ABOUT JON JUSTICE

Jon Justice was born in the Chicago, Illinois, area in 1982. His first formal music performance experience came as a teenager, when he toured nationally with bluegrass and Gospel groups. In 1999, he acted upon the visceral effect such music has had on him since his youth: acknowledging its inhabiting of his soul and seeking to be among people who shared deeply felt musical sensibilities, he moved to Memphis, Tennessee.

Using that musically rich city as both his inspiration and his base of operations, Justice joined with veteran pianist of Percy Sledge and Exile fame, Steven Bowen, to form The Recipe. They then toured together between 2000 and 2003, doing literally hundreds of shows and turning thousands of people onto the emerging sound of Jon Justice.

His debut CD, Forget About Time:
His extensive touring, combined with five years of life experience, enabled Justice to forge a truly distinctive sound. Philip Wolfe, producer of bands such as Alabama, Trick Pony, and Dickey Betts, came on board at that time to work with Justice, and joining them was Memphis Horn Wayne Jackson, contributor to the outstanding music of such industry forces as Otis Redding, Elvis, Aerosmith, and Aretha Franklin, and harmonica wiz Jason Ricci. Working in concert, they crafted the well-received debut Justice album, Forget About Time, which released in June 2004.

Forget About Time is surprisingly diverse and deeply delightful, combining two hallmarks that define the Jon Justice sound: The first is the depth and breadth of musicality that can evoke many influences at the same time it is deeply original—unusual in one so young. The second is his ability to engender musical experiences that range from rousing anthem-like compositions that are rhythmically and lyrically irresistible, to honest, intimate songs that recall the private meditations and intimate moments shared between individuals.

In support of the release of Forget About Time, Justice toured from state to state, doing what he loves to do best—perform for live audiences.

A truly consummate performer, Justice walks from the sidewalk to the stage without breaking stride, bringing with him an authentic joy in his music that never fails to energize his shows—and his audience. With each show, Justice's easy presence and resonant musical style creates a bond with his listeners; the result is a live show experience that surpasses human-scale expectations and that is amazing and unforgettable—particularly when it emanates from one so young.

In the course of his performing career thus far, Justice has opened for Derek Trucks, Indigenous, Ten Years After, Silvertide, Tinsley Ellis, Watermelon Slim and  has played with such music luminaries including Buddy Guy, the Memphis Horns,  Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Johnson.

The evolution of the Jon Justice sound:
As Justice approaches the quarter-century mark in his life, his music continues to evolve as his life experiences expand. Already possessed of soulfulness that belies his youth, Justice is constantly exploring musical influences and expanding his repertoire of skills.

Thus the “Jon Justice Sound” is always pushing outward to fresh expression, reverberating as it does with Justice's singular take on the events of the day and building innovatively on the bedrock of influencers to the Justice musical juggernaut: hard rock, sensual soul, and heartfelt blues.

One thing, however, always stays the same: the undeniable talent of Jon Justice and the incomparable thrill of his music. Rousing, touching, irreverent, and always exciting, the Jon Justice sound is not something you simply listen to; it's something you experience—just as Justice himself did when he wrote it and does every time he performs it.

What others are saying about Jon Justice:
- "These guys will go someplace, if there's any justice in the world." Watermelon Slim, 2005 W.C. Handy/Best New Artist
- "You can stop making records now! Just keep it where you're at Jon." Paul DeLay,  W.C. Handy nominee
• “The kid can flat-out play!” – Buddy Guy, legendary blues and rock guitarist
•  “I am so proud of this record. Jon is a singer, songwriter, and performer—all in one package.” – Phillip Wolfe, producer
•  “Jon is such a talented kid with such a bright future. The live shows are just great!” – Wayne Jackson, The Memphis Horns
•  “Terrific live performer. One of the most talented performers I've ever seen.” – Pat McManigal, critic, The Memphis Star