Jonathan Edwards

Once you hear Jonathan Edwards' voice, you'll want to hear it again and again. His rich, warm tenor has a distinctively unique and natural quality.
 "My inspiration came from the soul of people, not so much the technique", Edwards explains. "My influences came from Ray Charles, Gladys Knight, Van Morrison and even some of the more popular folk people like the Kingston Trio and Peter, Paul and Mary. But there's no one I ever tried to sing like".

Jonathan has acquired an enviable track record, one of skill and grace in the sometimes brutal world of the music business. And he has done it while keeping intact his ear for a strong melody and love of a beautifully crafted song. During his 37-year career he has recorded 15 albums and penned such notable hits as "Shanty" and "Sunshine", which earned him a gold record in 1971. This classic song, covered by Paul Westerberg, is included in the 1995 release of "Friends", a compilation of music for the hit NBC-TV show, and is heard in the 2004 Will Ferrell film “Anchorman” and included on the soundtrack. His 1987 children's album, "Little Hands", selected by the National Library Association as a "Notable Children's Recording", has sold over 20,000 copies and is still going strong.

Jonathan's natural ability to sing and compose as well as produce has garnered him a reputation as a "musician's musician". He's produced albums for other artists, such as Cheryl Wheeler, including "Driving Home" and "Mrs. Pinocci's Guitar". He takes great pride in having shared the stage with B. B. King, Emmylou Harris, Rod Stewart, Willie Nelson, The Allman Brothers, The Judds, James Taylor, Roger Miller, Mary Chapin Carpenter, and The Seldom Scene, to name just a few.

Jonathan's varied career has even included theater, highlighted by an '80's tour of the Broadway musical "Pumpboys and Dinettes" with Henry Gross and Nicolette Larson. In 1994 he joined Don McLean, Tom Rush, Jesse Colin-Young, Steve Forbert and Al Stewart in a "Back to the Future" tour that played in major venues from coast to coast and earned him rave reviews.

In 2000 he narrated and performed in a 13-week travel series for Media Artists entitled "Cruising America’s Waterways", which was picked up by PBS-TV and is still being shown on PBS-TV stations from coast to coast.  Media Artists also released a companion CD. Jonathan participated in a second 13-week "Cruising America's Waterways" series, which started running on PBS-TV stations in 2004.

Jonathan celebrated 30 years of "Sunshine" with a "First Annual Farewell Tour" w/Kenny White on piano in 2001. “First Annual” was prophetic, since he is touring now more than he has in years and showing no signs of slowing down. A recent Netherlands tour resulted in a live CD, Rollin’ Along”, scheduled for radio distribution in early 2009. He also scored the soundtrack for “The Golden Boys”, a major motion picture scheduled for release in 2009, and he has a small role as a reformist preacher in the film.

"I've been a very lucky guy", he grins, "and I've seen it all--black limos, red carpets, blue nights and green money. Success is being able to sing your heart out no matter what else is going on in your life and to follow each song to where it may lead without regard to category, market niche or radio format".

"Edwards' voice is so naturally malleable that all he really needs is a song with a strong melodic hook and he's home free" -- Washington Post

"An Edwards performance is an unforgettable roller-coaster ride which combines his remarkable singing, storytelling, and wit" -- Martha's Vineyard Times

"The perfect remedy for depression" -- Cashbox

Tickets go on sale at noon Fri May 15 from the Cedar Ticketline (612-338-2674 ext 2), Cedar outlets, and online at Ticketweb.