Official Biography (courtesy of Jonathan Winstead)
Jonathan “Super J” Winstead as he was named because of his many roles in the music industry; is an award-winning songwriter, producer, arranger, pianist, and R&B vocalist. A native of Music City/Nashville, TN, Jonathan brings a pure, authentic, and joyously funky vibe to an industry that, lately, is marked by the merely commercial.
Jonathan’s soulful roots run deep and wide. From his early training in religious music (he’s the scion of two Nashville-based gospel musician) to his work with rock, pop and gospel artist such as Casme’, Dixie Travelers, Damien Horne, Keesha Rainey, Kink Ador and Jackie Wilson, he has expanded his eclectic repertoire to include fresh and contemporary takes on the age-old themes of love, hurt, passion, and happiness: creating his own style of Classic R&B. His studio work—recording, arranging, and producing—is inspirational, eliciting the best from the artists with whom he engages. It is his delightful spirit that no artist could deny his request as he decided to produce a compilation, We Will Not Ignore Songs in the Key of Haiti, an EP to benefit Haiti after the devastating earthquakes of 2010. Jonathan also lends his talents for benefit concerts for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Jonathan has always believed in giving back in any way that he could. He is the owner of his own studio in Nashville, One Staj Music Group.
However, it is on the live-music stage where Jonathan’s exuberance and mastery are best displayed. He has never met a stage that he did not make his home or an audience who did not become family. Jonathan’s well-crafted vocals are reminiscent of Donny Hathaway and Marvin Gaye. His complex vocal riffs and arrangements in both his original compositions, and arrangements for other works, recall the warm surprise of a Steve Winwood and Stevie Wonder. When he sits down at the piano, his performance is a seamless combination of technical skill, honest vulnerability, and sensuality.
In 2009, Jonathan earned Record of the Year Award, from the Gospel Music City Awards for producing “There is a Blessing”, artist The Joy Boys; also in 2011, Jonathan earned Best R&B Performance from the Nashville Independent Music Award’s. These accolades confirmed what many Nashvillians already knew: Jonathan Winstead has significantly raised the bar for not only local musical artists but national ones as well. And the rest of the world is taking notice, as Jonathan is becoming a much-in-demand headliner and opening act for major acts, such as Raheem Devaughn and Lalah Hathaway. Jonathan is Nashville’s latest gift to the universe of next-level music.