J. Cortez Vaughn II is a native of Kansas City, KS and the son of Bishop Jack C. Vaughn and Pastor Carolyn J. Vaughn. J. Cortez has served the Evangelistic Center Church as Minister of Music for 10 plus years and Youth Pastor for 3 years. Like many young boys who grew up in church, J. Cortez started out playing the drums and later moved to the piano and organ. He always tells the story of how one day his grandfather, the Late Supt. Willie \"Dad\" Vaughn told five young men of the church, who were between the ages of 10 and 15, \"We need an organist and whoever wants to play meet me tonight for a shut-in\". J. Cortez was one of those five his grandfather anointed. Since then J. Cortez has been playing, writing and composing music for various artists and choirs. J. Cortez has recently moved into Church Administration for Hope International Ministries (H.I.M.) under his father\'s leadership. J. Cortez debuted as Sir Tez in 2001 in concert with Trintee 5:7 and gospel rapper T-Bone. Since then Sir Tez has started a label called VauJoh Records pronounced (Va-Joe). His debut project entitled \"My Praise, My Worship\" features G.P which stands for Grace Productions. Grace Productions is a production company J. Cortez founded in 2000 comprised of seasoned singers and musicians who have studied music or performed as artists. This billboard charting record sets a new trend for urban, contemporary praise and worship music. With uplifting lyrics and wonderful melodies, this record is sure to bless the contemporary as well as the traditional listener. This record features artists such as Charles Laster Jr. with Tyscot Records, Danon Vaughn with VauJoh Records and such writers as Kenny Hill and Keith Newton.