Jonny Lyons and the Pride
Jonny Lyons writes his own music flavored from his heroes such as Ray Charles, Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison, Jerry Lee Lewis, Conway Twitty, Jerry Reed, The Everly Brothers, Willie Nelson, The Ventures, and many more. He’s taken to heart a quote from his friend Lance Lipinsky “What’s good doesn’t die,” and he’s here to make sure of it!
Born of a rock and roll front man and a musical theater queen with a knack for harmonies, Jonathan was bound to be a musical child.
At about 2 years old, Jonathan was already entertaining his family with his singing. Even when singing a terribly out-of-order rendition of the ABCs, there was still passion and confidence behind the performance.
At around age 10, he took up drum lessons and began playing with a local band by the name of “Blackout,” which would later be known as “The Smoking Revolvers,” and even later as “Plume.” This gave him a taste of the live music scene where he felt at home, but there was always a burning desire to take the stage as a front man.
For some time, Jonathan’s singing was confined to campfires and small family gatherings, but at age 14, Jonathan took the stage for the very first time as The Man In Black – Johnny Cash. Alongside his father, who was performing as jumpsuit-era Elvis Presley, Jonathan threw on a cheap wig, grabbed a prop guitar and got up on stage and gave his very first “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash.”
Though the first show went over remarkably well with the audience, there was plenty of room for improvement, and Jonathan didn’t waste any time taking up guitar lessons, growing out his hair, and studying film.
Not before long, Jonathan had a well-polished Johnny Cash act and secured the lead in an established Johnny Cash/June Carter tribute band known as June’s Got the Cash. With the Cash tribute mastered, he would later move onto add to his repertoire a 50’s Elvis tribute. With only his 2nd Elvis competition, Jonathan was taking home trophies for Fan Favorite and 2nd place.
With success in the tribute world, Jonathan had a desire to begin doing his own thing. After his first break-up, Jonathan began writing, recording, and releasing his own music. With the absence of a band, he went on to record each individual part of his original tunes spanning 6 different instruments. Within a short while, Jonathan put together his dream 5-piece show band, Jonny Lyons & the Pride who have been entertaining folks all over the Midwest ever since!
While his original projects were in the works, he began to idolize another Chicago musician by the name of Lance Lipinsky, who eventually became his friend and a bit of a mentor. It was with great honor when the day came that Lance called in need of a new drummer and thought no one else but this kid could possibly hold a light to the last guy.
Today, Jonathan travels all over North America captivating his audiences with a whole lot of stage presence and a touch from the past. For more click here to their facebook
