John Ellison
- Entertainers and Celebrities
Unleash the Magic of Timeless Music and Captivating Stories!
John Ellison is best known for writing the song
Some Kind of Wonderful.
John wrote Some Kind of Wonderful while in route from Rochester, New York, to a recording studio in Philadelphia. To date, this song has been covered by seventy-three artists, making it one of the most recorded songs in music history.
Follow John Ellison
Unleash the Magic of Timeless Music and Captivating Stories!
- Presenting: "Some Kind of Wonderful" - An Unforgettable Musical Journey with John Ellison
- Are you ready to transport your audience through the decades of Soul, Gospel, Blues, and Funk music? Look no further! Ellison's internationally acclaimed show, "Some Kind of Wonderful," is the key to an extraordinary event that promises to captivate hearts and minds.
- From Humble Beginnings to International Acclaim
Global Resonance: The Power of "Some Kind of Wonderful"
Featuring the third most-played song in the world, Ellison’s tour has swept through Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Florida, and Minnesota. The hit single, covered by over 73 artists, including Rod Stewart, Joss Stone, and Huey Lewis & The News, is a testament to its enduring appeal. With a certified platinum status, this musical masterpiece is a force to be reckoned with.
Ellison’s performances are not just about music; they’re an authentic expression of emotion. Whether he’s belting out soulful tunes, interacting with the audience, or sharing a personal story, the raw honesty on stage creates an unparalleled connection with the audience.
Entertainment is in Ellison’s blood, and he gifts audiences with a time-tested greatness that resonates in each of us. Through it all, Ellison is a survivor, finds love, and earns acceptance among his peers as a respected songwriter and performing artist. Don’t miss the chance to bring this extraordinary experience to your event.
More Than Music: Ellison's Art of Storytelling
Ellison isn’t just a musician; he’s an entertaining storyteller who weaves his narratives seamlessly into the performance. As the night unfolds, audiences find themselves not just enjoying music but also imbibing valuable life lessons, making it a truly enriching experience.
A Legacy of Recognition: Awards and Honors
With five-lifetime achievement awards from BMI and a Grammy nomination for Male Vocalist of the Year, Ellison’s contributions to the music industry are unparalleled. In 2024, Landgraff, West Virginia, will honor him with a museum in his namesake, cementing his legacy.
John Ellison Bio
John Ellison, an Award-Winning musician, emerged onto the music scene in the mid-1960s when he connected with the original members of the Soul Brothers Five in Rochester, New York. Joining as the sixth member, Ellison’s arrival prompted the band to rebrand as the Soul Brothers Six. Alongside Charles Armstrong, Harry Armstrong, Vonnell Benjamin, Lester Pelemon, and Joe Johnson, Ellison signed a recording contract with Atlantic Records, setting the stage for their impactful musical journey.
As the lead guitarist, singer, and songwriter of the group, Ellison made history during a recording session in Philadelphia in 1967 when he penned “She’s Some Kind of Wonderful.” This original masterpiece reached number 91 on the US Billboard chart, solidifying the Soul Brothers Six as a major influence on the modern music landscape, as acknowledged by the 1987 book Sweet Soul Music.
The timeless appeal of “She’s Some Kind of Wonderful” endured through its use by over 50 different artists, turning it into one of the most recorded songs in music history. In 1995, Ellison received a citation of achievement from Broadcast Music for writing the third-most played song globally.
Post the Soul Brothers Six era, Ellison continued to make significant contributions to the music industry. In 1993, he embarked on a solo career, releasing albums like “Welcome Back” and “Missing You,” followed by “Back” in 2007. Ellison’s musical journey extended globally, with regular performances at the prestigious Nice Jazz Festival in France with extensive international tours. Tours.
Beyond the stage, Ellison’s roots remain deeply connected to his hometown of Kimball, West Virginia. In July 2013, a project near his childhood home saw the clearing of land for a museum dedicated to Ellison’s music and early life in the local mine camp community. This endeavor was part of a service project linked to the 2013 National Boy Scout Jamboree.
In 2020, Ellison released the impactful awareness single “Wake-Up Call (Black Like Me),” garnering acclaim from Rolling Stone and Forbes Magazine. The song’s nomination for “Song of the Year 2021” at the Pop Awards underscored its cultural resonance.
Marking his 82nd birthday on August 11, 2023, Ellison released a new rendition of his classic “Some Kind of Wonderful.” This version not only earned a Grammy nomination in the American Roots Performance category but also serves as the title track for an album featuring eleven new songs penned by Ellison and produced by Roger Heijster. Scheduled for release on November 10 from PopMi Music, the collection promises to be a testament to Ellison’s enduring legacy in the world of music.
Beyond the Beats
In addition to his captivating music, Ellison embraces entrepreneurship, bringing his creativity into the culinary world. Some Kind of Wonderful gourmet seasoning. Dive into a symphony of flavors as Ellison’s Sweet Sounds of Wonderful is transformed into gourmet seasonings. Some Kind of Wonderful Gourmet Seasoning is a testament to artistry not only in music but also in culinary craftsmanship. Every bottle is a masterpiece of flavor created to enhance your culinary experience.
AUTHOR
Ellison’s autobiography, Some Kind of Wonderful: The John Ellison Story, is available for your group’s purchase. This work explores the racism and violence Ellison encountered and examines the relationship between these experiences and his songwriting.
Travels From
Tampa, FL
Noteworthy Achievements
West Virginia Music Hall of Fame Induction
In a significant recognition of his contributions to music, Ellison was formally inducted into the prestigious West Virginia Music Hall of Fame.
Arcelor Mittal Dofasco Lifetime Achievement Award
Adding another feather to his cap, Ellison received the esteemed Arcelor Mittal Dofasco Lifetime Achievement Award at the Hamilton Music Awards. This recognition celebrated his enduring impact on the music industry. As part of the honor, he delivered a captivating performance, marking a memorable moment in his illustrious career.
Hamilton Music Awards Nomination and Performance
Ellison earned nominations for both Male Vocalist of the Year and R&B | Soul Recording of the Year at the Hamilton Music Awards in Ontario. His outstanding talent was showcased as he also took the stage for a memorable performance during the awards ceremony.
JOHN ELLISON is available for Community Theater, Fundraising Events, Keynote Speaker, Public Appearances, and Autograph Signings
