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| Donny Jones 877-2DONNYJ/877-236-6695 Email: damazingworks@yahoo.com Donny Jones - 5yrs old (In the blue suit) Being born into a strongly spiritual household, exposed him to spiritual warfare at an early age. As a young boy he started off singing in the choir and participated in "mandatory" praise and worship services. This psalmist knows and understands that God is God all by Himself. He also realizes that we are all instruments of God's praise and are kept by His grace and mercy. Community of Faith is the church where he renders his praise and worship. It is located at 3755 W 163rd St., Markham, IL., under the leadership of Pastor Gary Butcher. Website: www.cofchurch.com Number: 708-692-3103 Chicago native Donny Jones is a powerful gospel singer, prolific songwriter, skillful arranger, accomplished publisher, moving actor and philanthropist. With his second gospel album currently in production and scheduled to be released this summer (2010), Jones also shares his time giving back to his community with a multitude of community service projects that he coordinates and sponsors, such as the 2009 “Stop the Violence” Festival, which took place in Chicago. His accolades include 2005 Man of the Year award from Today’s Black Woman Magazine and an Honorary Doctorate degree in Music & The Sacred Arts from Midwest Theological Institute (2008). Contemporary gospel recording artist Donny Jones is an anointed man of God who has touched and inspired many all over the country and within his Chicagoland community. As a singer, songwriter, arranger, publisher, actor and philanthropist, he is respected and well-known for his natural ability to connect with people—particularly youth, his charitable work and his creative talent of infusing God’s message into strong gospel lyrics that pleasantly surprise people, who are initially drawn to his soulful urban musical beats. Jones is the Director of the We Are Concerned Organization, an international non-profit that assists and encourages people in need. He has contributed to the development and implementation of many service projects, such as producing a special public access TV program that educates the community on legal and health issues and organizing many community service projects such as coat drives, fishing trips for youth and special entertainment activities for seniors. Jones is currently working on his second gospel album, which is scheduled for release in the summer of 2010. While this album will include powerful and authentic worship songs, it also promises to take gospel hip-hop to another level as Jones continues to flex his creative muscle of mixing popular soulful urban sounds with deep gospel lyrics. Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois (via Hazel Crest), Jones spent his formative years embraced by the influences of his parents’ faith and music. His dad is a minister and his mom is a missionary. Both parents are professional singers, so it was only natural that he began singing by the age of 2. By age 4, he began singing worship songs in his church. As he stood confidently before the congregation on Sundays, he knew that he was destined to continue this enjoyable experience of singing for the Lord, throughout his life. Around the age of 4, he also became involved in missionary work with his parents, inspiring others through his smile and song during nursing home visits. Growing up within a very spiritual and strict household, Jones was limited in the type of activities he could participate in as a young boy. Unlike his friends, there were times that he was unable to play sports or watch TV. This caused him to develop into a rambunctious and rebellious youth who cut classes. By the time he was a teenager, he was still mischievous, but his parents’ reins were slightly loosened and he was able to participate in sports. While a student at Hill Crest High School, he was a member of the football and wrestling teams. He also fueled his passion for the performing arts as a member of the Hill Crest Gospel Choir and the Hill Crest Concert Choir and as a teen actor in various plays. While growing up, Jones dreamed of becoming a medical doctor. By the time he entered Chicago State University, his goal was to become an anesthesiologist. Thus he began his college career as a Pre-Med major. After two years in college, life commitments altered his path and Jones formally began his professional music career as an R&B artist. After college, Jones trained under the renowned Chicago musical instructor, Lena Mclin, who also taught some of the Chicago greats in the musical business: Chaka Khan, Jennifer Hudson and R. Kelly. Mclin taught Jones technique and delivery. It was during this training that Jones learned the range and power of his voice, also learning to sing Opera and Italian classical music. For several years, Jones continued his musical journey working as a ghostwriter, penning songs for major R&B recording artists. Then in 2002 he recorded his first R&B album. Close family friend, the late Isaac Hayes, was a musical godfather for Jones, often telling him that he had an amazing vocal ability and that he was a refreshing approach to music, having an incredible way of connecting with his audience. Jones was content with continuing his promising R&B career, when he had a life altering health experience that prompted his formal transition to professional gospel music. In 2004, doctors discovered a blood clot in his vocal cord, for which he had to undergo major surgery. After surgery, Jones could not talk for one week and he couldn’t sing for six months. Not being able to use his voice was an overwhelming experience for someone who had belted melodies since he was a toddler. Jones sunk into a deep depression during this time, but his temporary inability to use his voice inspired the birth of his first gospel album. At this time he promised God that he would re-dedicate his life to sharing the gospel through song. While recuperating, Jones wrote several songs that appeared on his first gospel album, The Reaction, which was released in 2006. One special song that was written during his recuperation from major surgery was “Miracles,” a song that explores how magnificent the power of God is. In this tune, Jones details how Jesus is like a superhero with his ability to rescue his children from storms and spiritual battles. The chorus says, “Miracles come from heaven. Just wait and just claim your blessing. He said that he’d leave you never…All you have to do is trust him.” Jones penned this song after feeling extremely thankful that his surgery was successful. In 2005, Jones formed his own publishing company, D's Amazing Works Music. His career has also included stellar performances in several hit stage plays and musicals: Bound by Blood (2006-2009), Where Did All the Good Men Go (2009), No Billy Goat, No Nothing (2009), The Sangas (2009) and Sultry Singing Men of Soul (2004-2006), in which he starred as Sam Cooke. During Jones’ performance of Sam Cooke, one of Cooke’s close family relatives commented that Jones’ rendition was the best she had ever seen. Another memorable performance was as Jason in the stage play, Bound by Blood, which was a story of reform. Jones felt he could identify with his character’s journey from bad boy to ministering the Word of God. Over the years, Jones has also performed at many mega and community churches and he has participated in numerous special events, such as the World Literacy Crusade Gospel Benefit & Annual Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Hollywood (2004-2007, 2010), Chicago’s Real Men Cook Festival (2008), JET Magazine & Pine-Sol’s Powerful Women Making a Difference Contest (judge) (2008), Steve Harvey’s Big Turkey Giveaway Day (2009), The Black Women’s Expo (2009) and the first official street renaming ceremony in the United States for “President Barack Obama Avenue” (2009). In conjunction with the We Are Concerned Organization, Jones continues to service his community by partnering with politicians, sponsors and other nonprofits such as, Chicagoland area mayors, Cook County Soil & Water Conservation, Walmart, Valley Kingdom Ministries International and Cease Fire. Through these partnerships, he coordinates and sponsors many outreach events, such as the recent “Stop the Violence“ Festival in 2009. Through a God- driven vision, Donny formed a youth outreach group, known as Greater Works in 2009. A youth division of the We Are Concerned Organization, this group focuses on developing teen’s talents, spirituals gifts, confidence and self-esteem. These emerging leaders do community outreach projects via youth explosions and mentoring. The slogan for this group is, “Youth Building Youth.” With the awesome assistance of God, community leaders, parents and an awesome volunteer staff, Jones is changing the image and perspective of today’s youth one teen at a time. Truly a Renaissance Man, Jones serves as a brand ambassador for fashion superstore K&G. This man of music also has strong ties to the gospel radio community. For several years he has partnered with Stellar Award Winner, Darryll King, popular radio host of Chicagoland’s WYCA, Rejoice 102.3, to perform at many special events in the Illinois and Indiana region. In addition, he serves as a financial sponsor to weekly radio program “The Bridge,” a contemporary evening format that airs on WYCA. With a love for outdoor activities, such as golf and fishing, he also recently skydived for the first time. He has been honored and recognized for his music and benevolent spirit with several awards, such as the 2005 Man of the Year award from Today’s Black Woman Magazine, for his humanitarian efforts and he received an honorary Doctorate degree in Music & The Sacred Arts from Midwest Theological Institute in 2008. Jones is thankful to God for all of his blessings. His favorite scripture, Matthew 21:22, which details the power of faith and prayer, describes his optimistic and positive attitude best. Jones often says, “I can go to my Father with whatever I want and if it is in His will, I shall receive it.” How great it is to be used by God! |
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