Jon's Story

 ABOUT JON OSWALD

Born and reared in central Ohio, Jon Oswald has been singing and picking on the wooden planks for over 40 years.

"The first song I sang onstage was Don McClean's "American Pie” for a 2nd grade talent show at St. Michael’s school in Worthington, Ohio. I wanted to sing "Tie a Yellow Ribbon" but my momma thought it a tad risque ...she mistakenly thought it was about a prisoner getting out of jail. So, I guess a song about Whiskey and Rye was more appropriate for my audience."

The bug bit him then and Jon has been singing and playing ever since. He "chopped wood" with many bands in the Ohio area and soon began touring nationally with such artists as Jerry Reed, Tanya Tucker, The Outfield, Taylor Dayne, Robert Palmer, Meatloaf and many others.

"I just knew that I loved singing and playing guitar. There was nothing else for me. Nothing else I was good at. I was so lucky to play with or open for so many great musicians ... and the size of the crowds was a rush."

A move to East Nashville in the late 90's sealed his fate as a musician. Playing in Music City for 10 years, Jon was featured at The Bluebird Cafe, The Family Wash and various clubs on the Broadway circuit.

"Nashville really turned the heat up a notch...I moved there for a corporate job and fell in love with the whole city. Still feels like home . My kids are there.. so it has my heart. "

The exposure to the likes of Willie Nelson, Tommy Emmanuel, John Hiatt and Kris Kristofferson in intimate venues and the gracious singer /songwriter community turned Jon's focus back to his music.

" Nashville, I'm sure, made me a better artist. It definitely made me focus on my songwriting. It taught me how important lyric is. It taught me that if the song is good...its gonna find a home. Keep pluggin' away. They say 'If you wait for inspiration, you're a waiter, not a writer.' I've done both and prefer the latter. "

Moving to the Atlanta area in recent years and newly inspired by troubadours like Jason Isbell, Parker Millsap, Tyler Childers and John Fullbright, Jon has focused on live shows and his new release due Spring of 2019.

"It's time to get back in the studio. The songs are done. I play alot of live gigs so my chops are up. I quit drinking a handful of years ago and I'm enjoying being a sober fella. My voice is better. My songs are better. Music is peace to me and that's a central theme of 'Hung Up Wet' . Can't wait for y'all to hear it. "

April 2019