Who Is Justin Harrison? Meet The YUNGBLUD’s Father

In 2026, Justin Harrison is known for many things. He’s the father of famous musician YUNGBLUD (Dominic Harrison). He’s also a former vintage guitar expert who once ran one of the most famous music shops in the UK. But Justin’s life story goes far beyond music. It’s a story filled with passion, mistakes, change, and strong family bonds.

While many people know his son’s name, fewer know about the man who helped shape his journey. From running a guitar empire to facing public scandals and rebuilding his life, Justin Harrison has lived a life worth learning about.

Profile Summary: Justin Harrison

Justin Harrison’s Early Life

Justin Harrison was born in February 1970 in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England. He grew up in a musical household. His father, Rick Harrison, was a musician and businessman. Music was all around Justin from the start. Instead of a normal childhood, he spent much of his time inside the family’s guitar shop.

There’s also a unique part of Justin’s early story. For a while, he lived in Australia’s Northern Territory, in remote areas like Alice Springs and Katherine. His parents were working with Indigenous communities on health and education projects. Because of this, Justin didn’t attend regular school. He learned through School of the Air and letters sent through the post. While living there, a local tribe gave him the skin name “Jagamara”, which became part of his personal history.

The Harrison Family Tree and Roots

Justin’s family has deep ties to music and culture. His father, Rick Harrison, was both a performer and a businessman. It’s often said that Rick played with the band T. Rex, though that detail has been debated. What’s certain is that Rick helped build the family business, and Justin followed in his footsteps.

Justin’s mother’s name hasn’t been shared in public. He has at least one known sibling, Rebecca Harrison, who later moved to Amsterdam. There’s also mention of a grand-uncle named Philip Harrison, adding to the family’s extended roots. Through his father, Justin also has Jewish heritage, something the family has acknowledged with pride.

Justin Harrison’s Marriage and Family

Justin Harrison is married to Samantha “Sam” Harrison, a strong and supportive figure in his life. Together, they’ve raised three children: Dominic (YUNGBLUD), Jemima, and Isobel. Their home today is in Kirk Smeaton, a peaceful village near Doncaster. But their journey hasn’t always been calm.

Justin and Sam have openly shared that their relationship was once full of conflict. They had frequent arguments and moments they now call emotionally and physically damaging. But over time, they both committed to healing. They went through marriage counseling, worked through their issues, and stayed together.

Justin’s Building Music Ground

In the music world, Justin Harrison became known as a top expert in vintage guitars. Alongside his father Rick, he ran Music Ground, a shop in Doncaster that sold rare and collectible guitars. The business grew fast and became something much bigger.

Soon, Music Ground had branches in Leeds, Manchester, and London—especially on the famous Denmark Street, known as a hub for music lovers. Justin and his father operated several well-known stores there, including Rockers Music, The Bass Cellar, and Hanks. These weren’t just shops—they were places where musicians came to find the gear of their dreams.

His Celebrity Clients and Music Industry Respect

Over the years, Justin Harrison worked with many big names in rock music. His clients included stars like Noel Gallagher from Oasis, Johnny Marr from The Smiths, and Canadian singer Bryan Adams. These musicians trusted Justin to find them the perfect vintage instruments.

There was also a time when Peter Svensson from The Cardigans raised questions about the quality of some amps sold by the shop. While those concerns became part of later controversies, it shows how closely Justin’s business was tied to the top levels of the music world.

Justin Harrison’s Role in YUNGBLUD’s Musical Journey

One of the most touching parts of Justin’s story is his bond with his son, Dominic. While growing up, Dominic spent much of his time in Music Ground, watching his dad work and learning about guitars. Justin didn’t just sell guitars—he taught his son how to play them.

This early influence stayed with Dominic. His music, style, and even the guitar he plays today—his Epiphone SG Junior—all reflect the vintage tools and rock vibes he grew up with in his father’s shop. Justin Harrison played a quiet but powerful role in helping his son become YUNGBLUD.

The Legal Case That Changed Everything

Even though Justin Harrison built a strong name in the music world, things took a sharp turn in 2012. That year, Justin and his father Rick Harrison were involved in a serious legal case. They were accused of handling stolen vintage guitars, which had been taken from a museum in Verona, Italy, back in 2006.

The stolen collection was huge—157 guitars in total, with a value of over £1 million. After an investigation, many of those guitars were found in shops connected to Music Ground. At first, Justin said he had bought the guitars legally and even showed receipts. But later, more guitars were discovered, and the case grew bigger.

In court, Justin Harrison admitted to handling two stolen guitars worth about £4,500. His sentence included a six-month suspended prison term, 200 hours of unpaid community work, and £2,500 in court costs. It was a big moment that changed both his business and personal life. Music Ground lost trust, and eventually, the business had to close. Some people also raised concerns about fake amplifiers being sold under brand names like Marshall and Dumble. These problems added to the fall of the once-famous shop.

Justin Harrison’s Life After the Business Collapse

After the case, Justin Harrison didn’t go back into the guitar world the same way. Instead, he focused on his family and personal healing. He stepped out of the spotlight and let his wife Sam lead the way with her new business, Jaffa & Cakes—a cozy café and gift shop in Doncaster. It became a new beginning for the family.

Even though Justin was no longer dealing with vintage instruments every day, he never fully left music behind. It stayed in his heart and his home.

Justin’s Therapy and Growth

In 2022, Justin Harrison opened up in a public interview. He spoke with filmmaker Louis Theroux and shared personal details about his past. Justin admitted that he had struggled with anger problems for many years. He talked about having emotional outbursts and being hard to live with, especially during the stressful times of running a big business.

But Justin didn’t just talk about the past—he talked about how he changed. For years now, he has been going to weekly therapy. He works hard to manage his anger, stay calm, and be a better husband and father. He and Sam also went through marriage counseling together to rebuild their relationship.

The Harrison Family Today

Now, Justin Harrison lives in Kirk Smeaton with his wife Sam and their daughters, Jemima and Isobel. Jemima works at the family café and came out as bisexual in 2019. Her family supported her fully. Isobel is the youngest. She’s active on Instagram, where she posts about fashion and design. Her brother often says she’s the smartest in the family.

The family also has two Dachshund dogs that often appear in photos. Their home is full of love, laughter, and a lot of healing. While things were once hard, the family has found peace together.

How Justin Supports His Son Without Fame

After the passing of his father Rick Harrison from a heart attack in April 2023, Justin Harrison was deeply affected. Rick had been both his business partner and father, and despite past controversies, Justin still speaks of him with respect and affection. Their close bond shaped much of Justin’s life and career.

Since then, Justin has stayed mostly out of the spotlight. His Instagram (@justinharrison152) is private, and he rarely makes public appearances—except where it matters most. In 2025, when his son YUNGBLUD canceled his tour for health reasons, Justin quietly stepped in to support his recovery at home.

Final Thoughts

Today, Justin Harrison may not be in the headlines, but his story is far from quiet. He’s a man who built a business, faced a fall, and chose to grow instead of giving up. He changed for his wife, for his kids, and for himself.

From the loud halls of a music shop to the quiet comfort of a family home, Justin Harrison has shown what it means to learn from your past. He reminds us that no matter where we start—or how many mistakes we make—it’s never too late to become better.

FAQs

1. How old is Justin Harrison in 2026?

Justin Harrison is estimated to be around 56 years old in 2026, based on his reported birth year of February 1970.

2. What is Justin Harrison best known for in the music world?

He is known for running Music Ground, a major vintage guitar business that supplied rare instruments to artists like Noel Gallagher and Johnny Marr.

3. Who are Justin Harrison’s children?

He is the father of Dominic Harrison (YUNGBLUD), Jemima Harrison, and Isobel Harrison, each of whom has played a meaningful role in the family’s story.

4. What happened in Justin Harrison’s 2012 legal case?

In 2012, Justin Harrison received a suspended sentence after admitting involvement in handling two stolen vintage guitars connected to a larger Italian theft case.

5. Is Justin Harrison still active in the music business today?

While he no longer runs Music Ground, Justin remains connected to music through his family, especially by supporting YUNGBLUD. He now lives a more private, quiet life in Kirk Smeaton.

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