Just Logan has always been a force of nature

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By Staff

Photos Daryl Wilkerson Jr.

From belting out Tina Turner hits at the age of three to writing on J. Ivy’s GRAMMY-winning album The Poet Who Sat by the Door and winning an Independent Shorts Award for his music video Gots Tah Go, Just Logan has always been a force of nature. Known for his mantra “Be you, be free, be love,” he blends honesty, vulnerability, and infectious energy in a way that transforms every performance into both a celebration and a moment of healing. As he prepares to take the stage for the first time at City Winery Chicago, Logan opens up about faith, freedom, and finding joy in authenticity.

Your music carries a lot of emotional depth. How do you use your art as a form of self-care and healing?
As a self-proclaimed overthinker, I spend a lot of time in self-reflection. Writing is my way of unpacking thoughts and emotions—it’s therapy for me. Every lyric is a little piece of what’s on my heart, and putting it into music helps me process it all.

You radiate positivity on stage. How do you protect your own mental and emotional health in an industry that can be so demanding?
Prayer is my foundation. I’m intentional about who I allow into my space because it’s so easy to let outside voices try to define you. I speak over my life daily, and I don’t let anyone or anything disrupt my peace. I exude positivity, and in turn, I only take in positivity.

Many fans say your shows feel like both a party and a therapy session. How intentional is that energy?
It’s very intentional because it’s who I am. When I step on stage, I’m vulnerable, free, and honest. I share my truth so others can feel seen and heard. I want my coworkers—what I call my “fans”—to join me in letting go of whatever is weighing them down. Every show is a party and a therapy session rolled into one.

You often encourage people to live their truth. What’s a moment in your own life when choosing your truth was the hardest but most rewarding?
In 2014, I moved from Chicago to New York City for work. One night, I put on my first pair of heels to attend a fashion show with my boss. I was so nervous I had to call her stylist to hype me up. But when I walked out of that room, I felt celebrated and free—not because of the heels, but because I let go of judgment. My aunt once told me, “If you keep living your life for others, you’ll wake up one day and realize you’ve never lived.” That night, I chose to live for me, and I’ve never looked back.

How has your upbringing in a musical family shaped not just your sound, but also your values and worldview?
My family is full of entertainers—everybody’s a star, and they know it! The confidence I have now was planted by them early on. I was taught to know who I am so no one else can tell me who I should be. They instilled kindness, love, and faith in God, and my sound is a blend of all those cousins, aunties, grandparents, and voices I grew up hearing.

Music has a way of breaking down walls. How do you hope your performances impact people from different walks of life?
As an artist who happens to be gay, some people are surprised by how deeply I love the Lord—He’s my closest friend. I hope my performances show my LGBTQ+ family that they are loved by God, no matter what some churches say. I also hope others see that I lead with my heart and choose love over hate, because hate is heavy and love is freeing.

When you think about your legacy, what do you want people to remember most about you—as an artist and as a human being?
I honestly don’t dwell on legacy. Everyone will have their own memories of me, but my prayer is that they reflect the fact that I led with love—in my art and in my everyday life.

You’ve said your motto is to “be you, be free, be love.” What daily practices help you stay aligned with that?
To be you, you first have to let go of everything people have told you to be. That’s where freedom begins. Once you’re free, you learn to love yourself fully, and that love overflows to others. I pray, I speak affirmations, and I treat myself with the same kindness I give to others.

In times when the world feels heavy, how do you personally refill your cup so you can keep inspiring others?
I care deeply for others—that’s what refills me. Spending time with my family, friends, and myself keeps me grounded. Prayer strengthens me. Pouring into others, whether it’s on stage or in a passing conversation, fuels me. I don’t waste energy stressing over what I can’t control, because I know Who’s in control. Amen.

Just Logan Recap video from Pride South side Chicago

If you could speak to your three-year-old self—the one belting Tina Turner in the living room—what would you tell him now?
You feeling nervous? Unsure? Judged? Scared? Don’t be—it gets so much better. Don’t lose your voice, your spark, or your faith in God and yourself. You’ll have moments when you think about ending it all—but you won’t. You’ll learn your light attracts amazing people and some who want to dim it—don’t let them. You’ll question your worth, your purpose, your calling—and you’ll realize you are exactly who you’re meant to be. God will keep His promises. You’ll face people challenging your faith because of your sexuality, but you will stand firm in your relationship with Him. You’ll headline stages, collaborate with incredible artists, and get paid to do what you love. You’ll be free, and freedom will look good on you. You are more than enough, you are worthy of everything you desire. And remember—you is kind of, you is smart, you is important… and always, be you, be free, be love.

About “JUST LOGAN”

From performing Tina turner in front of the TV at age 3 to Writing on J IVYs Grammy award winning album “The poet who set by the door “ And winning an “Independent shorts Award ” for his music video ” Gots tah Go ” . Just Logan has always beat to the rhythm of his own drum. Allowing the music to speak through him and his energy to Exude nothing but positivity. Reminding everyone to ; Be you , be free , be love. He prides himself in encouraging otters to live their truth and lead with love . In a world where everyone has an opinion. He has coined the phrase “ floating somewhere in between your social norms and not giving a F***” Growing up in a musical family and Being inspired by so many different genres of music as well artistry, Just Logan has found himself taking a different approach to his love for Creating . They say “ home is where the heart is “ and his humble abode is on stage . Determined to make his dream a reality. He continues to kick at the door with his head held high knowing one day it will have no choice but to give in.