JON BLACKSTONE is a singer, songwriter, performer, producer and film maker from Seattle, WA. He has worked in the music industry for over 25 years in both Seattle and Nashville. Jon's third album titled "SURVIVE" was released in 2019 and features the single and music video "One Day". He began playing professionally at the age of 16; so young he had to have a special permit allowing an underage Jon to perform in taverns and bars. As a young adult he played for a hugely popular Seattle band called "The Britt'ns" who were the originators of the "tribute band" craze as they played authentic recreations of songs from the '60s and '70s. In 1990 Jon moved to Nashville to try to secure a recording contract. While there he wrote songs with some of Nashville's biggest writers including Troy Seals, who has written songs recorded by The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Ray Charles and countless others. He also began producing recording sessions for various Nashville artists. In 1992 Jon formed a new band, "Jon Blackstone & The Rest of Us" and began performing around Nashville; including shows at the world famous BLUEBIRD CAFE. In 1995 he released his first album "Not Dressed For The Occasion" featuring the single "The Great I AM". The album also contains a song titled "Waiting To Hit Bottom" which features Dee Murray (bass) and Nigel Olsson (drums) from the legendary Elton John Band. After finishing the album he returned to his hometown of Seattle to continue writing, recording, performing and producing albums for Seattle artists. He released his second album "Smoke, Mirrors & Dirty Glass" in 2001. As he was nearing the end of sessions for the album, the terrorist attack of 9/11 occurred, prompting Jon to compose the stirring "Shepherd Of My Soul". In 2007 Jon was suddenly struck with a profound and crippling diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (severe chronic depression). He was so debilitated by this condition that he was unable to even pick up a guitar for seven years. During that time he tried every treatment available; all without success. He continued to cling to his faith in God in what was a painful, relentless and seemingly impossible situation. Finally, in 2014, just as suddenly as it had appeared, the depression lifted. Realizing he had experienced a miracle, he began to rebuild his life, his faith and his music. In 2016 the creative spark returned full force and in a flood of creativity he began to write new music. In the next two and a half years he wrote and recorded 22 new songs. These songs tell stories of struggle, faith, hope, love and survival. They also express his passion to fight for the future of our nation. Jon was ready to release this new album, but with so many songs he struggled with which songs to chose. As he has recently stated, "I thought it would be better to release a shorter album, but all of these new songs were part of my "rebirth". In the end I couldn't bring myself to leave anything out so I decided to release all 22 songs. Besides it's my way of giving fans more music for their money!' So the new Jon Blackstone album "SURVIVE" was released in early 2019; a double album containing 22 songs. Jon just finished making a video for the single "One Day' and is currently putting a new band together with plans to perform live. Jon is also a filmmaker. In 1995 he released a 12 minute short film titled "PIMPY", that he made with his friend and fellow Seattle artist Derek Turner. Jon and Derek wrote, directed and starred in the film. It won awards in several film festivals around the US, including festivals in Chicago and Florida. You can watch "PIMPY" in the video section of this website.
