DMV’s own Jawn Murray is considered by many to be an expert in all things media. His in-depth knowledge of entertainment news and pop culture has afforded him the opportunity to meet and work with some of today’s entertainment industry’s greatest figures. Jawn, on several occasions, credits himself as a “church boy”, which is why it comes as no surprise that record label EMI Gospel would allow the NAACP “40 Power Players Under 40” recipient to release the project “Jawn Murray Presents: Untapped” – a compilation CD that features songs from 10 unsigned Gospel Artists. With Jawn’s indefatigable faith and exceptional style of reporting, he is certain to solidify his imprint in the media world.
As a result of Jawn’s adept reporting, he recently provided expert commentary on MSNBC, as well as other media outlets, on the passing of pop icon Whitney Houston.
“Jawn” is such a unique name. What is the story behind the name “Jawn”?
My dad is named John Murray. The story as I remember it is my dad wanted me to be a junior and my mom wanted me to be unique. So Jawn pronounced “John” was the compromise!
Who would you accredit as giving you your start in the entertainment industry?
A Washington, DC radio personality named Michel Wright. I was an intern at WPGC in DC and had literally just walked through the door on my first day of interning when Michel asked me to record a commercial with her. I did a rap about an automotive company for her. Months later she put me on a monthly retainer to help research stories and topics for the entertainment news segment on her mid-day show and for a column she was writing. She also took me on my first film junket to New York City for Aaliyah’s “Romeo Must Die!”
Jawn Murray Presents: Untapped is a compilation gospel CD you have out right now. How did this come about?
I’ve had a long working relationship with EMI Gospel having done some media training and artist development for some of their artists like Kierra Sheard, Forever Jones, Darlene McCoy and Micah Stampley – he’s no longer on the label though. Karen Jackson, the marketing director there kept saying I needed to do a project that tapped into my own brand and used my creativity. Because I’ve always had a passion for helping people and typically root for the underdog, coming up with a concept that was a showcase of new talent and giving them a platform to be heard on a greater level just made sense.
Did you always know that you would be in entertainment?
I’ve been intrigued by the entertainment industry since I was a teenager. When I was deciding on colleges, I was torn between going into entertainment, working for World Wrestling Entertainment or becoming a chef. Ultimately entertainment won!
Did you ever feel like giving up? If so, what made you change your mind?
I have been in a place where I felt like giving up. Like anyone, life’s challenges and obstacles have at times overwhelmed me. I always use my faith to pull me through. I believe the lyrics in the old gospel song: “I don’t believe he brought me this far to leave me!”
Who inspires you and why?
When I started in the business, I was inspired by Oprah Winfrey, Will Smith and Kirk Franklin for various reasons. Now, I’m inspired by creative, successful and driven people who dwell in a place of optimism and operate in balance.
What profession do you admire the most and why?
Wow, this is a tough question. I definitely admire all of the serious professions – doctors, teachers, pilots, fire fighters, etc. – but I have great respect for music performers. Those who sing well, can command an audience and deliver a great show night after night, I have such an appreciation for them!
What is your ultimate goal?
Not sure that I have an ultimate goal determined just yet, but in the near future I’d love to be a judge on a reality show in the UK. I really want to be on British television and be to them what Simon Cowell is here. I definitely want to have a continued presence as a Pop Culture Expert either on cable news or maybe some network affiliated program.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Right now it is professional wrestling! I was a fanatic as a kid and all the way up until I was in college. While at Norfolk State, my roommate Winston and I used to watch WWE on one TV and WCW on the other on Monday nights. But once I got into the entertainment industry I couldn’t keep up anymore because of my hectic schedule. About three years ago I got back into it again because my friend Sherri Shepherd was seeing WWE wrestler MVP and I’ve been hooked ever since!
What advice would you give people who want to break into the entertainment business?
Study to show yourself approved! Read about the business and study the fundamentals before trying to break in. You need more than talent to make it!
What can your fans expect from you next?
I’m working on a digital project that I hope to announce really soon!
