Jonny Blu
Encyclopedia
Jonny Blu is a singer/songwriter who was born and raised in Los Angeles, but made his professional debut into the music world in China. Jonny successfully entered the music scene in Hong Kong and became the first ever (Caucasian) non-Chinese pop star in the Chinese music world. From his first Mandarin Chinese Pop album Jonny Blu-On The Edge|藍強-刀鋒, Jonny's self-penned songs On The Edge|刀鋒, Crossroads|十子路口 and The Apology|對不起妳 were Top Ten hits in the Chinese Music and Music Video charts. He is now in the United States making waves in the Swing Pop world. With a style similar to that of Michael Bublé
, Harry Connick Jr. and Jamie Cullum
, in December 2006 Jonny released his debut swing/pop album In Just That Kind of a Mood, featuring mostly original songs written by Jonny. In June 2008, Jonny released an EP titled In A Groove also featuring new original songs written by Jonny and co-produced with LA based music producer, Myke Aaron. On September 8, 2009, Blu released his third studio album (in the U.S.), Taboo!
(produced by Peer Music and with arrangements by Bob Malone) and is on tour promoting the album through 2010.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Jonny was dually influenced by music and foreign languages. Coming from a very creative family—his father, Reuben Klamer
, created the classic game The Game of Life
and his mother, Shary Klamer (aka, Shary Richards) a former singer/actress/model—Jonny’s musical path was initiated at a very young age. He also showed a gift for writing and language early on (studying Spanish and Hebrew beginning at age eight), which eventually led him to study Chinese at the prestigious Peking University
in Beijing during his college years at the University of California, Los Angeles
(UCLA). After studying and traveling in China for two years, Blu returned to the States where he would soon go against the grain and combine these two skills. As the only non-Chinese artist, he entered a Chinese singing competition in Los Angeles on a whim. This random decision eventually led him back to China where his musical talent and fluency in Mandarin quickly saw him rise in the music world in China and ultimately become the first ever non-Chinese pop star. This career also led to a cameo role (as himself) in Disney’s blockbuster film “Princess Diaries 2”, singing (in Mandarin) “Miracles Happen,” for which Blu also received a RIAA Certified Gold record for his song on the Soundtrack.
(known for creating The Game of Life
) lived in Marina Del Rey. After his parents divorced at age 3, Blu remained in Los Angeles and began attending Sinai Academy in Beverly Hills, California. He displayed musical talent at an early age, having been in select vocals groups in his early schooling. His mother, Shary Klamer, an actress and trained singer, taught him his basics of singing and piano. At age 10 he moved on to attend El Rodeo public school in Beverly Hills and subsequently, began attending Beverly Hills High School
(a year early) at age 13. Blu also began studying martial arts from age six. Martial Arts study has been a regular part of Blu's life and he has been studying Chinese Shaolin Kung Fu
, Kenpo
and Qigong
for over 12 years. Music, especially singing, would also continue to be a major part of Blu's extracurricular activities through grammar school, high school and college. But, Blu's rebellious nature found him at constant conflict with his music teachers and chorus leaders and thus music became an individual passion of Blu's. Early on, Blu's major musical influences came from pop artists like Harry Connick, Jr.
, Sting, Billy Joel
, Elton John
and George Michael
. He enjoyed entertaining whoever was around with his renditions of songs like We Are In Love, Faith and Your Song. Because of his mother's love for classical music and opera as well, Blu also developed a passion for these music genres. Reluctantly at first, Blu became enamoured with voices like Luciano Pavarotti
and Richard Tucker
(who was also a family friend of Blu's grandparents). Classical composers like Beethoven and Bach
and Opera composers like Puccini and Bizet (notably, Carmen
) opened up a whole new musical world to him.
, Kenpo
and Qigong
, which he continues to this day. His interest in Chinese martial arts led him to take up studying the Chinese language as well. Beginning with a summer school course in Mandarin Chinese (at UCLA) Blu took to learning Mandarin very well and he ended up getting accepted into a highly prestigious program to study Chinese and Chinese Culture at the top university in China, Peking University
. Through this UCLA program (the University of California Education Abroad Program
), Blu studied for almost two years living in Beijing, China and traveled extensively throughout China and into Tibet
and much of Asia and Southeast Asia. Blu returned home and graduated with Magna Cum Laude Honors from UCLA, with a major in World History and a minor in Chinese Language and culture.
had been on a visit to China during the time Blu had been studying at Peking University. A White House official had contacted the EAP Program head to inquire about hiring on non-Chinese Americans to act as translators for some of Clinton's entourage. Blu and a friend, being the only two non-Chinese Americans who were fluent in Chinese, were chosen for the job. Upon returning to the USA, Blu continued to work part-time for the Office of White House Advance, organizing events and motorcade for President Clinton and Vice President Al Gore
. He also worked for Former Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev
as a personal escort for three days at a Global Green USA
Convention in 2000.
(任贤齐) . Blu ended up winning this small competition and was approached afterward by an executive at the Taiwanese Television network ETTV America
(part of Dong Sen Television Network, Taiwan). Through ETTV, Blu entered several other major Chinese singing competitions and ended up being a finalist in the International Finals of the CCTV Singing Competition, which took place in Arcadia, California at The Arboretum. Through these competitions and occasional appearances on Taiwanese television, commercials, etc., Blu began to build a name for himself in the Chinese Pop world.
) was brought on as Head of A&R at Sony Music. Over two months went by and Blu still had no finished contract and was way past being on his last dime. Blu consulted his friend, and attorney John McLellan (Haldanes, Hong Kong) who found out the scoop. It turned out that among other things, Blu's manager Mr. Hui had a turbulent history with Adam Tsuei and this led to some delays in finalizing Blu's contract. Furthermore, Mr. Denekamp soon resigned as Head of Sony Asia due to reasons assumedly having to do with the Sony/BMG merger.
After three months of waiting it was apparent that there would be no deal. Blu returned to Los Angeles with no contract and no money. On a chance, in the summer of 2003, Blu was in Los Angeles when he received a phone call from his friend and attorney John McLellan. The management contract with Clarence Hui was officially terminated and John had some further good news. It turned out that a major force in the Hong Kong and Chinese film world, Carl Chang, had previously taken an interest in Blu but was unable to pursue a meeting due to Blu's contractual obligations to his manager Mr. Hui. Mr. Chang was going to be brought on as the head of a newly formed media conglomerate in Hong Kong, See Corporation (漢星公司) (previously Rui Li Holdings Corp.), and he wanted to bring Blu on as its first major artist. This company would include a full music label (See Music|漢星音樂), artist management (See People), and modeling agency (Look Models, GMBH) among other things. Without hesitation, Blu borrowed some money and bought a one-way ticket back to Hong Kong. After 2 months of sleeping at friends apartments, the contract was signed and Blu would become the first major non-Chinese recording artist in history.
. In an interesting twist of fate, Mr. Marshall had heard of Blu's success as a pop star in China and was intrigued by this. After some discussion about a possible role in an upcoming film, Blu met with Garry a few months later at Henderson Productions in Toluca Lake, California. In the meeting, Garry mentioned to Blu that he was doing a sequel to the enormously successful Disney film The Princess Diaries
, starring Anne Hathaway
and Julie Andrews
and that he thought he could tie him into the film somehow; and he did. Blu ended up appearing as himself in the Garden Party scene of Princess Diaries 2: A Royal Engagement singing a self-penned Mandarin Chinese version of the song "Miracles Happen" (originally sung in English by recording artist Myra
in the original Princess Diaries film). Garry and the head music supervisor on the film, Dawn Soler, liked Blu's song so much that it ended up on the Princess Diaries 2 Movie Soundtrack and earned Blu a RIAA Certified Gold Record with over 700,000 units sold. This was a major success for Blu in that he gained a huge new audience outside of China and worldwide.
, Dean Martin
and Brian Setzer
), Blu recorded his first independent Swing/Jazz album In Just That Kind Of A Mood. After finding licensing opportunities for some of his songs, including In Just That Kind Of A Mood and Ooh-Wee, which were featured on The Young and The Restless
in 2007 and 2008, Blu decided to drop everything in China, move back to the United States and take a risk on initiating his music career back home. Returning to his musical roots in Swing and Smooth Jazz
, Blu began writing and recording more original songs in the genre which would ultimately set him apart from major label singers like Michael Bublé
, Jamie Cullum
, and Harry Connick Jr.. Blu has since had his album In Just That Kind Of A Mood released in Eastern Europe by Universal Music Group
(2008), released a new Swing/Jazz
EP In A Groove (2008), been featured on multiple Swing and Smooth Jazz
Compilation CDs (see Discography) and recorded a Latin Standards project with Peer Music, slated for possible release in 2009.
Blu has performed extensively to sold out crowds at famous Jazz Clubs and venues including, Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, Vibrato Jazz Club in Bel Air, California, Iridium Jazz Club
in New York, Anthology and Tango Del Rey in San Diego, The Skokie Theater in Chicago, and SoHo Music Club in Santa Barbara, California, to name a few. Blu's US Tour for "Taboo!" is ongoing for 2010 and 2011. His new album "Taboo!" (in conjunction with Peer Music) was released in October 2009 and his first promotional shows were in New York on September 12, 2009 at Iridium Jazz Club
in New York City and on December 15, 2009 at Herb Alpert's Vibrato Jazz Club in Los Angeles, CA.
Jonny Blu's 3rd album Taboo!
was officially released on October 6, 2009.
Michael Bublé
Michael Steven Bublé is a Canadian singer. He has won several awards, including three Grammy Awards and multiple Juno Awards. His first album reached the top ten in Canada and the UK. He found worldwide commercial success with his 2005 album It's Time, and his 2007 album Call Me Irresponsible was...
, Harry Connick Jr. and Jamie Cullum
Jamie Cullum
Jamie Cullum is an English pop and jazz-pop singer-songwriter. Though he is primarily a vocalist/pianist he also accompanies himself on other instruments including guitar and drums. Since April 2010, he has been presenting a weekly jazz show on BBC Radio 2, broadcast on Tuesdays from 19:00.- Early...
, in December 2006 Jonny released his debut swing/pop album In Just That Kind of a Mood, featuring mostly original songs written by Jonny. In June 2008, Jonny released an EP titled In A Groove also featuring new original songs written by Jonny and co-produced with LA based music producer, Myke Aaron. On September 8, 2009, Blu released his third studio album (in the U.S.), Taboo!
Taboo!
Taboo! is the 3rd studio album by singer/songwriter Jonny Blu, released in the United States on 6 October 2009 by and Dao Feng Music...
(produced by Peer Music and with arrangements by Bob Malone) and is on tour promoting the album through 2010.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Jonny was dually influenced by music and foreign languages. Coming from a very creative family—his father, Reuben Klamer
Reuben Klamer
Reuben Klamer is an inventor of the classic Milton Bradley board game The Game Of Life. Mr. Klamer also has over 200 "to market" toys, games and inventions to his credit to date....
, created the classic game The Game of Life
The Game of Life
The Game of Life, also known simply as LIFE, is a board game originally created in 1860 by Milton Bradley, as The Checkered Game of Life . The Game of Life was America's first popular parlor game...
and his mother, Shary Klamer (aka, Shary Richards) a former singer/actress/model—Jonny’s musical path was initiated at a very young age. He also showed a gift for writing and language early on (studying Spanish and Hebrew beginning at age eight), which eventually led him to study Chinese at the prestigious Peking University
Peking University
Peking University , colloquially known in Chinese as Beida , is a major research university located in Beijing, China, and a member of the C9 League. It is the first established modern national university of China. It was founded as Imperial University of Peking in 1898 as a replacement of the...
in Beijing during his college years at the University of California, Los Angeles
University of California, Los Angeles
The University of California, Los Angeles is a public research university located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, USA. It was founded in 1919 as the "Southern Branch" of the University of California and is the second oldest of the ten campuses...
(UCLA). After studying and traveling in China for two years, Blu returned to the States where he would soon go against the grain and combine these two skills. As the only non-Chinese artist, he entered a Chinese singing competition in Los Angeles on a whim. This random decision eventually led him back to China where his musical talent and fluency in Mandarin quickly saw him rise in the music world in China and ultimately become the first ever non-Chinese pop star. This career also led to a cameo role (as himself) in Disney’s blockbuster film “Princess Diaries 2”, singing (in Mandarin) “Miracles Happen,” for which Blu also received a RIAA Certified Gold record for his song on the Soundtrack.
Youth
Blu grew up with his mother in Los Angeles, California. His father, Reuben KlamerReuben Klamer
Reuben Klamer is an inventor of the classic Milton Bradley board game The Game Of Life. Mr. Klamer also has over 200 "to market" toys, games and inventions to his credit to date....
(known for creating The Game of Life
The Game of Life
The Game of Life, also known simply as LIFE, is a board game originally created in 1860 by Milton Bradley, as The Checkered Game of Life . The Game of Life was America's first popular parlor game...
) lived in Marina Del Rey. After his parents divorced at age 3, Blu remained in Los Angeles and began attending Sinai Academy in Beverly Hills, California. He displayed musical talent at an early age, having been in select vocals groups in his early schooling. His mother, Shary Klamer, an actress and trained singer, taught him his basics of singing and piano. At age 10 he moved on to attend El Rodeo public school in Beverly Hills and subsequently, began attending Beverly Hills High School
Beverly Hills High School
Beverly Hills High School is the only major public high school in Beverly Hills, California. Beverly is part of the Beverly Hills Unified School District and located on on the west side of Beverly Hills, at the...
(a year early) at age 13. Blu also began studying martial arts from age six. Martial Arts study has been a regular part of Blu's life and he has been studying Chinese Shaolin Kung Fu
Shaolin kung fu
Shaolin Kung Fu refers to a collection of Chinese martial arts that claim affiliation with the Shaolin Monastery.Of the multitude styles of kung fu and wushu, only some are actually related to Shaolin...
, Kenpo
Kenpo
is the name of several Japanese martial arts. The word kenpō is a Japanese translation of the Chinese word "quánfǎ. This term is often informally transliterated as "kempo", as a result of applying Traditional Hepburn romanization, but failing to use a macron to indicate the long vowel...
and Qigong
Qigong
Qigong or chi kung is a practice of aligning breath, movement, and awareness for exercise, healing, and meditation...
for over 12 years. Music, especially singing, would also continue to be a major part of Blu's extracurricular activities through grammar school, high school and college. But, Blu's rebellious nature found him at constant conflict with his music teachers and chorus leaders and thus music became an individual passion of Blu's. Early on, Blu's major musical influences came from pop artists like Harry Connick, Jr.
Harry Connick, Jr.
Joseph Harry Fowler Connick, Jr. is an American singer, big-band leader/conductor, pianist, actor, and composer. He has sold over 25 million albums worldwide. Connick is ranked among the top 60 best-selling male artists in the United States by the Recording Industry Association of America, with...
, Sting, Billy Joel
Billy Joel
William Martin "Billy" Joel is an American musician and pianist, singer-songwriter, and classical composer. Since releasing his first hit song, "Piano Man", in 1973, Joel has become the sixth best-selling recording artist and the third best-selling solo artist in the United States, according to...
, Elton John
Elton John
Sir Elton Hercules John, CBE, Hon DMus is an English rock singer-songwriter, composer, pianist and occasional actor...
and George Michael
George Michael
George Michael is a British musician, singer, songwriter and record producer who rose to fame in the 1980s when he formed the pop duo Wham! with his school friend, Andrew Ridgeley...
. He enjoyed entertaining whoever was around with his renditions of songs like We Are In Love, Faith and Your Song. Because of his mother's love for classical music and opera as well, Blu also developed a passion for these music genres. Reluctantly at first, Blu became enamoured with voices like Luciano Pavarotti
Luciano Pavarotti
right|thumb|Luciano Pavarotti performing at the opening of the Constantine Palace in [[Strelna]], 31 May 2003. The concert was part of the celebrations for the 300th anniversary of [[St...
and Richard Tucker
Richard Tucker
Richard Tucker was an American operatic tenor.-Early life:Tucker was born Rivn Ticker in Brooklyn, New York, into a family of Romanian immigrants from Bessarabia. His father, Shmul Ticker, and mother Fanya-Tsipa Ticker had already adopted the surname "Tucker" by the time their son entered first...
(who was also a family friend of Blu's grandparents). Classical composers like Beethoven and Bach
Bạch
Bạch is a Vietnamese surname. The name is transliterated as Bai in Chinese and Baek, in Korean.Bach is the anglicized variation of the surname Bạch.-Notable people with the surname Bạch:* Bạch Liêu...
and Opera composers like Puccini and Bizet (notably, Carmen
Carmen
Carmen is a French opéra comique by Georges Bizet. The libretto is by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy, based on the novella of the same title by Prosper Mérimée, first published in 1845, itself possibly influenced by the narrative poem The Gypsies by Alexander Pushkin...
) opened up a whole new musical world to him.
Young adult and education
After graduating from Beverly Hills High School, Blu attended UCLA with a focus on World History and Political Science. Other than performing occasionally (singing lead vocals) with a band and taking up guitar during his college years, music became more of a hobby and temporarily took a sideline to academic pursuits. At 17, Blu began studying Chinese Martial Arts, including Shaolin Kung FuShaolin kung fu
Shaolin Kung Fu refers to a collection of Chinese martial arts that claim affiliation with the Shaolin Monastery.Of the multitude styles of kung fu and wushu, only some are actually related to Shaolin...
, Kenpo
Kenpo
is the name of several Japanese martial arts. The word kenpō is a Japanese translation of the Chinese word "quánfǎ. This term is often informally transliterated as "kempo", as a result of applying Traditional Hepburn romanization, but failing to use a macron to indicate the long vowel...
and Qigong
Qigong
Qigong or chi kung is a practice of aligning breath, movement, and awareness for exercise, healing, and meditation...
, which he continues to this day. His interest in Chinese martial arts led him to take up studying the Chinese language as well. Beginning with a summer school course in Mandarin Chinese (at UCLA) Blu took to learning Mandarin very well and he ended up getting accepted into a highly prestigious program to study Chinese and Chinese Culture at the top university in China, Peking University
Peking University
Peking University , colloquially known in Chinese as Beida , is a major research university located in Beijing, China, and a member of the C9 League. It is the first established modern national university of China. It was founded as Imperial University of Peking in 1898 as a replacement of the...
. Through this UCLA program (the University of California Education Abroad Program
University of California Education Abroad Program
The University of California Education Abroad Program is a study abroad program available to University of California students and students who attend universities abroad with which EAP has an exchange...
), Blu studied for almost two years living in Beijing, China and traveled extensively throughout China and into Tibet
Tibet
Tibet is a plateau region in Asia, north-east of the Himalayas. It is the traditional homeland of the Tibetan people as well as some other ethnic groups such as Monpas, Qiang, and Lhobas, and is now also inhabited by considerable numbers of Han and Hui people...
and much of Asia and Southeast Asia. Blu returned home and graduated with Magna Cum Laude Honors from UCLA, with a major in World History and a minor in Chinese Language and culture.
After college
On a random chance, former President Bill ClintonBill Clinton
William Jefferson "Bill" Clinton is an American politician who served as the 42nd President of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Inaugurated at age 46, he was the third-youngest president. He took office at the end of the Cold War, and was the first president of the baby boomer generation...
had been on a visit to China during the time Blu had been studying at Peking University. A White House official had contacted the EAP Program head to inquire about hiring on non-Chinese Americans to act as translators for some of Clinton's entourage. Blu and a friend, being the only two non-Chinese Americans who were fluent in Chinese, were chosen for the job. Upon returning to the USA, Blu continued to work part-time for the Office of White House Advance, organizing events and motorcade for President Clinton and Vice President Al Gore
Al Gore
Albert Arnold "Al" Gore, Jr. served as the 45th Vice President of the United States , under President Bill Clinton. He was the Democratic Party's nominee for President in the 2000 U.S. presidential election....
. He also worked for Former Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev
Mikhail Gorbachev
Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev is a former Soviet statesman, having served as General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1985 until 1991, and as the last head of state of the USSR, having served from 1988 until its dissolution in 1991...
as a personal escort for three days at a Global Green USA
Global Green USA
Global Green USA is the U.S. arm of Green Cross International. It is one of 30 national offices with over 70 professional staff worldwide. Global Green USA is a national environmental organization.-References:*, Global Green USA Website...
Convention in 2000.
The Chinese Singing Competition
In 2000, after returning from studying in China and graduating UCLA, Blu was in a Monterey Park, California music store buying some Chinese Pop Music. On a whim, he noticed a sign up sheet for a Chinese singing competition and he filled out the form (all in Chinese) and returned it to the surprised store manager. As the only non-Chinese contestant, Blu stunned the audience and judges with his flawless rendition of the hit Chinese pop song "Xin Tai Ruan (心太軟)", originally sung by Chinese pop star Richie RenRichie Ren
Richie Jen is a Taiwanese singer and actor. He has become extremely popular throughout Asia, particularly in the Chinese-speaking countries. He graduated from the Chinese Culture University's physical education department.-Films:...
(任贤齐) . Blu ended up winning this small competition and was approached afterward by an executive at the Taiwanese Television network ETTV America
ETTV America
ETTV America is a Chinese-language news/business broadcasting channel in the Americas that is operated by ETTV, a Taiwanese subsidiary of parent company Eastern Television...
(part of Dong Sen Television Network, Taiwan). Through ETTV, Blu entered several other major Chinese singing competitions and ended up being a finalist in the International Finals of the CCTV Singing Competition, which took place in Arcadia, California at The Arboretum. Through these competitions and occasional appearances on Taiwanese television, commercials, etc., Blu began to build a name for himself in the Chinese Pop world.
Hong Kong
In 2001, with the intention of working with a well-known music manager, Clarence Hui (許愿), Blu moved to Hong Kong. He also took on the Chinese name 藍強 as his performer name. After struggling for over 2 years doing random performances in bars and clubs around Hong Kong and getting a couple small television commercials, Blu finally landed a meeting with Richard Denekamp, the head of Sony Music Asia (at the time). Mr. Denekamp was extremely impressed by Blu and his preliminary recordings of his original Mandarin Chinese pop songs and he was ready to sign Blu on as a Sony Asia recording artist. At the same time, Sony was undergoing a merger with BMG Music in Taiwan and a major A&R executive from Taiwan, Adam Tsuei (who was responsible for Taiwanese Mega-Boy Band F4F4 (band)
F4 is a Taiwanese boy band. The group began in the Taiwanese drama Meteor Garden as F4 with members Jerry Yan, Vanness Wu, Ken Chu, and Vic Chou...
) was brought on as Head of A&R at Sony Music. Over two months went by and Blu still had no finished contract and was way past being on his last dime. Blu consulted his friend, and attorney John McLellan (Haldanes, Hong Kong) who found out the scoop. It turned out that among other things, Blu's manager Mr. Hui had a turbulent history with Adam Tsuei and this led to some delays in finalizing Blu's contract. Furthermore, Mr. Denekamp soon resigned as Head of Sony Asia due to reasons assumedly having to do with the Sony/BMG merger.
After three months of waiting it was apparent that there would be no deal. Blu returned to Los Angeles with no contract and no money. On a chance, in the summer of 2003, Blu was in Los Angeles when he received a phone call from his friend and attorney John McLellan. The management contract with Clarence Hui was officially terminated and John had some further good news. It turned out that a major force in the Hong Kong and Chinese film world, Carl Chang, had previously taken an interest in Blu but was unable to pursue a meeting due to Blu's contractual obligations to his manager Mr. Hui. Mr. Chang was going to be brought on as the head of a newly formed media conglomerate in Hong Kong, See Corporation (漢星公司) (previously Rui Li Holdings Corp.), and he wanted to bring Blu on as its first major artist. This company would include a full music label (See Music|漢星音樂), artist management (See People), and modeling agency (Look Models, GMBH) among other things. Without hesitation, Blu borrowed some money and bought a one-way ticket back to Hong Kong. After 2 months of sleeping at friends apartments, the contract was signed and Blu would become the first major non-Chinese recording artist in history.
The first Caucasian Chinese pop star
In early Fall of 2003, after signing on with See Music|漢星音樂 (a subsidiary of See Corporation, Hong Kong) Blu's career set off quickly. He signed a five-year contract with See Music, along with further representation by their Artist Management (See People) and modeling agency (LOOK Models). His first single On The Edge (刀鋒), along with the accompanying Music Video, was a break out success reaching well within the Top Ten of most Chinese and Mandarin C-Pop Music Charts. The success of Blu and of his music are largely due to the fact that Blu was not only a performer of his songs, but the songwriter as well. The Chinese audiences saw it as a great sign of respect that this was not just another foreigner (or Gwai Lao) trying to exploit his ability to sing in Chinese. Blu has been seen as a true songwriter with an uncommon knowledge of Chinese popular music for a foreigner. In Hong Kong, Blu is affectionately referred to as Xiao Lan (小藍 literally meaning Little Blue). He has thus far had two more follow up songs Crossroads (十子路口) and "The Apology (對不起妳), also which have grabbed Top Ten spots in most Chinese Music Charts. All of his Music Videos can be seen at every major Karaoke chain across China and beyond. His first album On The Edge-Jonny Blu (刀鋒-藍強) is the first major C-Pop recording ever released by a caucasian foreigner in China.Princess Diaries 2
During a holiday in Oahu, Hawaii, Blu met film director/actor/producer Garry MarshallGarry Marshall
Garry Kent Marshall is an American actor, director, writer and producer. His notable credits include creating Happy Days and The Odd Couple and directing Nothing In Common, Pretty Woman, Runaway Bride, Valentine's Day, and The Princess Diaries.-Early life:Marshall was born in the New York City...
. In an interesting twist of fate, Mr. Marshall had heard of Blu's success as a pop star in China and was intrigued by this. After some discussion about a possible role in an upcoming film, Blu met with Garry a few months later at Henderson Productions in Toluca Lake, California. In the meeting, Garry mentioned to Blu that he was doing a sequel to the enormously successful Disney film The Princess Diaries
The Princess Diaries
The Princess Diaries is a series of epistolary novels by Meg Cabot in the chick-lit and young-adult fiction genre, and the title of the first volume, published in 2000....
, starring Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway (actress)
Anne Jacqueline Hathaway is an American actress. After several stage roles, she appeared in the 1999 television series Get Real. She played Mia Thermopolis in The Princess Diaries...
and Julie Andrews
Julie Andrews
Dame Julia Elizabeth Andrews, DBE is an English film and stage actress, singer, and author. She is the recipient of Golden Globe, Emmy, Grammy, BAFTA, People's Choice Award, Theatre World Award, Screen Actors Guild and Academy Award honors...
and that he thought he could tie him into the film somehow; and he did. Blu ended up appearing as himself in the Garden Party scene of Princess Diaries 2: A Royal Engagement singing a self-penned Mandarin Chinese version of the song "Miracles Happen" (originally sung in English by recording artist Myra
Myra
Myra is an ancient town in Lycia, where the small town of Kale is situated today in present day Antalya Province of Turkey. It was located on the river Myros , in the fertile alluvial plain between Alaca Dağ, the Massikytos range and the Aegean Sea.- Historical evidence :Although some scholars...
in the original Princess Diaries film). Garry and the head music supervisor on the film, Dawn Soler, liked Blu's song so much that it ended up on the Princess Diaries 2 Movie Soundtrack and earned Blu a RIAA Certified Gold Record with over 700,000 units sold. This was a major success for Blu in that he gained a huge new audience outside of China and worldwide.
In The USA — Swing, Pop and Big Band Jazz
In 2005, Blu began a project in Los Angeles, recording some swing and jazz songs which he had written over the years along with some classic standards which had been favorites of his. Heavily influenced by artists like Harry Connick Jr. in his early life (and more recently Elvis PresleyElvis Presley
Elvis Aaron Presley was one of the most popular American singers of the 20th century. A cultural icon, he is widely known by the single name Elvis. He is often referred to as the "King of Rock and Roll" or simply "the King"....
, Dean Martin
Dean Martin
Dean Martin was an American singer, film actor, television star and comedian. Martin's hit singles included "Memories Are Made of This", "That's Amore", "Everybody Loves Somebody", "You're Nobody till Somebody Loves You", "Sway", "Volare" and "Ain't That a Kick in the Head?"...
and Brian Setzer
Brian Setzer
Brian Setzer is an American guitarist, singer and songwriter. He first found widespread success in the early 1980s with the 1950s-style rockabilly revival group The Stray Cats, and revitalized his career in the late 1990s with a jazz-oriented big band.-Career:Setzer was born in Massapequa, New York...
), Blu recorded his first independent Swing/Jazz album In Just That Kind Of A Mood. After finding licensing opportunities for some of his songs, including In Just That Kind Of A Mood and Ooh-Wee, which were featured on The Young and The Restless
The Young and the Restless
The Young and the Restless is an American television soap opera created by William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell for CBS. The show is set in a fictional Wisconsin town called Genoa City, which is unlike and unrelated to the real life village of the same name, Genoa City, Wisconsin...
in 2007 and 2008, Blu decided to drop everything in China, move back to the United States and take a risk on initiating his music career back home. Returning to his musical roots in Swing and Smooth Jazz
Smooth jazz
Smooth jazz is a genre of music that grew out of jazz fusion and is influenced by R&B, funk, rock, and pop music styles ....
, Blu began writing and recording more original songs in the genre which would ultimately set him apart from major label singers like Michael Bublé
Michael Bublé
Michael Steven Bublé is a Canadian singer. He has won several awards, including three Grammy Awards and multiple Juno Awards. His first album reached the top ten in Canada and the UK. He found worldwide commercial success with his 2005 album It's Time, and his 2007 album Call Me Irresponsible was...
, Jamie Cullum
Jamie Cullum
Jamie Cullum is an English pop and jazz-pop singer-songwriter. Though he is primarily a vocalist/pianist he also accompanies himself on other instruments including guitar and drums. Since April 2010, he has been presenting a weekly jazz show on BBC Radio 2, broadcast on Tuesdays from 19:00.- Early...
, and Harry Connick Jr.. Blu has since had his album In Just That Kind Of A Mood released in Eastern Europe by Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group is an American music group, the largest of the "big four" record companies by its commanding market share and its multitude of global operations...
(2008), released a new Swing/Jazz
Jazz
Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th...
EP In A Groove (2008), been featured on multiple Swing and Smooth Jazz
Smooth jazz
Smooth jazz is a genre of music that grew out of jazz fusion and is influenced by R&B, funk, rock, and pop music styles ....
Compilation CDs (see Discography) and recorded a Latin Standards project with Peer Music, slated for possible release in 2009.
Blu has performed extensively to sold out crowds at famous Jazz Clubs and venues including, Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood, Vibrato Jazz Club in Bel Air, California, Iridium Jazz Club
Iridium Jazz Club
The Iridium Jazz Club is a jazz club located on Broadway in New York City. The club hosts weekly performances by John Colianni, and also featured weekly performances by Les Paul for nearly fifteen years.- History :...
in New York, Anthology and Tango Del Rey in San Diego, The Skokie Theater in Chicago, and SoHo Music Club in Santa Barbara, California, to name a few. Blu's US Tour for "Taboo!" is ongoing for 2010 and 2011. His new album "Taboo!" (in conjunction with Peer Music) was released in October 2009 and his first promotional shows were in New York on September 12, 2009 at Iridium Jazz Club
Iridium Jazz Club
The Iridium Jazz Club is a jazz club located on Broadway in New York City. The club hosts weekly performances by John Colianni, and also featured weekly performances by Les Paul for nearly fifteen years.- History :...
in New York City and on December 15, 2009 at Herb Alpert's Vibrato Jazz Club in Los Angeles, CA.
Jonny Blu's 3rd album Taboo!
Taboo!
Taboo! is the 3rd studio album by singer/songwriter Jonny Blu, released in the United States on 6 October 2009 by and Dao Feng Music...
was officially released on October 6, 2009.
Albums
| Year | Title | Genre | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | Holiday For Two Holiday For Two Holiday For Two is an original holiday/Christmas, big-band composition by singer/songwriter Jonny Blu. It is sung by Jonny Blu and the original lyrics and music are by Jonny Blu and Bob Malone. It was recorded at Nurviwop Studios released in the United States on December 11, 2010 by Dao Feng... (CD Single) |
Swing/Christmas Music Christmas music Christmas music comprises a variety of genres of music normally performed or heard around the Christmas season, which tends to begin in the months leading up the actual holiday and end in the weeks shortly thereafter.-Early:... /Pop Pop music Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop... /Big Band Big band A big band is a type of musical ensemble associated with jazz and the Swing Era typically consisting of rhythm, brass, and woodwind instruments totaling approximately twelve to twenty-five musicians... |
Dao Feng Music (ASCAP)/Born Too Late Publishing (SESAC) |
| 2010 | In Just That Kind Of A Mood In Just That Kind of a Mood In Just That Kind of a Mood was the first studio album by singer/songwriter Jonny Blu, released in the United States on November 6, 2006 by Dao Feng Music and Sound Cubed Studios... (South Korea) |
Swing/Smooth Jazz Smooth jazz Smooth jazz is a genre of music that grew out of jazz fusion and is influenced by R&B, funk, rock, and pop music styles .... /Pop Pop music Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop... |
Loen Entertainment/Musicmine Records (South Korea) |
| 2009 | Taboo! Taboo! Taboo! is the 3rd studio album by singer/songwriter Jonny Blu, released in the United States on 6 October 2009 by and Dao Feng Music... |
Swing/Smooth Jazz Smooth jazz Smooth jazz is a genre of music that grew out of jazz fusion and is influenced by R&B, funk, rock, and pop music styles .... /Pop Pop music Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop... /Jazz Latin jazz Latin jazz is the general term given to jazz with Latin American rhythms.The three main categories of Latin Jazz are Brazilian, Cuban and Puerto Rican:# Brazilian Latin Jazz includes bossa nova... |
Peer Music/Dao Feng Music |
| 2008 | In A Groove (EP) In a Groove (EP) In a Groove is the second studio album by singer/songwriter Jonny Blu, released in the United States on 21 July 2008 by Dao Feng Music and Sound Cubed Studios... |
Swing/Smooth Jazz Smooth jazz Smooth jazz is a genre of music that grew out of jazz fusion and is influenced by R&B, funk, rock, and pop music styles .... /Pop Pop music Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop... |
Dao Feng Music/Jonny Blu Music |
| 2008 | In Just That Kind Of A Mood In Just That Kind of a Mood In Just That Kind of a Mood was the first studio album by singer/songwriter Jonny Blu, released in the United States on November 6, 2006 by Dao Feng Music and Sound Cubed Studios... (Eastern Europe) |
Swing/Smooth Jazz Smooth jazz Smooth jazz is a genre of music that grew out of jazz fusion and is influenced by R&B, funk, rock, and pop music styles .... /Pop Pop music Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop... |
Universal Music Group Universal Music Group Universal Music Group is an American music group, the largest of the "big four" record companies by its commanding market share and its multitude of global operations... /QL Music |
| 2007 | In Just That Kind Of A Mood In Just That Kind of a Mood In Just That Kind of a Mood was the first studio album by singer/songwriter Jonny Blu, released in the United States on November 6, 2006 by Dao Feng Music and Sound Cubed Studios... |
Smooth Jazz Smooth jazz Smooth jazz is a genre of music that grew out of jazz fusion and is influenced by R&B, funk, rock, and pop music styles .... /Jazz Jazz Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th... /Pop Pop music Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop... |
Dao Feng Music/Jonny Blu Music |
| 2005 | On The Edge-刀鋒 | Chinese Pop/World Music World music World music is a term with widely varying definitions, often encompassing music which is primarily identified as another genre. This is evidenced by world music definitions such as "all of the music in the world" or "somebody else's local music"... /Pop Pop music Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop... |
Dao Feng Music/See Music Hong Kong |
Compilations
| Year | Title | Genre | Label |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | The Best Smooth Jazz... Ever! vol. 4 The Best Smooth Jazz... Ever! vol. 4 The Best Smooth Jazz... Ever! vol. 4 is fifteenth part of "The Best... Ever!" series. It contains more than 240 minutes of jazz songs. This compilation was released by EMI on May 22, 2009.-CD 1:# Dean Martin – "Dream a Little Dream of Me"... (Compilation) |
Smooth Jazz Smooth jazz Smooth jazz is a genre of music that grew out of jazz fusion and is influenced by R&B, funk, rock, and pop music styles .... /Jazz Jazz Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th... /Adult Contemporary |
EMI Music Group |
| 2009 | In Love With Jazz, Vol. 3 (Compilation) | Smooth Jazz/Jazz/Adult Contemporary | Universal Music Group Universal Music Group Universal Music Group is an American music group, the largest of the "big four" record companies by its commanding market share and its multitude of global operations... /QL Music |
| 2008 | Late Night Moods (Compilation) | Smooth Jazz Smooth jazz Smooth jazz is a genre of music that grew out of jazz fusion and is influenced by R&B, funk, rock, and pop music styles .... /Jazz Jazz Jazz is a musical style that originated at the beginning of the 20th century in African American communities in the Southern United States. It was born out of a mix of African and European music traditions. From its early development until the present, jazz has incorporated music from 19th and 20th... /Adult Contemporary |
EMI EMI The EMI Group, also known as EMI Music or simply EMI, is a multinational music company headquartered in London, United Kingdom. It is the fourth-largest business group and family of record labels in the recording industry and one of the "big four" record companies. EMI Group also has a major... |
| 2008 | In Love With Jazz, Vol. 2 (Compilation) | Smooth Jazz/Jazz/Adult Contemporary | Universal Music Group/QL Music |
| 2008 | In Love With Jazz (Compilation) | Smooth Jazz/Jazz/Adult Contemporary | Universal Music Group/QL Music |
| 2004 | The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (soundtrack) | Pop Pop music Pop music is usually understood to be commercially recorded music, often oriented toward a youth market, usually consisting of relatively short, simple songs utilizing technological innovations to produce new variations on existing themes.- Definitions :David Hatch and Stephen Millward define pop... |
Disney Records |
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Director | Studio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2004 | Princess Diaries 2 | Miracles Singer/Jonny Blu | Garry Marshall Garry Marshall Garry Kent Marshall is an American actor, director, writer and producer. His notable credits include creating Happy Days and The Odd Couple and directing Nothing In Common, Pretty Woman, Runaway Bride, Valentine's Day, and The Princess Diaries.-Early life:Marshall was born in the New York City... |
Disney |
Awards
| Year | Venue | Award | Category | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Metro Music Awards – China / 新城國語力頒獎禮) | Hot New Artist/新城國語力熱播新聲音 | Pop | Won |
Charts
| Chart (2004) | Peak position |
Certification | Album/CD | Song Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
15 | Gold | The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (Soundrack) | Miracles Happen |
| U.S. Top Soundtracks | 1 |