Jonathan "Jo-Nathan" Ellison is one of the most dynamic, exciting and explosive artists to hit the music scene in recent memory. Born in the humble town of Brownsville, TN, Jonathan has deep roots in a variety of musical genres including gospel, soul, blues and classic rock.

His parents formed the gospel group, The Ellison Family, two years before he was born. The Ellison Family would go on to record eight gospel albums. His father taught each of his children to play instruments; by the age of five, Jonathan was already playing drums and performing regularly around the South. By age 10 he had also picked up the bass and piano, while setting his sights on learning to play the guitar—which would later become his instrument of choice. He continued to flourish on this instrument into his teens, performing for various gospel quartets and choirs in the area.

After graduating high school, Jonathan moved to the Mecca of gospel and soul, Memphis, TN. While attending the University of Memphis, he began playing for community choirs and solo artists, quickly becoming a sought-after guitarist for workshops and gospel recording sessions. He was then given the opportunity to play lead guitar at BB King's Blues Club while the current guitarist was out of the country. He was nicknamed "Jo-Nathan" at the club due to the fact that he and the band leader at that time shared the same first name. This nickname stuck as Jonathan became a mainstay at nightspots throughout Memphis and began touring with numerous secular artists. Jonathan was offered a chance to return to Beale Street as the Guitarist/Band Leader for BB King's Blues Club house band, “The BB King All-Stars.” He soon became the lead singer of the band and one of the club’s featured artists--often times opening for the King of Blues himself, Mr. BB King!

Jonathan has worked with many great artists such as: Bobby Rush, Latimore, Otis Clay, Theodis Ealey, Sir Charles Jones and many others.  He also toured as the opening act and was the lead guitarist Musical Director for the Queen of the Blues & Southern Soul, Ms. Denise LaSalle until her death in 2018.

Jonathan was hand-picked by Legendary Blues Guitarist and known “King of Beale St.” Preston Shannon to lead and front his band when he discovered he had terminal cancer.

In 2019, Jonathan was crowned the new “King of Beale St.” by Blues Ambassador Frank “Scrap Iron” Robinson and Tommy Peters, CEO of The Beale St. Blues Company, which operates The BB King’s Blues Clubs and the City of Memphis. The Ceremony happened at the iconic BB King’s Blues Club on Beale St.  You can still find him performing with his own band at different clubs and venues throughout the country in between his residency on Beale.

Jonathan released his debut album “Guitar Cry For Me” to great revues from “Living Blues” Magazine and other news outlets. Stay tuned for his next release coming soon!

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