Young Original

Each member of Young Original is an accomplished performer in their own right: Benjamin Morren is a firebrand pianist and composer who plays too many instruments to count; Josie James is a stunning vocalist possessed of a seemingly infinite vocal range. The prodigious Silas Johnson started cello lessons at age three and has performed with The Johnson Strings to sold-out crowds in Branson and abroad. Joe Xiques is an inventive music producer who has traveled the world playing folk music on a plethora of instruments. 

The unique fusion of jazz, classical, folk, and pop influences has made this group an absolute must-see for all music lovers. Their dynamic performances and laid-back, genuine connection with audiences are worth experiencing for yourself!

Josie James

Josie James is a multi-talented vocalist, instrumentalist, and songwriter from Atlanta, Georgia. She began her musical journey studying violin at age two; by the time she reached high school, she was a sought-after singer-songwriter in Atlanta’s local music scene. After graduating, she moved to Nashville to study Commercial Songwriting at MTSU and quickly found herself in demand as an artist, session instrumentalist, and co-writer in the music industry. Josie has written and recorded a growing collection of original songs, and her passion for crafting and performing fun, deeply thoughtful, and joy-filled music is simply contagious.

Silas Johnson 

Born and raised in a musical family, Silas is a masterful cellist, talented crooner, and whimsical world traveler who began classical training at a young age and quickly blossomed into a prodigious and nimble performer. As part of the acclaimed Johnson Strings show in Branson, Missouri, he quickly became a crowd favorite with his soaring vocals and electric cello shredding. His unique approach to the cello and rich baritone vocals have become unmistakable features of Young Original’s sound. Silas resides in Franklin, Tennessee, with his two cellos and a Wilson competition volleyball.

Joe Xiques 

Joe Xiques is a talented guitarist and producer. Hailing from Miami, Florida, he developed an obsession with creativity from an early age – directing stop-motion movies, recording bluegrass albums, and writing sacred songs. At 18, he began touring North America as a bluegrass flatpicker, and 5 years later launched a home recording studio in Nashville, Tennessee. When music fails to scratch his ever-elusive existential itch, Joe is known to embark on wild online shopping sprees across Amazon Prime, Sweetwater, and Elderly Instruments. Joe’s handiwork can be found throughout Young Original’s recordings, album art, and viral videos.

Benjamin Morren 

Benjamin Morren is a powerhouse pianist and singer-songwriter from Northwest Arkansas. A talented performer of nearly 40 instruments, Ben quickly gained a reputation as a musical wunderkind in his hometown and began playing professionally in Branson, Missouri, at the age of 15. Since then, Ben has traveled the country performing at music festivals, legendary Nashville venues, and on the streets and stages of New Orleans. He’s released two albums of self-produced original material inspired by the sunshine pop of the ‘60s and ‘70s, and is currently working on his third solo project.