JJ Grey & Mofro (formerly bille just as Mofro) is the musical brainchild of singer/songwriter JJ Grey. Grey first coined his blend of rhythm and blues, soul and funky rock and roll as "Mofro Magic" in 1997, based on the continuous southern slang being thrown around at a lumberyard in Jacksonville, Florida (JJ’s hometown) where he worked. Grey comes from a long tradition of Southern storytellers, and his songs often use the loss of his natural surroundings and the marginalization of the Southern culture he grew up in as metaphors in his lyrics. Later he would drop "Magic" from the name and, along with long-time friend and guitarist Daryl Hance, continue as Mofro. Grey’s open-door policy for his band has led to many lineup changes over the years, but the current line up has been his longest to date.