Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonathan Young.
Jonathan is a radio broadcaster best known for hosting 7Flavors of Smooth Jazz with a rising audience worldwide. New to the radio microphone, but not to entertainment, his experiences and resources has taken him all over the world. Born in Chicago, Illinois, Cook County hospital to Sharon E. Young, at an early age, he would take the CTA train downtown Chicago and shine shoes outside of the Palmer House hotel where great jazz musicians would perform. During the turbulent times of the civil rights era, every Saturday morning, Jonathan would attend Operation Breadbasket, later known as PUSH directed by Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, he found himself keyed into the history of African-Americans and famous people that were associated with PUSH. His mother was an avid listener on vinyl records to Dizzy Gillispie, Sarah Vaughn, Ella Fitzgerald, Lou Rauls, Dinah Washington and Cannonball Adderley, and John Coltrane. His love for music grew at a tender age of six years old. He later moved to Rock Island, Illinois, better known as The Quad-Cities, having many close friends and attending Grant Elementary, Franklin Jr. High, and Rocky High School.
His appreciation for people, networking, and making a few coins is where his entrepreneur spirit came alive. Knowing how to make two quarters to make a dollar, he fashioned a young boys group called “Players Paradise” which was simply to promote parties, backyard parties and bring people together that started the spirit of networking. After serving in the United States Army for ten years, travelling to New York, Monterrey California, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, and to Frankfurt, West Germany – his passion for jazz grew even more. Visiting a place called “Jazz Podium” in the heart of Frankfurt with his longtime friend of 35 years, Mr. Timothy Square, they were frequent visitors almost every Saturday evening were frequent visitors almost every Saturday evening. Having worked in the music industry for ten years, working with such artists as Bobby Brown, gospel saxophonist Angella Christie, Jeff Sparks, Joey Sommerville, William Green, and working with Usher Raymond, and introducing Usher to my dynamic Attorneys James Moore and Mark Hawthorne has given him the platform of understanding the inner circles of Music. Groomed by Motown promotional staff, Lisa McCall, she placed him in various networking situations that enabled him to thrive further in this field called MUSIC. Having a love for video production, Jonathan utilized his talent and produced many top-notch videos for Najee (Centennial Park), “Why Did We Fight” (a documentary highlighting African-American WWII veterans telling their story… Executive Producer Connie Robinson, Chicago, Ill) and host of other concerts, commercials and presentations. Currently, Jonathan is the CEO/President of JPRG Radio (Smoothe Jazz, Pop, R&B, and Gospel) and hosts the 7Flavors of Smooth Jazz every Monday and Tuesday from 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm. And he does the Gospel Daily Motivations Monday-Fridays. As he would say, “Have a seat and welcome aboard. Take your seat belt off and enjoy the smooth flight for two hours. The destination is unknown, however, it will be a 2-hour flight of fun, interviews and smooth music.”
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Smooth… Haha, not at all! I remember working at my first internet radio station and not allowed to have direct access to enter the building – and when bad weather hit, I was outside freezing until someone digitally unlocked the door. You have to call and get the rest of the story.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Being the CEO of a digital NEW radio station has yielded bitter/sweet moments. I was born with leadership qualities and serving in the US Armed Forces taught me to be fair, quick thinker, and always think creatively. I think I’m known for always trying to bring out the best in others! I’ve always thrived in helping others realize their dreams and giving them the inspiration that God has given me to excel in life. I think my most proud moments are – when God gives me a vision, knowing he will ALWAYS give Pro-Vision to achieve his works through me, and praying that I follow him, it always amazes me that he uses someone as myself and make a masterpiece out of nothing.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Trust in the LORD! Lean not unto my own understanding, but acknowledge him and he SHALL ALWAYS direct our paths!
Pricing:
- A commercial on JPRG Radio normally runs $360 a month, however if someone mentions this ad or this publication, I will run their ad for $180.
Contact Info:
- Email: jprgradio4u@gmail.com
- Website: www.jprgradio.com
