Jon Gibson (Christian musician)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jon Gibson (or "J.G.") 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 become 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"), in addition to keyboardist Bill Wolfer. 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 - or "K.B." - first identified himself as M.C. Hammer)[1], 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.[1][4] 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".
[edit] 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
- 2009: Spirit of Christmas Northern Light Orchestra
