JOHN LEMONIS IS BACK ON THE ROAD AND WRITING FULL-TIME!
CHECK OUT HIS NEW AND IMPROVED WEBSITE AND TRACK HIS MINISTRY...
Page Updated September 21, 2009
Comments about John and the Music
J.J., Joelton TN
"John, I want to give you an update. In May of this year, Senaca, Missouri had a string of tornadoes hit town that killed 13 people. We went to perform a benefit concert this past weekend to help them raise money for their devastated town. Your song "He Thought He Saw Jesus" brought people to their knees! This song became their theme song, as people from all over the area came to share the love of Christ. If I haven't already said "Thank you" again for your songs and your ministry - THANK YOU!!!!!! Sunday morning, we sang in Springfield, Missouri and a 10 year old boy named "Jacob" broke down and cried, giving his life to Christ shortly after we sang your song. God is so good and I just want to thank you again for your music."
Billy Clouse, founding member
JERICHO www.thejerichoquartet.com
"John, the Lord has blessed me through you. You have such sweet words in the songs you write. It really touches my heart. “The Closer I get to the Cross” - John, how could anyone 'go there' in their hearts and minds and not be so touched -- heart broken for what our Savior suffered for us in order to redeem us and reconcile us to God the Father...His merciful grace provided for us in Christ. John, as you can see, when I listen to your CD, it walks me through a wonderful devotional of music and song - focusing my heart on the Lord and all He has done for me and for you. Thank you for sharing this wonderful gift God has given you, to pen such tender words of loving worship to Him who is worthy. Thank you, my friend...for sharing this with me...and the world.”
-Cowboy Bill Watts
Pro Wrestling Legend
Check out his website! www.cowboybillwatts.com
"I met John doing jingles and commercial projects at a recording studio, Disk Productions, down in Baton Rouge. John approached me to arrange background vocals and sing on his album project Love One Another. I found the lyrics and music to be a reflection of John himself…honest, deeply committed, always seeking that personal relationship with Christ and just walking the walk. I personally feel that John’s example has had a great influence on me and my personal journey. It was not only a pleasure to have worked with John in terms of musician with musician, but it turned out to be a sort of witnessing to me as I came to know John. They say that things happen for a reason. I truly believe the opportunity to work with John was no accident, it was a blessing. Thank you John for your music and your witness."
Stephen A. Futrell, DMA
Chair, Department of Music
Director of Choral Activities
2800 Campus Box
Elon, NC 27244
336.278.5681-o
336.278.5609-f
www.elon.edu/music
www.elon.edu/choral
"John is a man after God’s own heart. Spirit-filled and sold out to the Gospel. John performs as if at the feet of Jesus. Fabulous! Unmatched in gift and service."
-Curt Waggoner, Pastor
Stones River Baptist Church
Murfreesboro, Tennessee
"John Lemonis is an extremely talented musician with an ability to present the Gospel clearly. I have seen him adapt to settings of concert venue, local church, and retreat ministry. There is a warm, down-to-earth, fun-loving spirit in his interaction with others that breaks down barriers and prepares hearts for the message. His guitar, keyboard, vocal, and writing abilities are used to focus on a personal relationship with Jesus that can be presented in many styles without losing the message of the Master. I strongly recommend John Lemonis for ministry in your area."
-Jim Sellers
Belmont Baptist Church
Calhoun, Georgia
706-629-2466
JimSellers@Bellsouth.net
"Having known John for many years now and having had the privilege of writing songs with him, I can truly attest to his solid heart for ministry, his desire to create the best possible music that will hit home in the lives of those who hear it, and his winsome sense of humor that makes him an instant friend wherever he goes! He’s the "genuine article" when it comes to ministry!"
-Pete Carlson
Christian Songwriter, Artist
www.petecarlsonmusic.com
"John Lemonis grew up in the church and it is reflected in music he creates. He passionately writes about the lives and loves of ordinary people who strive to live out their faith. I always look forward to hearing what's new with him."
-Tony Wood
Christian Songwriter
"I was first exposed to John's music while working on the "Raspberries' Fan Tribute" disc. The song that John submitted, "You're the Only One", enthralled not only me, but every person who has had a chance to listen to it. This song, so rich in emotion and deep in spirituality, gives just a glimpse of his capabilities. John is blessed with an expressive voice, and the talent to bring what he feels in his heart, to the listener's ear."
-Marvin Matthews
Songwriter
"John, you are one of the most anointed song writers I know today. I've recorded two of your songs that are great ministry tools. One of them, "The First Time I Saw Love", has ministered to so many it would be hard to include them in this note, but I want to share one particular blessing with you. My friend, Stacey, had been battling cancer and normally took secular CD's into the chemo lab with her for her treatments. This particular visit, she decided to take my latest CD, The Sparrow, to listen to. While lying there taking the treatment, the CD played and when # 7 "The First Time I Saw Love" started to play, the lady in the bed next to Stacey said, "Do you really believe that 'crap' that she's singing about?" Well, Stacey, being a little depressed herself wasn't quite sure what to say to the women, but then she realized as a Christian, this was an opportunity to share God's love with this lady. After an hour and 1/2, the woman had told my friend how bitter she was with God for taking her Christian husband and daughter, in a tragic accident. Stacey was able to lead this woman to the Lord and 3 weeks later she died. Because of the influence and anointing of this song, she will spend eternity not only in the presence of the Lord, but reunited with her family. As you can see, this song not only ministered to the bitter woman, it also gave strength to my friend and she was able to share the love that the song was all about. God is so good and I'm so thankful for such a talent as this. Thank you John, for allowing God to pen such wonderful songs through you. We all know He writes the song, but it takes someone so sensitive to His Spirit, to capture the story and share it with others. John, I'm so excited about your new CD and the ministry opportunities this will open for you. I'll be praying for you and your family as you have taken this HUGE step of faith. Many Blessings to you my dear friend."
-Cricket Lee
Christian Singer, Paradigm Records
www.cricketlee.com
“I met John Lemonis through a project that I was working on, Reflections: Side 3/Songs from the Raspberries Fan Community. His song “You’re The Only One” really stood out from the other tracks, and I contacted him to let him know how much I enjoyed it. Since that time, I’ve heard many of his other songs, including “Nothing Less Than Everything”. This is one of the most beautiful and powerful songs I’ve ever heard. John definitely writes from the heart and gets the important message across”.
-Michael Miller
Engineer/Producer
Norwegian Wood Studio/Doggone Good Records
www.nwrstudio.com
"When we first heard the song, "Good Morning Lord", it made me smile, made my fingers began to snap, and my foot start to tap. I knew this was a good song, but I never dreamed just how good. We released the song to radio and began singing it at our concerts. We received a call from lady in North Carolina. She started the conversation this way, “OH THANK YOU! My husband Hershel and I have been married for many years. Every morning when we woke, he would always say, ‘Good Morning Sweetheart’ and I replied, ‘Good Morning Hershel’. He passed away a few weeks ago. After his passing, I found myself waking up alone and grieving for him. However, I turned the radio on this morning and heard the most wonderful sound. It was your song, "Good Morning Lord". This song helped me to realize that I wasn’t alone, GOD was here with me. Thank you for your labor.” WOW! This sure excited us. Thank you, John and Marty, for allowing Young Harmony to be part of God’s blessings on you."
-Johnathan Bond of Young Harmony
www.youngharmony.com
Reviews of "You're the Only One" from "Side 3: Raspberries Tribute"
"Eric Carmen (of the Raspberries) should be producing this gentleman. John Lemonis is better known as a Christian singer, but he has a beautiful, classic pop voice, and he has written the best Eric Carmen ballad that Eric never recorded with his track here, You're The Only One, a string-laden piano ballad that reminds me of such lesser known Carmen solo tunes as Foolin' Myself and The Way We Used To Be. Lemonis plays all the instruments here on this outstanding production. It's one very pretty pop ballad: '...you turned my life around, right from the very start, because you're the only one, you're the only one that I trust with my heart...' "
-Don Krider
"Reflections: Side 3 – Songs From the Raspberries Fan Community is a 20-song compilation of cuts from hardcore Raspberries fans that encompasses original tunes either inspired by the legendary power popsters or in the vein of the ‘Berries’ music. Unlike most fan-based discs of this ilk, Reflections has the added bonus of some established artists who’ve climbed on board, including Kyle Vincent (“The Ghost of Rock ‘n’ Roll”), The Flashcubes (“You Got My Promise”) and Christian artist John Lemonis (the uncannily Eric Carmen-esque dramatic ballad “You’re the Only One”). Family and friends make appearances, as well: Raspberries guitarist Wally Bryson’s son Jesse shows up with his band Qwasi Qwa, contributing the supremely catchy, well-written “I Know,” while current Raspberries sideman Billy Sullivan’s “Passing Strangers” is a gem of a power pop ditty. As for the fan community’s contributions, there are a number of winners: Paul Cartmill’s “Won’t Let Go” is a straight-up power pop number in the vein of “Hey Deanie”; Mike Miller’s “Criticizer” is a solid sonic tribute to Wally Bryson’s vocal and guitar styles, with echoes of Raspberries’ “Party’s Over” and “Play On”; and Tony Cartmill’s peppy “Summer of ‘83” is bolstered by a strong chorus, sounding like it could have been a theme song to an ‘80s teen flick. Overall, there is certainly much to savor about Reflections: Order your copy today! The project "Side 3" can be ordered via www.nwrstudio.com/raspberriestribute)."
-John Borack/Amplifier Magazine November 2006
