Jonny Diaz

For the American journalist, see Johnny Diaz.
Jonny Diaz

Diaz performing in 2008
Background information
Birth name Jonathan Adam Diaz
Born (1984-03-30) March 30, 1984
Origin Eugene, OR, U.S.
Genres CCM, pop,[1] country
Occupation(s) Singer/songwriter[2]
Years active 2003–present
Labels INO, Centricity
Website www.jonnydiaz.com

Jonathan Adam "Jonny" Diaz (born March 30, 1984)[3] is an American contemporary Christian pop artist originally from Lakeland, Florida. His song "More Beautiful You" has charted on American Christian music charts. His major record label debut album of the same name has charted on Billboard magazine's Top Heatseekers and Top Christian Albums charts.

Career

After graduating from high school, Diaz was offered a full athletic scholarship to play baseball for Florida State University.[4] Diaz was the fourth of four brothers to get a college baseball scholarship.[5] His brother, Matt Diaz is a professional baseball player in the major leagues, and another one of his brothers played baseball professionally.[5] He started college in the second half of 2002[5] and played on the team for one year.[6] According to Jesus Freak Hideout, he "felt God calling him to pursue music".[4]

Diaz released his first album Shades of White in August 2003 right before he began his second year of college; his second album, Everyday God, was released during his fourth year of college.[5] He collaborated with producer Mitch Dane on his third CD They Need Love and the project came out in March 2007.[5] That album included the song "Hold Me", which got him attention when the song placed on the Top 40 charts.[1]

Diaz's major label debut album More Beautiful You album has appeared on several Billboard magazine charts; on July 25, 2009 it was ranked No. 32 on the Top Christian Albums chart and No. 25 on the Top Heatseekers chart.[7] The album's lead single "More Beautiful You" hit the American charts in mid-2009 and reached No. 2 on Billboard's Hot Christian Songs chart by the end of August 2009.[8] The song tells young women that they are beautiful the way they are.[1] Diaz said "I hope to get the attention of females and tell them the truth found in God's Word, that there could never be a more beautiful you."[1]

His music career was essentially started by leading worship for the youth group of the First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland, FL, playing with Brett Blondell and Vanessa Barbee.

Sound

Jesus Freak Hideout says his style "nearly echoes the sound of Jason Mraz".[4] Christian Manifesto says "Armed with a guitar and a clear message, his music is easily identifiable as that 'safe' genre 'acoustic pop'. But, at least, it is stellar acoustic pop, this time."[9] His sound has been compared to Dave Barnes,[4] Bebo Norman,[9] John Mayer,[10] and Brandon Heath.[2]

Touring

Diaz has appeared as an opening act for Building 429, Steven Curtis Chapman, MercyMe, Bebo Norman, and Shane & Shane.[5] He has performed at several Christian music festivals such as the Alive Festival and Atlanta Fest.[5] On his official website, he announce that he will be touring with Matthew West on the "Story of Your Life Tour".

Discography

Full-length albums

EPs

Singles

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 DeVore, Leigh (May 18, 2009). "Music Review: Jonny Diaz". New Man Magazine. Retrieved July 31, 2009.
  2. 1 2 Akinola, Lydia (May 1, 2009). "Johnny Diaz's "More Beautiful You": A Review". The Christian Manifesto. Retrieved July 31, 2009.
  3. ↑ "Jonny Diaz (jonnydiaz) on Twitter". Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 Leisure, Logan (May 2, 2009). "Jonny Diaz: More Beautiful You". Jesus Freak Hideout. Retrieved July 31, 2009.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 "Jonny Diaz Bio". Christian Broadcasting Network. Retrieved July 31, 2009.
  6. ↑ Greer, Andrew (May 2009). "Jonny Diaz: More Beautiful You". Christian Music Today. Retrieved July 31, 2009.
  7. ↑ "More Beautiful You (2009)". Billboard. July 25, 2009. Retrieved July 31, 2009.
  8. ↑ "Jonny Diaz Music News & Info". Billboard. Retrieved August 29, 2009.
  9. 1 2 Cartwright, Grace S. "Promising Artist Dallies with Forgettable Fare". CCM Magazine. Retrieved July 31, 2009.
  10. 1 2 Banistar, Christa. "Jonny Diaz: They Need Love". Christian Music Today. Retrieved July 31, 2009.

External links

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