Given the relative proximity of his Anderson, Ind., hometown, Pop singer/songwriter Jon McLaughlin could be considered a Tri-state talent. As a youngster, McLaughlin learned piano despite his aversion to lessons, eventually studying music at Anderson University. At 21, McLaughlin released his debut album, Up Until Now, followed a year later by his eponymous sophomore disc, which he supported by relentlessly touring the Midwest. When his 2005 EP, Songs I Wrote and Later Recorded, hit the No. 1 slot on awarestore.com, labels paid attention; McLaughlin soon signed with Island Records.
Songs from McLaughlin’s first Island releases, 2007’s Industry EP and his major label full-length debut, Indiana, found placement on television (Scrubs, Ghost Whisperer) and in movies (Georgia Rule, Bridge to Terabithia). McLaughlin also scored an on-screen appearance in Disney’s Enchanted, singing the Alan Menken/Stephen Schwartz composition “So Close”; the song’s Oscar nomination led to McLaughlin’s performance at that year’s Academy Awards ceremony.
After opening for Kelly Clarkson, Sara Bareilles, O.A.R. and others, McLaughlin released his second Island album, OK Now, and although it sold marginally better than Indiana, he and the label parted ways. In 2009, McLaughlin co-wrote two songs with Demi Lovato for her Here We Go Again album and last year he self-released Forever If Ever (which placed high on four of Billboard’s major charts; Hot 200, Top Digital Albums, Top Rock Albums and Top Christian Albums, where it hit No. 3).
McLaughlin is now signed with powerful indie label Razor & Tie, which just re-released Forever with remastered and new tracks under the fresh banner Promising Promises.
Hoosier Pop daddy? Jon McLaughlin, of course.
JON MCLAUGHLIN plays Wednesday, June 13 at 20th Century Theater with guest Mikey Wax. Buy tickets, check out performance times and get venue details here.
