CCM-RADIO CCM-RADIO Interview with Jon Gibson-1

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Jun 20, 2009 CCM-RADIO Interview with Jon Gibson-1

Bio on Jon Gibson

Jon Gibson is one of music's consummate Recording Artists. With 9 albums, 22 top 5 Hits and an "Album of the Year", Jon continues to inspire musicians worldwide who are attracted by his sound and spirituality. He makes music for the love and artistry of the art form and views his efforts as both inspirational tools and educational templates for preserving the pureness of the gift of God's free creativity. To Jon, music and it's content is pertinent to the salvation and preservation of mankind and the world around us. One of the most prolific singer/songwriters in music, Jon has crossed paths with some of music’s top Artists. People like Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Rick James, Miles Davis, Sammy Davis Jr., Nelson Riddle, Andre Crouch and MC Hammer to name a few. He was a dominate force in CCM and Gospel Music for more than a decade producing a string of 22 Top 5 Hits and 9 no.1 songs, a CCM "Album of the Year". His smash hit “Jesus Love ya” still holds the record as the longest playing no.1 single in Christian music history earning him a spot in the 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music". Jon was honored

Jon's unique vocal tone, similar to that of Hathaway and Wonder along with his masterful ability to phrase melody and lyrics has made him a cult favorite amongst R&B and Soul music enthusiasts around the world. His timeless songs, thought provoking lyrics and infectious grooves have crossed several generations and continue to influence some of today’s top music makers and performers. There is a positive and uplifting theme in all of Jon's recordings that touch the hearts of people of all ages, backgrounds and religious beliefs. His compositions have been the subject of study at major universities such as UC Berkeley and his arrangements have gained him international respect among musicians.

Jon married Lisa Rea Gibson, an industry professional in 1995, and since then have had three children; Jonathon Thomas Gibson 11, James Robert Gibson 10, and Jesse Earl Gibson 2 years and 6 months. Jon is currently in the studio recording his 10th solo release entitled "The Horizons of Knowing" which will be ready for release in late November/early December. Inspired by the recent death of Jon's beloved father Stanley Earl Gibson, the project is dedicated to his life and memory. Jon is currently seeking a home for the project and a publishing deal with a growing catalog of over 120 published works and 300 unpublished songs.

Jon Gibson is a pioneering Gospel/Christian Music artist who is accepted world-wide as a true prolific Soul singer.^[1]

Gibson is one of the most influential artists and producers in Christian, Gospel and R&B music with 22 top five hits, 20 top ten, nine number one songs, and an Album of The Year to his credit.^[1][2]

A 'young rebel' from the streets of San Francisco, Gibson joined the military, returned home to find his father had became a Christian, accepted Christ himself, and began using his talents for God.

He has performed and recorded with Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Bill Preston, Miles Davis, Nancy Wilson, Sammy Davis Jr., MC Hammer, Nelson Riddle & The Nelson Riddle Orchestra, Tower of Power, Kirk Franklin, Andrae Crouch, John P. Kee, Shirley Caesar, BeBe Winans, Crystal Lewis, Bernard Wright, Tommy Sims, Joe Satriani, Bruce Conti, Doug Webb, Mike Garson, Wilton Felder, Nate Watts, James Jamerson Jr., Rob Mullins, N'Dugu Chancellor and Cuba Ingram, among others.^[3]

His first record deal, as a secular artist, was with Solar Records in 1983 where he worked with both Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson ("So Shy"). Although his first rap solo was with 1986's "Ain't It Pretty" from the album "On The Run" (after signing with the Frontline Christian record label), Gibson wrote and produced the first rap hit in Contemporary Christian music history (1988's "This Wall") featuring a then little known M.C. Hammer (it was within the lyrics of this song that Stanley Kirk Burrell first identified himself as M.C. Hammer), and is featured in TIME/LIFE'S 100 Greatest Albums in Christian Music. During that time, he was apart of Hammer's gospel rap group Holy Ghost Boys.^[4][1] Burrell, along with Tramaine Hawkins, performed with Jon's band doing several concerts in various halls such as the Beverly Theatre in Beverly Hills.

Only three artists received more airplay on Christian radio stations in 1991 than Jon Gibson; Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and Bebe & Cece Winans. His smash hit “Jesus Love Ya” still holds the record as the longest playing No. 1 single in Christian music history.^[5]

Jon was honored for his contributions as a center piece in the CBS documentary "Rhythm Of The Heart: The Roots and History of Gospel Music", hosted by the former anchor of Good Morning America. He currently leads worship services across the nation and also performs for multi-genre, mainstream audiences world-wide. Additionally, he is actively seeking a recording and publishing deal with over 200 unpublished, original songs. As of 2009, according to his official website, he is currently planning to release a new album called "The Horizons of Knowing".

Discography

1983: Standing on the One (12 inch vinyl)
1987: On the Run (12 inch vinyl) - #1: "God Loves A Broken Heart"
1988: Change of Heart - #1: "Friend in You"; "This Wall"
1989: Body & Soul - top ten: "Father Father", "In The Name Of The Lord", "Everyone Needs The Lord"
1990: On the Run
1990: Jesus Loves Ya - #1 for 11 weeks yielding 1991's top selling CCM single: "Jesus Loves Ya"; "Love Come Down"
1991: The Hits
1992: Forever Friends - 5 top ten with #1's: "Happy To Know Jesus", "Can't Live Without Jesus"
1995: Songs Of Encouragement And Healing
1995: Love Education - 3 top ten
1998: Change Of Heart/Body And Soul
1999: The Man Inside
2002: Soulful Hymns
2009: The Horizons of Knowing