We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jon Harrison Taylor a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Jon Harrison thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
My dad, Johnnie Taylor, was an R&B singer who spent much of the year on the road. But no matter how busy he was, he always made it home for Christmas. Always. That made the holidays extra special for our family—it was a time of joy and togetherness that I cherished growing up.
As I got older, though, I realized not everyone feels that same warmth during the holidays. For some, it’s a time when loneliness and the weight of the season hit hard. That contrast really stayed with me.
This year, I decided to write a song for those who might feel alone, to remind them they’re not. That’s how “You Won’t Be Alone This Christmas” came to be. It’s more than just a festive pop tune—I wanted it to carry a message of hope and encouragement. This song means a lot to me because it’s a way to share a little Christmas cheer while reminding myself and others that no matter what, we should hold on to hope.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name’s Jon Harrison Taylor, and music has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started out as a teenager, singing lead vocals and playing guitar in rock bands, and that passion carried me through college, where I continued leading groups and honing my craft. After college, I made the leap to Los Angeles, where I began recording and touring as a professional guitarist with Sony/Epic and Interscope artists.
Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of playing shows across the U.S. and Europe, performing on iconic stages and TV shows like Ellen, Soul Train, and Top of the Pops. But after years of living life on the road, I decided to shift gears and focus more on recording and producing music. Today, I channel my experience into creating original songs, producing tracks for other artists, and helping businesses and individuals find their unique sound.
What sets me apart is my deep connection to the music industry and my ability to adapt to my clients’ creative visions—whether it’s writing a heartfelt song, producing a polished track, or providing live performances that elevate special moments. I’m proud to carry on my family’s musical legacy while forging my own path. At the heart of everything I do is the goal of making music that resonates and brings people together.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of creating is connecting with others. If I am lucky enough to have something I’ve created resonate with someone, all the hard work is worth it. When creatives provide a message or a mirror to society, the reward is a cathartic response from the listener or viewer. It’s a sharing soul-to-soul that encapsulates our connectedness and the essence of the human spirit.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Society can support artists by ensuring they have fair financial opportunities for their work. Unfortunately, greed often dominates the industry, with examples like Spotify’s CEO earning millions while many artists struggle to make a living. Creating art is a legitimate profession, and artists deserve to benefit from their efforts. The recent historic strikes in the movie and TV industries highlighted the fight for fair compensation, proving that creators’ contributions are often undervalued. There are sufficient resources to fairly support everyone, and it’s essential to recognize artists as vital and deserving participants in the business world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jonharrisontaylor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jhtmusicofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonharrisontaylormusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR9QzfDON6AYygcfCP66xIw
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jon-harrison-taylor