Jon T. Howard

Jon T. Howard was born and raised in the Midwest river town of St. Charles, Missouri. When he was 13 years old his mother bought him his first guitar with IGA grocery green stamps. Midway through his high school years, Jon’s family moved to Chicago and it was there that Jon began singing in local bars and composing songs. Though he had grown up on a heavy dose of 70’s rock, it was in Chicago where he was introduced to the music of blues artists James Cotton, Junior Wells, and Muddy Waters and started playing harmonica. Jon still utilizes the harmonica extensively in his songs and is currently endorsed by Lee Oskar Harmonicas which he uses exclusively for recording and live shows. During his senior year of high school, Jon’s family relocated to the Dallas area which at the time seemed like a drastic change, but the move would prove to be a blessing in disguise. The exposure to the musical diversity of Dallas’ pop, Austin’s blues, Ft. Worth’s country and ZZ Top’s Texas rock, can be heard woven throughout Jon T. Howard’s songs. After graduating from high school, Jon moved to Europe for a while spending time in Spain, Italy, and France. He lived in London, England for two years where he honed his songwriting and production skills by working with top producers Bob Carter and Danny Puku.

In 1989 Jon T. Howard moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career as a singer/songwriter. After writing songs with noted songwriters Monty Byrom and Gene Black, Jon joined the critically acclaimed LA funk/rock band Ku De Tah.

In 1992, he was recognized by the L.A. Music Awards for his songwriting talents for the lyrics to “Fish Outta Water” and “15 to 1.” Feeling the need to pursue a musical style closer to his Midwest roots, Jon left Ku De Tah and began writing songs with Adam Siegel. “Once I left Ku De Tah, I really did some soul searching and got back to the basics of writing a good song.” Adam and I sat down with our acoustic guitars and let the melodies, rhythm and lyrics drive the songs. We wrote about a half dozen songs before parting our ways but the wheels were already set in motion toward the direction I have been rooted in ever since. “Music is truly my healing source and allows me to reflect on my life and the lives of those around me.”

In 1996 Jon released his first solo album AMERICANA. Besides writing all of the songs on AMERICANA, the multi-instrumental Howard played all the musical parts and handled production duties as well. AMERICANA showcases Howard’s passion and songwriting maturity with lyrical depth, musical landscapes and catchy grooves that are bluesy and fun.

The year 1997 brought big change in Jon’s life. With the birth of his first son Christopher, he decided to cut back on live performances and spend more time with his family. Always writing songs and not one to be idle too long, Jon jumped at the opportunity to work on the music for the films “Defying Gravity” and “Civility.” “It was a great learning experience and I definitely see myself doing more film work in the future” says Jon.

In 2000 Jon released a CD of 18 original children’s songs he had been composing since the birth of his son called “Christopher’s Daddy.” During that time he also formed a band and began writing and working on a new set of songs that became his 2001 release, DREAMING OF AMERICA. This CD captured a more electric contemporary roots sound with use of a mandolin and an electric violin.

Jon’s newest release in 2004, DANCE OF LIFE, was recorded with the help of guitarist, Greg Krueger, violinist, Jeff Sullivan and drummer, Scott Spear. Like all of his CD’s, this one is still filled with heartfelt stories of life, love and colorful characters. He has also recently produced and co-wrote another CD of “island flavored” children’s music with a fellow singer/songwriter, Bob Karwin.

2005 has brought a whole new light to Jon's talent. He recently wrapped up an album with Mettafour records, produced by Ben Wisch and features a wonderful group of talented musicians. You will recognize some old favorites with a new flavor. This album displays Jon's maturity and personality.

Following in the tradition of other singer/songwriting troubadours like Neil Young, Steve Earle and Bruce Springsteen. Jon T. Howard has carved out a musical style that is all his own. Explains Jon, “I’ve been all over the world and I’ve played a lot of different styles of music and I guess it’s all those flavors that make up my sound.”