Today we’d like to introduce you to JUSTIN RAINES.
JUSTIN, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. That’s where I was born and raised. I started playing the trumpet in the fifth grade, and my music teachers noticed I had a gift. They recommended me to the middle school for the performing arts. This is where I gained a lot of my knowledge in music theory. I also attended a Saturday music school, and my time was completely filled with music. I was getting trained seven days a week, six from school and one from church. I picked up bass while attending the Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts. I would take the bass to church and start playing every chance I had. Having the support of my city I was able to excel pretty quickly on the bass, becoming the bass player for many local artists and groups.
After High School attended Berklee College of Music (2002-2006). This is where my career began to take off. While in college I traveled with the legendary Karen Clark-Sheard. Shortly after I started as the backup bass player for Israel and New Breed subbing for the great Terrance Palmer. After 2 years Terrance passed the baton to me and I’ve been with Israel and New Breed ever since. I’ve been blessed to travel the world with Israel and New Breed, Neyo, William McDowell, Donnie McClurkin, Tasha Cobbs-Leonard, and many more.
Today my business JRAINES LESSONS, established in 2010, teaches bass students all of over the world. As teaching is a passion of mine. And a recent hobby turned business is car detailing, RAINES MOBILE DETAILING.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I has not been a smooth road. In 2007 I was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease by the name MPGN (Membranoproliferative Glumerulonephritis). So from 2007-2009 I was a guinea pig for doctors because they didn’t why my kidneys were failing. So for those 2 years I was in and out of the hospital. My body was changing, so much so that people couldn’t recognize me. So you can imagine that it greatly interfered with life. After the doctors did what they could, the next thing was dialysis. So I started dialysis June of 2009. That was a devastating day! I was on dialysis for 4 years. I was very depressing and difficult to navigate life.
After 4 years I was blessed to have a kidney transplant November 16, 2013. The transplant lasted until February of 2023. As of today I’ve been back on dialysis for 2 years waiting for another kidney. But while I wait I will use my platform to spread awareness about kidney health and kidney disease.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a grammy award winning bassist. Mostly known for playing bass with gospel artist Israel Houghton and New Breed, and R&B/Pop artist NeYo. I’m most proud of being able to inspire a generation. I’ve been told that I’ve helped shape a generation of bass players from the albums that I’ve played on. That’s incredible to hear and know and makes me want to continue to serve and give back.
Which leads me to JRAINES LESSONS which allows me to directly impact students around the world.
What sets me apart is my mindset. As a teacher I will forever be a student. This will allow me to continue to grow and never become stagnant or complacent.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
For studio work, touring, Master classes and clinics I can be reached at:
bookingjraines@gmail.com
For Bass lessons:
jraineslessons.net
Instagram: @jraines112
FaceBook: Justin Raines
TikTok: @jrainesmusic
Car Detailing
Instagram: raines_mobile_detailing
Contact Info:
- Website: https://jraineslessons.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jraines112/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justin.raines.777/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jraines112
Image Credits
@chafree_photography
