A Singer Songwriter
In a time when most people just talk about their feeling, Jon Michaels is a breath of fresh air, a rare singer/songwriter who willingly opens his heart and bares his soul. In his strong, smooth baritone, Jon croons with masterful vocal inflections of truth and beauty, tales of forgiveness, love lost and love found, taking his listeners on an emotional journey in the way that is uniquely Jon Michaels.
One musical critic called Jon Michaels “the Jim Croce of the 21st century”. With his trusty, well-tuned six-string guitar, he not only gives freely of himself — he IS his music.” His refreshing story-telling lyrics show a depth of thought that reflects a higher understanding of the human condition, while his beautiful vocals will make you laugh and cry. You’ll wonder how this man knows that you feel exactly that emotion, have had that experience, have loved in that way. It’s this ‘everyman’ quality that allows Jon to stand head and shoulders above his peers in the business.
Having toured with the New Christie Minstrels (who spawned such musicians as John Denver, Kim Carnes, and Kenny Rogers), Jon writes songs and music that “Chicken Soup for the Soul” co-author Jack Canfield proclaims as “chicken soup for my soul…that spreads light, joy, and fun.” Nationally renowned musician Andrew Gold describes Jon Michaels as “one of the great singer-songwriters in recent memory.”
Jon’s debut album entitled “Stones” has elicited critical acclaim is described as “one of the most poignant and beautiful CDs heard in a long time. Those enraptured by Jackson Browne, James Taylor, Jim Croce and the like, will surely eat this up.” ‘Stones’ showcases Jon as the ‘triple threat’ that he is…superb voice, expert guitar playing, and exquisite lyrics and melodies. Jon’s second CD, ‘I Am Who I Am’ released in 2004 was mature, emotional and richly arranged,
Jon’s third CD, “I Hear A Clock” reveals the evolution of his soul, which he openly shares, taking the listener on yet another journey of the human heart…in the way that only Jon Michaels can. Well-known country artists like Tracy Lawrence, Ty Herndon, Clint Black, Ray Herndon, Michael Peterson, and many others have recorded Jon’s songs.
Jon’s latest release, “Jesus” was born out of a desire to create a song that could be sung on Christmas Eve. “Jon’s song “Jesus” encompasses the emotion of the season with such stirring precision that it is sure to become a household staple during the holidays. “Jesus” is already receiving accolades industry wide as a soulful classic. This inspired collaboration with Co-writer Wood Newton and Producer Jim Kimball (Guitarist of 20 years for Reba McEntyre) forged a marriage of extraordinary harmonies and riveting melodies resulting in a timeless arrangement.
Jon’s combined versatility and expertise in the music industry have lead him down many exciting avenues. In 2013, Jon was named the winner of NBC’s Today Show Theme Song contest. He performed the song live on the Today Show, January 29th, as sixteen time Grammy award winning producer, David Foster proclaimed, “If I had to produce a 30 second hot spot for the Today Show I would go with Jon”. In 2000, Jon Co-wrote The Tennessee Titans Radio Theme song and in 2019, wrote and co-produced the theme song for Aggressor Adventures. Jon is also an Executive Producer for many PBS award-winning shows and documentaries.
Whether Jon is performing at the Blue Bird Café in Nashville, or volunteering to help a soul in need, he possesses the qualities that make an artist unforgettable.
Jon’s truest passion is spent with his wife of 14 years, Jeannie, their daughter Jennings and his Golden-Doodle Cinnamon. He lives a quiet and fulfilling life in Lexington, South Carolina savoring his time off kayaking and Scuba Diving around the world.
Discography
Songs written by Jon Michaels
Song/Artist:
- Clint Black / Ray Herndon “Shot of Tequila“:
- Keith Urban – “All For One“
- Tracy Lawrence – “Stones“
- Ty Herndon – “Stones“
- Paul Jefferson – “Check Please“
- One Night Rodeo – “Stones“
- Michael Peterson – “Stones“
- Derek Sholl – “Shot of Tequila“
- Wes Loper – “Grain of Salt“
- The Kentucky Lineman – “Lonely Man“
- The Kentucky Lineman – “Who’s Fooling Who“
- Mark Alan Barnett – “W-O-M-A-N“
- Paul Jefferson – “I Will“
- Paul Jefferson – “I Wonder“
- Shawn King – “Love Unspoken“
Jon has performed with or opened for:
- Michael McDonald
- Paul Williams
- Keith Urban
- B.J. Thomas
- The Kingston Trio
- John Sebastian
- Bertie Higgins,
- Ronnie Cox
PBS series and documentaries Co-Produced by Jon Michaels:
- Born To Explore – WGBH, Boston
- Cyberwork and the American Dream – KCAL, Los Angeles
- Fathers In America – SCETV, South Carolina
- Endless Feast -KCET, Los Angeles
- Katie Brown Workshop – WNET, New York
- Christina Cooks – WHYY, Philadelphia
Theme Songs
- NBC The Today Show – “We’re Still Here, Today“
- Tennessee Titans Radio Theme Song -“We’re Fired Up“
- Aggressor Adventures – “Come Aboard Aggressor“
- NBC Movie Of The Week – “Love’s Deadly Triangle“
- PBS Series Christina Cooks – “When Christina Cooks“
- WYFF4 Greenville/Spartanburg NBC Nightly News
- WAMD Illinois, NBC Station Channel 4 Nightly News
If you would like Jon to write a theme song or a special song, i.e., anniversary, wedding, funeral or a custom song about someone’s life… any occasion you can think of, click here.”