Jonathan White, Feature Article

Oct

2004

Jonathan White

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Jonathan White was born in the state of Pennsylvania and began singing with his family at age 4. Jonathan currently sings with Mencer, White and Cheney as well as having a successful solo ministry.

Jonathan's current single, "The Passion of the Christ" (listen here) is making a huge splash on radio. The song was written by Steven Cheney and the late Dan Adkins. When asked about the inspiration for the song, Jonathan sent me the following from co-writer, Steven Cheney.

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While seeing the movie “The Passion Of The Christ” it had such an affect on me that I could not watch it completely through the first time and found myself going in and out of the theater. The story of the Savior so gripped my heart that the opening line of the song that would soon be written, kept going over and over in my mind. It says … “They led Him away … betrayed by a kiss”. After seeing the movie the second time completely through … I was still captured by loves greatest story and knew in my heart that there had to be a song that would convey the great love and grace of our sacrificial Lamb, Jesus Christ.

I believe in my heart that there are no coincidences, but divine appointments (God-Incidences). Little did I know that this would be the last song that Dan and I would ever write together

While traveling up to Galion, Ohio one day from my home in Zanesville, Ohio to see a close friend of mine…Bro. Dan Adkins, I told Him what I was feeling. Of course our first thought as songwriters would be to pass on writing the idea because it would just be to difficult to convey such an awesome movie into a song. I had traveled to see Dan who was at that time doing some duplication for us and I was extremely tired from a busy weekend.

Dan and His wife Carla were always so kind and generous and so they asked me to just stay the night in their home. I think Dan knew that I was not in any condition to drive home and didn’t want me to leave for fear that I would not make it. All night I tossed and turned and could not sleep as the words kept coming back to me. It so flooded my soul that I woke up at about 6:30 am. I went in the living room to Dan’s piano and began to write. I had written down two or three thoughts and a melody line. The first verse came together rapidly. By the time I had finished it, Dan who had heard me playing awoke to the song I had been working on. We both had an idea of where the song needed to go but getting there as writers would be a difficult task. We finished the first verse and the first chorus seemed to come together very rapidly. Within about 35 minutes we had finished the song. Over the next 2 weeks we did some tweaking and a couple of re-writes in order to refine it and make it the best song it could be. Dan said as I left that next morning that He was going out to California on a revival tour of about 3 or 4 weeks. When I shared with him that Jonathan White our tenor singer was interested in cutting the song, he was thrilled. Soon thereafter Jon recorded the song and Dan asked me to send him a copy when it was done.

I believe in my heart that there are no coincidences, but divine appointments (God-Incidences). Little did I know that this would be the last song that Dan and I would ever write together. Many of you know that Dan passed away. Dan never got to hear his song on earth but I believe he was listening in on the night Jon recorded it. He will truly be missed…but I know his songs will live on.

Soon after it was cut, Jon wanted to get the song out to as many people as possible because of the power in the message of the gospel. It was released by Phillip Emery (DJ Man Promotions) our radio promotions company.

My prayer is and has always been, “Lord take my songs and use them as You please to bring glory to Yourself and to multiply Your kingdom. … and I believe that Bro. Dan would feel the same way. As a songwriter I want hearts and lives all over the world to be touched by our music and reached by the saving message of Jesus Christ. I know this is the passion of our Savior … and I am just so thankful that in God’s sovereign plan allowed me to write it in a song. Surely he came to seek and to save that which was lost … and for that I am most grateful. God Bless You!

Sincerely,

In Christ …
Steven Cheney

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If you get a chance pick up a copy of Jonathan White, Live at Chapel Hill, and listen to every song on this project, but most especially listen to "The Passion of the Christ."

For more information on Jonathan visit www.jonathanwhitemusic.com

Reader Comments

Jonathan has one of the best tenor voices in the business. I am blessed to call him my friend. "The Passion Of The Christ" is a MUST hear song. Call your favorite radio station and request it. Pick up his new recording "Live At Chapel Hill." It will bless you.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/15/2004

Bubba you is still the best tenor ever. I can't wait to hear this new CD. I'm so proud of you. I'll bet Dan is telling your parents how far you've come!!
They'd be so proud.
Lydia

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/15/2004

Dear Jonathan,
What a Christ honoring song! I know the writer personally, ha-ha! Your voice and presentation is second to none. God bless you and your precious family is my prayer. Keep singing His song all the days of your life. Love ya, Marc
P.S. My Minnesota Vikings and your Pittsburg Steelers could possible meet in the Super Bowl, NOT...!

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/17/2004

The first time I heard Jon sing I knew he had a special gift. "The Water Came Walking" & "I Bowed On My Knees And Cried Holy" are two of my favorites. Our families have traveled together on vacation and I can honestly say Jonathan is steadfast in doing what God would have him to do. He has a caring giving heart, it is a priviledge to call him my friend.
TM

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/17/2004

Jonathan White has given us such an anointed rendition of an incredible song. The combination of Jonathan's powerful voice and Steve and Dan's writing draws us to look at the cross with a fresh vision. What an awesome gift the body of Christ has been given through Jonathan's obedience to use his talent in the service of the King!

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/18/2004

Jonathan is a powerhouse of a singer, and is doubley blessed to have such unbelievable Spirit led songwriters in his corner! I heard the story about the writing of "The passion of the Christ" from the author himself, Steve Cheney at National Quartet Convention, and believe me, the song is most certainly a "God-Incidence" as the writer put it. Jonathan, thanks for all you've done to help me in my ministry, and God bless you in yours! You're just an all around nice guy!! (You can pay me later for that one!)

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/18/2004

Jonathan,

No one sings em like you. We are truly blessed by the heart you sing with. God Bless you and all you do for our Lord. Keep singin I'll keep Listening.

Jon

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/19/2004

Which comp disc is this single on? It's making a "huge splash on radio",.. but I've never heard of it.

Chuck
http://www.sglive365.com RADIO

SGReporter.com
HomeTownSiteDesign.com

Commented by Chuck On 10/20/2004

oops.. I see,.. DJ MAN.. We will probably get it.. sometime.

SGReporter.com
HomeTownSiteDesign.com

Commented by Chuck On 10/20/2004

I mailed your copy out 1st class mail right before convention. You might want to email me privatly to verify your address. I'll send out another copy, no problem. This is a GREAT song, sung by an AWESOME singer and you need to have a copy of it.

Commented by (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) On 10/20/2004

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