For as long as Justin Philip Brooks can remember, a musical instrument has been in his hand. Although he’s tried his hand at just about every one of them he can get his hands on, the simple beauty of the strum of an acoustic guitar over a sung melody will make him feel most at home. 

A son of Beaumont, Texas (home to Blind Willie Johnson and Janis Joplin), now calling Dallas home, Justin was raised by a “village” of musicians, storytellers and preachers. “My earliest memories are of my father and mother playing our spinet piano and singing loudly and happily in our small, shag-carpeted living room. I would then wander next door to a dear friend of our family’s house where I was allowed to play (more like bang on) whatever instrument I saw in his arsenal of guitars, banjos, violins and drums. Many weekends consisted of us attending old-time revivals where my grandfather and uncle would passionately lead the congregational singing, and captivate a congregation with well-told stories as they preached and sang. It was magical.” In a sense, Justin feels that music wasn’t a choice for him—this was the family in which he was placed and the path to which he was called. 

Justin currently serves as the Director of Contemporary Music at Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church in Dallas, TX. With over two decades experience, Justin has a unique perspective and passion for exploring the merging of ancient faith practices with modern approaches to worship. In addition to leading worship and speaking at churches and conferences, he also does work as a church worship consultant, and serves on the advisory board for the Dallas chapter of the C.S. Lewis Institute.

When not busy as a church musician, he juggles his time between performing and touring with his family in the award-winning folk/country trio, Rosco Johnny, as an in-demand multi-instrumentalist, performer, and songwriter. As a member of the Music City Collective, Rosco Johnny frequently works and records in Nashville with Grammy-nominated producer Billy Smiley (Johnny Cash, Whiteheart), where their last four records and two singles were recorded at the famed Sound Kitchen and Castle Recording Studios. 

Over the years, Justin has shared the stage with musicians such as legendary guitarist Phil Keaggy, Peter Furler, Billy Smiley, Love Song, Doug Burr, Mercyme, Shelley Carrol, Lee DeWyze, The Elms, to name a few. He has recorded and toured with acclaimed folk music collective, Liturgical Folk, and served as lead guitarist for the DFW-based funk-rock band, Rhythm, on the EMG/Warner record label. Actively involved in the DFW music scene, he plays keyboards as a member of the popular 80s/90s Brit-pop cover band, Brit Stop, regularly taking the stage at the renowned Granada Theater and other Deep Ellum club staples. 

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Justin is accomplished on a wide variety of instruments, including guitar, piano/synthesizer, drums, bass, accordion, lap steel, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, harmonica. Additionally, Justin has extensive experience providing music for wedding ceremonies, receptions, and corporate events. He has also spent time as a music teacher leading rock band seminars. 

As a songwriter and composer, Justin’s work has been featured on Lifeway Worship Resources, various live church recordings, and films. He and his wife’s arrangement of “Sanctus” is regularly sung in churches across the nation. He’s hosted the storied live venue Opening Bell’s Songwriter-In-The-Round series and regularly leads songwriting retreats for United Adoration. Dallas’s 91.7 KXT radio station said of Justin’s work, “There’s something slightly mythical about the Gulf Coast when it comes to being a fertile ground for singer-songwriters. George Jones, The Big Bopper, Janis Joplin, Rodney Crowell, Robert Ellis and Hayes Carll are only a few fine examples, and now you can add the name Justin Philip Brooks to the list.”

A husband and father of three, you can usually find him hanging out with his family as they compete to craft the perfect bowl of movie-watching popcorn. He loves The Beach Boys and The Beatles equally, Home Alone, queso, cajun food, and spending time at his Old Smokey grill as he attempts to barbecue the ultimate brisket.

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