BJ Speer
BJ was born into the music business, growing up on the road and across the country with his mom and dad, Billy and Paula Speer. BJ along with his parents have had the privilege to travel through most of the United States, Canada and parts of Europe over their years of Ministry. The Speers have been a name in Gospel Music for over 60 years. As far as naming a "hometown", well that's pretty difficult, since the Speers called home in whatever city they sang in, or hotel they stayed in.
BJ was born in Leesburg, Virginia March 9, 1980. His dad was youth pastoring at a Church in Sterling and traveled some weekends as a soloist. In 1981, the Speers moved to Bangor, Maine where Billy and Paula continued full-time ministry. BJ attended Christian school while traveling with his family when time allowed. BJ graduated from High School in 1998 and decided to continue to travel with his family in the Ministry. Never singing with his family, BJ did not like being in the public eye and enjoyed taking a back seat most of the time. He sang a few songs with his mom and dad occasionally, but felt more comfortable sitting in the front row than standing on the platform. In the fall of 1999, BJ went on to Word of Life Bible Institute in Schroon Lake, New York to persue a Bible degree. During his year at Word of Life, BJ grew up and developed a stronger love for music and more confidence. After graduating from there in the fall of 2000, BJ felt he should join up with his parents again and hit the road.
The Speers were ministering at a family Conference center in Maine, when the director approached Billy about singing a special song. When BJ heard the song, he knew it was meant for him, so secretly started learning the song. On Labor Day Weekend, BJ surprised audiences by singing his first solo and the rest is history!
In the Spring of 2001, BJ was led to continue his College Education and went on to Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. Graduating in 2004 with a double major in Communications, BJ was ready to hit the road once again. The road life was in his blood! He returned home and traveled with his family becoming the Billy Speer Trio.
Later in 2004 BJ's mom was called to Canada to be by her mothers side while she was dying with Cancer. During these months, BJ continued the busy schedule with his dad, filling in with administrative work and scheduling dates. While singing on a Gospel Cruise later in the year, BJ became good friends with another group, the Dartts, a Californian based group known for their variety of music and author to the song, "God on the Mountain." BJ flew out to visit the Dartts and joined them on a few small tours singing special numbers. By the end of 2004, BJ had packed his bags and moved to California to join the Dartts and become the fourth member making the group a Quartet.
In 2005, BJ went on to record his first solo project, titled "Chances of a Lifetime". He collaborated with group leader, Tracy Dartt, his wife Sharon and son Stoney to write 10 songs for the album. BJ made his song writing debut with 4 songs including, "Blood Bought Millionaire", an American Idol story for Christians! After the release of "Chances", BJ couldn't be more positive that this is what God had for his life. Traveling full time with Dartts opened many doors of opportunity for BJ, which led to the recording of his second solo project, "Brand New Feeling". BJ went back and looked through several of Tracy Dartt songs before deciding to record the very first song ever written by Tracy that went to the charts back in the 60's on Capitol Records. The song "Brand New Feeling" captures a Beach Boys era of music, while other songs like "Calvary Made the Difference" commuicates the Sacrafice that Jesus made on the cross. BJ tries to explore different genres and varieties of music when preparing for a new recording, so that no song ever sounds the same.
This year, BJ recorded his first Quartet album with the Dartts, called "Believin' Him for a Miracle", which has received positive feedback already from many sources.
BJ is in current production for a new recording, to be released later this year. "I love what I do, although at times its not the easiest thing in the world! I enjoy meeting new people, sharing Christ everywhere I go and the gift of music is a gift that reaches souls when words just aren't enough. I am so thankful that God has been able to use me around the world and I look forward to continuing in His service till He comes!"-BJ Speer