Jonathan Pierce
There are distinctions to be made between art and ministry. Art paints a picture of the issues of our hearts while ministry puts hands and feet forward to carry the answers. Both are essential.
Jonathan Pierce is an artist who possesses the rare ability of sensitively blending artistry with ministry. The result is a soulful style and rich lyric that has found overwhelming acceptance on radio play lists as well as in houses of worship all across the country.
The birth of a vision
Growing up in the small dusty town of Odessa, Texas, Jonathan credits his parents, who served as youth workers and choir members, for instilling this early love and commitment to the body of Christ. Their love for youth and for music influenced Jonathan's decision to start a youth choir after moving to Nashville as a teenager. It was at Christ Church, while directing his peers, that Jonathan's discovered the power and appeal of music that is at once radio and church accessible. It is a unique balance, to be sure, but it was this opportunity, and time spent as a member of the acclaimed Christ Church Choir that give Jonathan the experience and confidence to begin his solo music career.
"People ask me how I got to where I am," he says, "and my answer is always that the church has to be credited with everything...what I've done, who I amÉ. That's where I got my vocal experience and passion. Whatever you do, to be successful in the long run, you have to give back to what has given to you. And so for me, that is the church."
The measure of blessing
Over the last five years, this direction has proven highly effective as Jonathan has introduced to the church such anthems as "One Love," "Healing Hands," "I Believe In Christ," and "A Single Grain Of Faith." In turn, radio audiences responded to his successful Curb Record releases One Love and Mission , with multiple Dove Awards nominations including 1996, 1997 and 1999 for Song Of The Year ("One Love," "Healing Hands," and "I Believe In Christ"), 1996 for New Artist Of The Year and 1997-1999 for Male Vocalist Of The Year.
Jonathan has also toured non-stop since the release of his first album, One Love, both as a member of the Gaither Vocal Band and on his own with touring partners such as Kathy Troccoli and Newsong. He has performed at numerous Peter Lowe success seminars nationwide, alongside such noted dignitaries as Margaret Thatcher, George and Barbara Bush, Elizabeth Dole, Col. Norman Schwarzkopf, Gen. Colin Powell, Larry King, Christopher Reeve and others.
The continuing journey
In 1999 Jonathan began work on laying the groundwork on Sanctuary, his third effort, a project that further establishes his artistic vision and vocal style.
"On One Love I was new, I was a kid," he says. "It was my first solo record. On Mission I stretched out a little bit more by allowing people to see the hurt as well as priorities of life. On Sanctuary, I want it to be totally unveiled, revealing all the emotions and passion, the joy and tears.É I wanted to show someone how they could get through the day despite the many insecurities and weaknesses we all possess."
And Sanctuary does just that. On Sanctuary, Jonathan chronicles his personal life-struggles with such issues as self-esteem, doubt, and rejection, but provides hope for those who find themselves in similar circumstances. On the Diane Warren penned song, "I Turn To You," Jonathan, with help from guest vocalists The Katinas, addresses his struggle with a learning disability, citing the Lord and his parents as being his source of strength and his encouragement. Joining with his wife of five years and co writer on __ of the ten songs, Denise, Jonathan offers hope for living in uncertain times by reminding us of the bedrock truth of God's love with the haunting ballad, "All I Know Is That You Love," while the up-tempo "Place In The Sun" encourages with a reminder of God's plan for every persons life.
With songs that come from a place of personal struggle and triumph, the final key for this ambitious undertaking was joining creative forces with legendary producer Phil Naish (Point Of Grace, Phillips, Craig and Dean) who helped shape a consistent vision for the project from beginning to end. Having a single producer was a significant first for Jonathan who had used a variety of notable producers on each of his previous projects. The result, he says, was exactly what he was looking for.
"What Nash has done is make is to make this project very eclectic. I mean it's very up-tempo and then it turns moody, like the stuff I'm known for. He's helped capture the more relaxed side of me ... like when I'm just hanging out at home, relating to the Lord."
The album as a whole focuses on how we all need the shelter, the sanctuary of a growing, strengthening relationship with God to learn to see ourselves as God sees us. Print music and solo/choir tracks will release with Sanctuary, making the songs accessible to churches nationwide. [book information could go here]
Audiences will appreciate the multi-generational appeal and emotional power of soulful ballads fused with subtle Euro-pop stylings on Sanctuary, an album that firmly establishes Jonathan Pierce as an artist who understands the importance of ministry in music. |
