The Prowess and The Power of Music

Jona was exposed to music at the age of 3 when introduced to thousands of vinyl records owned by his uncle and jazz enthusiast, Willie Wilson. His Baptist church upbringing pushed him further into music and fueled his love for it through the years. He participated in various church concerts all over Birmingham. He amazed audiences who witnessed a young singer boldly carry stirring songs with the soul of an old man. 

Jona’s musical prowess solidified as a teenager as he mimicked R&B songs he heard on WENN radio and became more involved in school music programs. His energy and voice astounded crowds outside of Birmingham, where his school’s choir sang in competitions. He went on to become a 4-time Alabama All-State Choral Member, and was eventually granted the opportunity to sing at Carnegie Hall at age 15. By his senior year, Jona’s high school peers voted him “Most Talented,” and he won choral scholarships to several universities.

Instead of college, he entered the U.S. Navy in 2001. He found himself surrounded by a number of fellow musicians. The Navy also gave him more opportunities to grow and perfect his talent with people from around the world. In 2002, Jona was stationed in Yokuska, Japan, where he became a weekly feature In Tokyo nightspots. By 2005, Jona had written more than 200 songs, and he began to focus on a career in music. Inspired by his travels and by childhood music greats such as Sam Cooke and Marvin Gaye, Jona adapted his own “Crooner” style of singing. He has been blazing his way toward the top of the music charts ever since.

“The music has served as a compass since birth. And every day, I am blessed to see a chance to travel closer to my dreams,” Crooner says.