A native of the Orlando-Central Florida area, Justin Dudley often called "JD" began his formative years in music initially as a drummer at the age of five. Like most African American musicians, JD's exposure derived from the church through gospel music. He often accredits his influences to being surrounded by singing family members that loved gospel music. JD, unique in his own right, is a first generation musician. Throughout his school years, JD was always known as the "little drummer boy" by fellow church members, but he also expanded his musical talents by beginning to learn piano at age 8, as well as recording his first demo in the studio on drums at age 12.  Not only was JD active in music, but sports as well. By age 17, JD secured a full athletic football scholarship to a four year university in TN.   Soon thereafter, JD began touring the US and Europe with several Memphis based Blues and R&B bands.  JD's evolution from the stage to the studio became more prevalent in 2003 when he began to develop a buzz in the industry while working with several up and coming new artists.  As a result, JD continued to land several national television gigs which included the 2005 Trumpet Awards and by mid 2006, JD joined The Grove.  To this very day, JD is constantly in studio sessions, writing, working with various songwriters, artists, producers, as well as touring and playing keyboards with Jonathan Singleton & The Grove.