Encouraged by his mother to join the elementary school band and deciding on a single instrument grew difficult to choose when surrounded by so many models. But when asked which he would like to play, unknowingly, Jon’s answer would unlock an incredible future.
“I guess that one there…I like the way it’s shaped”
Ground-breaking artists like John Coltrane and Kenny G….daring, innovative, and fearless …they changed the jazz world forever and opened doors for a new generation of musicians. Enter Detroit, Michigan native “JWhite”, a young, vibrant, versatile performer who has not only taken the torch from the aforementioned superstars, he’s creating his own destiny with all-around talent rarely seen in the entertainment world.
In fact, JWhite has already shared the stage alongside many industry greats like Smokie Norful, Dave Hollister, Warren Hill, Nick Colionne, Peter White, Euge Groove, Eric Darius, Eric Roberson, P.J. Morton and urban jazz saxophonist and flautist, Najee. Most recently, JWhite took runner up at the Warren Hill Sax Summit (2013), competing with Saxophonists from all of the world! As a result, he was added on the Arizona Jazz Festival (2013) and rocked the stage!
He was such a hit, he was added on the San Diego Jazz Festival (2013, 2014), Las Vegas Jazz Festival (2013), Arizona Jazz Festival (2014) and Jazz at the Creek (San Diego, 2014). In 2014, the “JWhite Music” movement had reached Jazz venues in Detroit, Philly, and California.
He began to develop quickly in music, studying privately under the late Emil Acitelli. His efforts eventually lead to a music scholarship attending the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in music and performed with the Marching Band, Wind Symphony, and toured with their Jazz Ensemble under the direction of the late Odie Burrus.
While in College, Jon began to tour all over the State of Arkansas and Memphis, performing with a local show band. It was at the tender age of 20 when Jon learned about showmanship, connectivity, and musical excellence.
Musically, Jon lists everyone from Gerald Albright, Cannonball Adderly, and Kirk Whalum to Charlie Parker, Dexter Gordon, and Grover Washington, Jr. as his major influences. His own style and presentation extracts from the Pastelle and Rosewood movement, a contemporary urban scene of youthful expressions from around the globe. JWhite’’s music is without a doubt, soulfully-driven, and technically motivated intertwining the sounds of Smooth Jazz with a hint of Straight Ahead Jazz, delivering a sensual, harmonic, and melodic sound.
“I want my music to have an identity and purpose to be felt by people from all walks of life. The freedom and life I feel when I’m on stage or in a night club playing with my eyes closed, is the feeling I want listeners to experience when they turn my records on.” White’s first single entitled, “Driven”, peaked at #18 on the Billboard Charts, and has been in heavy rotation on Sirius XM Watercolors as well as stations all over the country.
Jon White is a songwriter, producer and musician who commands your attention with amazing, soulful sounds. Just listening to him for a first time, you sense his passion. He is a fearless, determined, talented young artist. With the release of his latest EP entitled, “Fearless”, it will only be a matter of time before this dynamic young man becomes a household name.
Jon is a Sax Dakota endorsing artist and plays exclusively on Alto Sax model SDA-XG 404.
