Today, we have singer/songwriter J.R. (aka Rome)! Hailing from Hartford, CT, the musician got his start in music while his parents were pastors at a small church. J.R. also acknowledged that, at home, his house was “filled with music.” “My mother is a singer and she would sing gospel 24/7,” he said. “I think that’s why melodies constantly play in my head in the sound of my mother’s voice. Sounds crazy I know, but she is a vital part to my creativity.” Jerome’s mother introduced him to gospel music with an R&B twist, which Jerome loved and eventually made his own. The singer was also inspired by his older brother, who produces a lot of his music. “I watched his gift grow and just really wanted to follow in his footsteps,” J.R. said. Around his sophomore year of high school, he realized that he wanted to pursue music seriously, and began to truly hone his craft for a professional career.
