SILVER SPRING, MD. – JAN. 12, 2016 – TV One’s longest-running and award-winning series, Unsung, continues its stellar Season 10 line-up with R&B singer, songwriter and producer Jon B. on Wednesday, Jan. 18 at 8 p.m. ET.
Before Robin Thicke and Justin Timberlake, Jonathan Buck, aka Jon B., broke barriers with his own Blue Eyed Soul in the height of ’90s R&B. Born in Rhode Island and raised in Los Angeles with classical music roots, Jon B. developed an early affinity for Black R&B after his grandparents gave him Jackson 5 albums. The influence of black music continued when he began attending black church services with his friends from John Muir High School.
Working first as a songwriter for Michael Jackson, Toni Braxton, New Edition, and After 7, Jon B. caught the attention of Kenneth “Babyface” and Tracy Edmonds at the age of 19 and they offered him a recording contract with Yab Yum Records. In 1995, his debut album, Bonafied, went platinum thanks to the Top 10 Babyface duet “Someone To Love” and follow up hit “Pretty Girl.”
His sophomore album, Cool Relax, became a ’90s R&B classic, featuring hit singles “They Don’t Know” and a stand out collaboration with the late Tupac Shakur, “Are U Still Down,” recorded only weeks before the rapper’s death. But during his career, Jon B. faced difficult battles with his music, from struggling early on to gain recognition as a white soul singer to firmly establishing his own musical identity outside of the Babyface sound. Clashes with his record label and turmoil in a rocky marriage would leave him disillusioned and out of the spotlight for years.
Seeking to take more ownership of his sound, Jon B. began releasing his music independently in 2005. He tours regularly and continues to collaborate with other artists including DJ Quik. Having recently signed with Warryn Campbell, he is planning to re-launch a mainstream recording career.
In this episode of Unsung, Jon B. opens up about breaking barriers in his heyday, and his journey back into the mainstream. Through archival footage, pictures and interviews by Tracey Edmonds, Babyface, Nautica de la Cruz, Tammi Mac and Warryn Campbell, fans will get an unfiltered glimpse into the life of Jon B.
For more information on Unsung, visit TV One’s YouTube Channel and catch the full episodes the day after premiere on www.tvone.tv/unsung. Viewers can also join the conversation by connecting via social media on TV One’s Twitter, Instagram and Facebook(@tvonetv) and the Unsung Facebook (@tvoneunsung) using the hash tag #UNSUNG.
