WPL Spotlight
6 Artists. 6 Questions. Welcome to the WPL Spotlight Series.
Mission matters. The Wilson Pickett Legacy is rooted in connecting great people through good music and enriching opportunities. Our new WPL Spotlight Series not only fulfills this passion but it also places emphasis on our mission to honor Wilson's legacy by introducing his genius works to a new generation of music lovers. Through it all, we aim to educate and inspire new talent as they cultivate their path to success.
Artist #1: Justis Loftis
Described by the Picketts as: Bold, humble, and beautiful,
with a passion for music similar to her great-uncle (Wilson Pickett!)
Artist Access: Youtube - @JustisLoftis
Artist in Action: Justis performs "I'm Here"
from The Color Purple - Click here
A few influential tracks or albums for Justis:
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• Beyoncé's "4" album with tracks like
"1+1," "I Care," and “Start Over"
​
• Whitney Houston's rendition of
"All the Man That I Need and
"Saving All My Love for You”
​
• Michael Jackson's classics like
"Human Nature," "Dirty Diana,"
and "Rock with You"!
​
• Songs from Stevie Wonder, Anita
Baker, and Aretha Franklin such as
"Ribbon in the Sky," "Body and Soul,"
and "Natural Woman"
​
When did you begin singing or become involved with music?
My interest in music began at a very young age, largely influenced by my mom, who sang frequently around the house. We would often sing together, and this shared activity fostered a deep love and passion for music in me. My mom also took my brother and me to church every Sunday, where she recognized my enthusiasm for singing and placed me in the church choir when I was just 3 years old. Being surrounded by music at home and at church, with my church family’s constant encouragement, solidified my connection to singing. Throughout the years, I sang in school, in my mother's hair salon, and at talent shows during family gatherings. My passion for music led me to attend a performing arts middle and high school, where I participated in musicals every year and began formal vocal lessons at the age of eleven.
How would you describe your favorite music genre to someone unfamiliar with it?
I would describe my favorite music genre, old-school R&B/Soul, as a genre that blends soulful melodies, powerful vocals, and deeply emotive lyrics. This music tells heartfelt, love-filled stories that resonate deeply with listeners. Old school R&B/Soul stands out to me because of its timeless quality and its power to evoke a wide range of emotions. The detailed and thought-provoking lyrics combined with the powerhouse vocals create a captivating musical experience that I find myself returning to time and time again. While I have a deep appreciation for all genres of music—including rock, pop, hip-hop, gospel, and country—and envision myself as a versatile artist who can create quality art across various genres, old-school R&B/Soul holds a special place in my heart.
TO SUM IT UP!
Justis' Musical Inspirations & Why
Whitney Houston - Love for the Lord and passion for singing
Mariah Carey - Exceptional songwriting skills and vocal range
Celine Dion - Emotional delivery and powerful voice
Anita Baker - Soulful and smooth jazz influence
Aretha Franklin - Incredible ability to convey deep emotion through her music and her gospel roots
Beyoncé - Remarkable work ethic, stage presence, and versatility
Michael Jackson - Unmatched talent as a performer
Luther Vandross - Silky voice
What drew you to music?
My mom often tells stories of finding me singing in my room and being drawn to music when I was a toddler. She exposed me to a wide range of singers and music genres early on. I remember being particularly captivated
by artists like Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson, Whitney Houston, and CeCe Winans. Their voices and music styles resonated deeply with me and influenced my musical tastes and aspirations. At an early age, around 8 years old, I discovered another passion: songwriting and began crafting songs on the school bus. I was drawn to the creative process of putting words to melodies. I'm also drawn to the intricacies of music production; the chords, basslines, and the details of tracks. I have a bit of a nerdy side when it comes to music — I love listening to complex beats and dissecting the layers of a song, whether it's the bass guitar that subtly punctuates a chorus or a hidden bass drum that appears at just the right moment. Music, for me, is not just about the melodies and lyrics—it's about the entire composition, the nuances that make each song unique and memorable. This deep connection to music drives me to continually explore and appreciate the art form in all its complexity.
How has music evolved over the years, in your opinion?
In mainstream music today, I believe there has been a shift away from the deeply enriching lyrics and exceptional vocal performances that defined earlier eras. While there are many talented artists and meaningful songs being produced, the focus often seems to be on commercial appeal and trends rather than artistic depth. Technological advancements have certainly changed how music is produced and consumers, offering new opportunities but also sometimes diluting the authenticity and emotional resonance that characterized older music. I believe there's a longing for a return to the soulful performances and lyrical substance that once defined music's golden eras.