Jon Peter Lewis

Multi-Layered and Talented
Michael Holloway

Jon Peter Lewis
Born: Jon Peter Lewis
November 7 1979
Birthplace: Lincoln, Nebraska

Although Jon Peter Lewis, known as JPL to fans, finished eighth in the popular talent show American Idol in its third season in 2004, his fans knew there was something special about this energetic young performer.

Blessed with boyish good looks, an impressively multilayer voice suited to tender ballads and powerful rock anthems, a killer fashion sense, and an endearingly goofy sense of humor, JPL’s fans knew they had not seen the last of him.

A True Entertainer

In hindsight, perhaps it was a blessing that JPL left the show so early. Although much-loved by fans and fellow contestants, the “career on a silver platter” approach to music offered by the show’s producers would not have appealed to JPL, or his fans. Lurking beneath the charm and good looks, beats the heart of a true entertainer. JPL is not just a singer, he is a gifted songwriter and guitarist, hardworking and full of artistic as well as personal integrity. For JPL to have a career in music, he would have to do it his own way and make his own decisions as far as career management and choice of songwriters and musicians to work with, although he does have the wisdom and aid of his lovely manager, Judy Lieber.

JPL spent much of his time post-Idol learning the craft of songwriting and toured extensively, building a loyal fan base, and winning new fans, many of whom had never seen the show. In November 2006, JPL released a double-sided single If I Go Away and Man Like Me, as well as a full-length solo album Stories From Hollywood. These, along with two Christmas songs to be featured on various compilation albums, It’s Christmas and California Christmas were well-received by fans and critics who were blown away by the enormous talent on offer.

Second Album

Though JPL’s debut album was released as a limited independent release on his own label, Cockaroo Entertainment, had it gone mainstream, it would surely have been a huge success. On July 22 2008, JPL released his sophomore album Break The Silence.

JPL has some talented helpers on the new album, who in turn have worked with popular baby boomer artists. These include producer Chris Garcia (Santana, Michelle Branch), executive producer Don Grierson (Heart, Cheap Trick and Duran Duran), drummer Kenny Aronoff (John Mellencamp, Indigo Girls), guitarist Nick Lashley (Alanis Morissette), and even Lewis’ cousin Blake Mills, providing urbane “indie-style” guitar work.

Boomer Friendly Music

JPL deserves the label of a “Boomer Friendly Musician” as his own father had played extensively in the 60s in popular bands like Paul Revere & The Raiders and The Markettes. The Lewis’ are a very musical family, with family being the operative word, it is their wholesome close-knit slice of nostalgic Americana that is so refreshing in today’s cynical and harsh times.

JPL grew up in the 1980s as did many children of baby boomers, but his musical style and influence hails from the 1960s with such favorite artists like The Beatles, Neil Young, Lou Reed, and The Bee Gees. JPL himself is an avid fan of 80’s all-girl band The Bangles, who were also directly influenced by their idols, The Beatles. Like The Bangles, JPL easily blends 60s stylings with modern approaches to music, easily bridging the gap between baby boomers and their children.

Doctor, Healer, Humanitarian, Guru

In an interview with Pop Culture Madness magazine, JPL states: “I love to write music, but if somebody is writing songs that are just as good, if not better, for me as a singer, I’m not gonna refuse. If you surround yourself with good people, it’s important to listen to those people. I was getting ready for medical school, getting all my microbiology out of the way, all my physics. I still have this dream of taking the MCAT and doing really well on it.”

In many ways, JPL can still be seen as a “doctor” of sorts. Instead of healing bodies, he now has the power to heal souls with his music and the many humanitarian pursuits he has pledged himself to, like Camp Kindle and Adopt-A-Minefield.

Recently, JPL recorded an inspirational new song, A Little Hope which is now on sale as a purchasable download. It is a very beautiful song and when Jon releases another album, he needs to put this song on there. It’s very inspiring in the way it lets people know that throughout bleaker times, there’s always hope. One of Jon’s special gifts is the way his music, career, life, and friendship all offer much solace and inspiration to people.

Another important message in JPL’s music, and most notably in Break The Silence is the smashing of the macho stereotype that guys should keep their emotions in check to avoid seeming weak or un-masculine. JPL believes that sensitivity and masculinity should not be mutually exclusive.

“I played a show recently and there were probably 150 girls in the audience and 10 guys. I was reflecting on that and I’m thinking, ‘and that is why I’m doing a record on relationships.’ I don’t want to say [the album is] mellow, though, ’cause there’s a lot of fun on it.”

Fun is what JPL is all about, and fans certainly have fun interacting with him. Recently he posted a very funny and engaging “Q&A” video where he talks about such fascinating things as bunnies in strollers, crazy bird-ladies, power-gloved superheroes, and his favorite childhood underoos.

Tagged American Idol, Jon Peter Lewis, music, Paul Revere & The Raiders, Stories From Hollywood, The Bangles