HJayH

 Harold J. Haughton, II is an independent Gospel/Christian recording artist and songwriter who is also known as HJayH (pronounced h-jay-h). He was born in Meridian, Mississippi, but raised in Jackson, Mississippi. He is the proud son of Mr. Harold J. Haughton Sr. and the late Mrs. Myrna Crawford Haughton. His father is now married to his stepmom, Dr. Ethel Norris Haughton. Presently, he resides in Connecticut with his wife, Rev. Yvette Haughton. He is the father of twins (daughter and son), Dania and Dante Haughton and also has a stepdaughter, Nia Wilkes. Presently, he is in his 36th year as a teacher in the New Haven Public Schools System in New Haven, Connecticut. Presently, he is a veteran Special Education teacher and the Athletic Facilitator at Wilbur Cross High School. He also coached boys basketball and football for many years there.

     Harold started writing and composing original Gospel/Christian music in 1994; however, he didn’t release any of his music until 2001. That year, he wrote, co-produced, and released his first single, “A Christian Woman (is all I need)”. It was also co-produced by Colon Haywood Jr. His second project was entitled, “Expressions of Praise”. He was the writer and co-producer on this album. It was also co-produced by Rodney Davis and released in 2006. HJayH's third project was called “Just Haughton” which was an EP that consisted of three duets with his father, Harold J. Haughton Sr. He wrote this project with two other gentlemen, Sampson Denny and Steve “Smoke Boogie” Isaac. Steve Isaac composed the music on this project and also on HJayH's last full album, “Spiritual Soul” which was released in 2016. The writer and composer credits on this project are the same as on “Just Haughton”. Harold is a registered BMI writer and publisher. Harold's newest single is entitled, "Depend On Me" which was released in June 2019. It is off his album, "On Borrowed Time". This song was written by Harold and produced by Darius Good. This is the first song that he has released under his birth name, Harold J. Haughton, II instead of his under his stage name HJayH under which all of his previous projects were released. His music can be purchased off of iTunes, CD Baby, and other music sites. A lot of his music can be heard on YouTube under Harold J. Haughton, II, or his stage name, HJayH. 

Harold has worked diligently on his technique and musicianship while taking it upon himself to strive to perfect his style. His company is called Born Down South Productions. He shares that his relationship with JESUS CHRIST is the most important part of his life because it sets the foundation for everything else. He is a faithful member of Bible Gospel Center in Hamden, Connecticut, and enjoys discussing The Bible and sharing his testimony. Harold has finished recording his next project, On Borrowed Time" with producer/songwriter Darius Good who is also his pastor. He strongly believes that the songs which he wrote for this project will positively touch and help change people's lives. It was released on January 29, 2022. presently, he has started writing new songs and hopes to record them and release them sometime in 2024.

Harold is truly humbled at the opportunity given to him by GOD to share The Gospel with others through music. His exposure to music occurred while growing up around parents who were both excellent musicians. His father, who plays numerous instruments, was a band director on both the college and high school levels. His father was also a music department chairman and served as the sanctuary and men's choir director at his church. His mother was a pianist and also directed her church choir. Both were blessed with great singing voices. They made sure that he was exposed to various types of music and several instruments. It was clear from the moment he was born that music was surely going to play a very vital role in his life. This early exposure turned out to be part of his foundation as it paved the way for him to make his own musical identity and share it with the world. 

Harold has a very smooth sound with a powerful testimonial Gospel message. Once you listen to his songs, you too will agree. His Gospel sound and style grab you from the first time you hear it. Those who have experienced his music ministry have truly been blessed and inspired. He continues to share his music in various churches and other venues as much as possible so he can share his testimony with others. Through this, he hopes that people will hear how GOD has blessed his life by changing it through repentance, mercy, grace, salvation, and the teachings of JESUS. His motto, "Nourishing Your Spiritual Soul" means that through his music and testimony, he believes that he will be able to feed people GOD's WORD. By doing this, he believes that this will provide people with knowledge that will keep their souls spiritually healthy. Harold says that his music is for everyday people.