JJ Grey & Mofro Biography
Who is JJ Grey & Mofro?
JJ Grey & Mofro is an American Southern rock and swamp rock band from Jacksonville, Florida, rooted in the backroads, rivers, and marshes of North Florida. Originally billed simply as Mofro until 2007, the group has built a loyal following through gritty, soulful songwriting and a live show that blends blues, funk, R&B, gospel, and front porch Southern storytelling.
The band is led by JJ Grey, born John Higginbotham. A true multi-instrumentalist, Grey handles vocals, guitar, keyboards, and harmonica. His guitar work includes PRS guitars, Gibson SG, Gibson 337, and Gibson Southern Jumbo acoustic models, played through vintage Fender Showman, Super Reverb, and Champ amplifiers. He also performs on Wurlitzer 200a and Nord Electro keyboards, along with Lee Oskar and Hohner harmonicas. The name "Mofro" was a nickname given to Grey by a co-worker, and he adopted it as the band’s name because it sounded Southern. He later added his own name to the band after his grandmother asked him if he was ashamed to use it.
The band made its recording debut with Blackwater in 2001, followed by Lochloosa in 2004, both released under the name Mofro. The albums introduced listeners to Grey’s vivid portraits of North Florida life, reflecting both natural beauty and the tension of modern development.
In 2007, after signing with Alligator Records, the band released Country Ghetto, marking the official transition to JJ Grey & Mofro. Produced by Dan Prothero, the album showcased both slow-burning soul and high-energy swamp rock. Its standout track, "The Sun Is Shining Down," written during a difficult season in Grey’s life, has often been interpreted as a prayerful reflection on surrender, gratitude, and trust in something greater than oneself. With its gospel-tinged arrangement and humble, heartfelt lyrics, the song has connected with Christian listeners who hear in it themes of grace and redemption. The album was followed by Orange Blossoms in 2008.
With 2010’s Georgia Warhorse, named after a resilient North Florida cricket, the band stepped further into the mainstream. The album featured Toots Hibbert on "The Sweetest Thing," which became an AAA radio breakout hit, and slide guitar work from Derek Trucks on the track "Lullaby." Their explosive live reputation was captured on the 2011 CD/DVD Brighter Days.
In 2013, the band released This River, named for the St. Johns River that shaped Grey’s childhood. The album ranged from celebratory tracks like "Florabama" to introspective moments and heartfelt ballads.
Ol’ Glory followed in 2015. In 2024, nearly 9 years after their previous studio release, JJ Grey & Mofro returned with Olustee, their 10th studio album and first self-produced effort by Grey. The 10-song collection again draws deeply from the people, stories, and landscapes of his ancestral Florida home.
Blending blues, funk, soul, rock, and gospel influences, JJ Grey & Mofro remain known for passionate live performances and songs grounded in perseverance, humility, gratitude, and respect for the natural world.