Jonathan's Biography: MY Life Created Through Music!

     1975, an incredible year for music.  In August of that year, ABBA would record their international hit single, "Dancing Queen".  And, on December 11, 1975 at 1:57 am, Jonathan David Ellermann would arrive!  "Maybe that's why I've always been a night owl.  I was born in the middle of the night."  Before Jonathan was even born, his parents knew that music would be an integral part of his life.  "When my mom was several months pregnant with me, she and my dad attended a concert.  During the concert, my mom nudged my dad and said, 'David, the baby is kicking to the beat of the music!'  My dad placed his hand on my mom's belly, and sure enough, I was!  So, my parents have always encouraged my love for music."

     "Thankfully, our home was always filled with music.  My parents raised me with legendary songwriters: The Beatles, Elton John & Bernie Taupin, ABBA, Simon & Garfunkel, Barry Manilow, The Bee Gees, Carly Simon, and the list goes on.  So, when I started writing songs, I always approached the task with great intent: prolific lyrics, memorable melodies, complex chord structures, orchestrated instruments, and multilayered vocals."

     "When a song idea comes to me, it's almost always with lyrics and music all at once.  If it's good, I complete it.  If not, I drop it.  In general, I can already hear parts for most of the instruments: counter melodies, hooks, bass lines, percussion, etc.  Then I go to the piano and start writing out the notes of the melody and figuring out the key and chord structure.  I used to be shocked at some of the keys I'd realize that my songs were in.  Now, I've become accustomed to it.  I just gravitate to lots of black keys.  Flats or sharps; doesn't matter.  My brain just goes there.  But then, I reflect on the musicians and artists I was raised on and who I gravitated towards on my own, and it's no surprise that I prefer minor keys, complex chord structures, and strong counter melodies.  That's all I've known.  The artists I've always loved are accomplished musicians and incredible lyricists.  These artists became my teachers, and I've always been a focused student!"

     "1979 was a pivotal year for my journey with music.  On my 4th Christmas Eve, I climbed up onto the bench of my grandmother's piano and began picking out melodies of the Christmas carols the family had just sung.  To which my mom turned to my dad and said, 'So I guess it's time to start piano lessons?'  Two months later they were able to find a piano teacher that was willing to work with a four year old as long as my mom also attended the lessons to keep me on task.  Let's just say, my mother only attended my first two lessons.  I was enamoured with the piano!  However, I was a bit resistant at first to learn to read sheet music.  I remember asking my piano teacher, 'But why do I need to learn how to read the notes when I can just hear it and pick it out on my own?'  Well that resistance quickly changed, and now I can't imagine writing without creating sheet music."

     Jonathan is not a freshman songwriter.  "I've been composing music for over 20 years.  Some of the songs coming out on my debut album are from those first few years.  However, I would need to overcome some challenging life experiences before presenting my music to the world.   A little over two years ago, I went through an intense out-patient program to overcome my alcohol addiction.  The concentrated therapy helped me conquer years of long repressed depression and trauma.  And, by the grace of God, I found a neurologist who corrected my misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder (after 15 years of taking medications that exacerbated my depression) and aptly diagnosed me with having ADHD.  Once I was able to titrate off the other medications and then take the correct ones for ADHD, a light turned on and my life changed!"

     "I am proud to declare that I've been sober for over two years now.  It's almost like I've become addicted to being sober.  I love it!  Choosing sobriety is one of the best decisions I've ever made.  Now, God has me positioned to present my music to the world.  Over the last year, I've been fervently working on completing my twelve-song debut album which I intend to release this fall.  I did take a slight detour in October and November of 2023 because I felt led to release 'Sad Holiday', my Christmas single about me coming out to my Christian family.  Not to worry, it actually ends up NOT being a Sad Holiday.  And YES, God loves and wants a relationship with ALL of us!"

     "Creating and performing music is the reason I exist.  Music is the air I breathe.  It's what wakes me up every morning to celebrate life.  I cannot fathom a world without music.  I just could not exist!  My journey has just begun..."  - Jonathan Ellermann