Johnson is no stranger to the instrumental music world. Known as a gifted drummer, she started playing as a child in her hometown of Greensboro, NC. Her mother was a choir director and sister, Shelby J., sang. Shelby, went on to become a background singer for artists Prince, D’Angelo, and Anthony Hamilton. After moving to DC and graduating from George Mason University, Lyn became the mentee of soul legend Roberta Flack and learned to cultivate her unique style of playing. Her talents allowed her to open for artists like Shirley Caesar, Smokie Norful, Vickie Winans and Canton Jones.
“As a musician in the DMV area, I have been blessed to work with many top artists. When my Christian instrumental jazz group was trying to get signed to a major label deal, we were ignored because we were not a group of singers. God gave us – musicians – talents, too. And just like God has given dreams to singers to minister in song, He has done the same with musicians. So I thought by starting Jonre Music Group, I am providing a platform for musicians who have a calling to change the world through music,” says Johnson.
Jonre Music Group’s mission is to take today’s artists and turn them into tomorrow’s legends. The label is seeking anointed artists who are on the cusp of taking the industry by storm. By partnering with the label, artists will have much-needed label support and the connections to take them to the next level in music ministry. Jonre Music Group just signed the multi-talented Gospel Jazz Saxophonist, Merlon Devine, as its first artist. In addition to signing musicians (and looking for incredible songs), Johnson is looking for Christian comedians and mimes, another area she feels is underserved in Christian entertainment. As she continues following her God-given vision for Jonre, she’s adding to the label’s staff. DC’s own Richard T. Davis, known for his work as a producer, artist and Minister of Music at Strong Tower Ministries in Fredericksburg, VA, has been tapped as VP of Label Operations and Director of A&R.
The label holds an annual networking event in December. Hosted by Jonre and featuring a who’s who in Gospel music, the soiree, held in DC, gave attendees the opportunity to meet Lyn Johnson, hear about the label’s future plans and mingle with fellow artists. Jonre plans to follow up the successful event with something just for bassists. The networking event called Touching Basses will include some of Washington, DC area’s most talented bassists. For more information on this summer’s event and the upcoming red carpet holiday gathering, stay tuned to the label’s Facebook page. To connect with Jonre Music Group, log on to their other social media pages as well including Twitter (@TheRealJMG) and Instagram (@JonreMusicGroup). The label can be reached by phone at 703.798.7079. Artists interested in auditioning or finding out about the submission process should contact Richard T. Davis at rdavisjonreAR@gmail.com.