JONATHAN'S STORY

 

What was born in his dorm room in the presence of a few friends has graduated to Christian music’s biggest stage. And Jonathan, now 32, did it with an incredible voice and a beautifully honest approach to songwriting. His EP ​​"People" debuted at #1 and has been called the believers' soundtrack of a crazy 2020. After earning three Stellars, it's single "Grace" became a record fourth #1 Billboard airplay single in a row and "Movin' On" featuring Mali Music garnered his first Grammy win and fourth nomination. Always endeavoring to provide excitement for the genre, he and Mali released a live joint EP "Jonny X Mali: Live in LA" and buzzworthy tour in the second half of 2021.

His latest full-length album Make Room debuted #1 on Billboard Gospel. It has been hailed as a generational work, earning eight Stellars and two Grammy nominations. The title track "Make Room" and hit single "Not Lucky, I'm Loved" from this album, gave Jonathan his first two #1 songs on Billboard. His second album Life Music: Stage Two features another superstar fan in India.Arie and remained #1 on the Billboard Gospel chart for 4 weeks.



MORE THAN MUSIC

 

Jonathan starred as a judge on BET's hit series Sunday Best for two seasons (2019, 2020) and in 2021, starred in his first movie "Favorite Son" a BET+ original. 

According to the Chicago native, his albums "are about being authentic and genuine, pure and transparent. I’m direct, I’m blunt. I’m not a fan of church clichés and 'Christian-ese'. Life Music is concerned with showing others and reminding myself how the Faith doesn’t just fit every part of life, but should frame every part of life.”

In May 2015, Jonathan attained his Masters of Arts in Biblical Studies from Moody Theological Seminary. He had previously  His contribution to society outside of music is important to him as well. With that, he is an adjunct instructor at his alma mater Columbia College, an official contributor to Huffington Post and the founder of Elihu Nation, a nonprofit organization that promotes wisdom and has awarded $40k in scholarships. He was recently named a new member of Mensa, an international high IQ society, as well.