John Elefante
Encyclopedia
John Elefante is an American
singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, and producer
.
, his family soon moved to Long Beach, California
. Growing up, he sang and performed drums for his family band, the Brotherhood. As an artist, his credits include writing and singing lead vocals on three multi-platinum albums; as producer, his albums have earned numerous GMA Music Awards
, 4 Grammy Awards (most recently in 2000) and 10 Grammy nominations. He has maintained a close working relationship with his brother, Dino, throughout his career.
, in 1981. That year, the band was the top-grossing concert act in the world and John had never been in a band apart from his family. Although several of the top vocalists of the day applied for the job (e.g. Sammy Hagar
, Doug Pinnick
, Jim Stafford), John received the part.
John sang the lead vocals and performed keyboards on three (multi) Platinum albums with Kansas. He was also a major songwriting contributor (along with lead guitarist/keyboardist/songwriter Kerry Livgren
). On 1982's Vinyl Confessions
, he co-wrote and sang the No. 4 Billboard Mainstream Rock hit, "Play the Game Tonight". He also wrote the acoustic-based classic "Chasing Shadows", along with the Top 40 single, "Right Away". The next year, on the following album, Drastic Measures
, he wrote the early MTV
favorite, "Fight Fire with Fire", which remains the band's highest charting single at No. 3 (Mainstream Rock) as well as a staple of Kansas' live shows to this day. John was also responsible for "Everybody's My Friend," which was released as the second single from the album and reached No. 34 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.
Around this time the band began to buckle under the increasing strain of maintaining the consistent radio hits and record company commercial expectations. In addition, contemporary pop music was quickly becoming antithetical to the band’s organic, sophisticated aesthetic. A new age of sequenced synthesizers and drum machines confronted Kansas with the near-impossible challenge of maintaining their musical essence and commercial integrity. In 1984, on the retrospective collection The Best of Kansas
, John wrote the album's one new track, "Perfect Lover". That same year John, Kerry Livgren, and Dave Hope left Kansas.
. While not a major commercial success, his next album told a different story, with a Christian-oriented band that got its start in 1972. Petra
’s Back to the Street
was a Grammy-nominated, breakthrough, commercial success for both John and the band. He also contributed songwriting, keyboards, background vocals and engineering to the effort.
With John and Dino as the band’s primary producers, Petra went on to become one of the most popular bands in the genre. Their accolades include multiple gold and platinum albums, 10 consecutive CCM Magazine
Reader’s Choice Awards, induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame
and Hard Rock Cafe
, and the only artist to ever have 4 albums in the SoundScan top-100 Christian chart.
In 1987 while producing a various artists album called California Metal, the albums production team of John and Dino Elefante ended up one track short and they decided to add a song written for Kansas called "Wasn't It Love" (originally entitled "What About Love") under the name Mastedon. Regency later requested a full length album which became Mastedon's debut It's A Jungle Out There.
Closing out the decade, John had produced five major label albums, and performed on 12. Over the next five years, John worked at an almost frenetic pace as one of the most in-demand producers in Nashville. In addition to Petra's further releases, he worked as the producer on 30 other albums. He usually performed on the releases as well, often sharing songwriting credits, as well. Elefante was committed to his role as producer, eschewing other opportunities such as an offer to replace Bobby Kimball
as lead singer for Grammy winners, Toto
.
release, Fire and Love
, which was played in regular rotation on MTV. Elefante also felt the songwriting muse, and formed a metal band with his brother, Mastedon
. The band's name was a pachyderm-inspired reference to the brothers' last name. Although John was an accomplished vocalist and performer, the Mastedon albums featured multiple lead singers and performances by other artists, creating an eclectic sound anchored by John’s songwriting. His brother Dino played a prominent role, contributing songwriting and handling most of the guitar work.
Mastedon's first release was titled It’s a Jungle Out There!
(1989). A year later, the band released Lofcaudio
. This album continued the guest performance theme, though John sang more of the lead vocals. Unfortunately, John and Dino’s production schedule preempted any touring to commercially support the album (though the band did appear at least one Christian rock festival, Cornerstone, in 1991). Even so, the albums charted at No. 25 and No. 10, respectively. To this day, they are considered classics in the genre http://www.nolifetilmetal.com/mastedon.htm.
John and Dino formed their own record label, Pakaderm. Most of the music they produced on in the next 10 years was released on it. With major distribution through Word Records
and A&M Records
, Pakaderm became an important element in the brothers’ success. Their label afforded them and their artists significant creative control, while still benefiting from major label resources.
Given their intense recording schedules, John and Dino decided to build their own recording studio in Nashville
. They broke ground on the 28000 square feet (2,601.3 m²) Sound Kitchen in 1993. In addition to their own productions, the brothers planned to rent time in the studio to other artists and producers. Nashville certainly had no shortage of excellent recording studios, though, and it remained to be seen if the Kitchen would be booked.
Meanwhile, the Sound Kitchen was taking on a life of its own. Under the brothers’ management, the studio was quickly establishing itself as one of Nashville’s most popular. Artists such as Bruce Springsteen
, Faith Hill
and Tim McGraw
, and Buddy Guy
had recorded there. The complex was soon expanded to 80000 square feet (7,432.2 m²).
Elefante was hired by Pamplin Records in 1998, working with Dino to generate artist development. This period saw the release of an astounding 32 albums with John at the helm, most of which feature him as arranger and performer, as well. The styles ranged from rock to gospel; pop to metal.
In 1999, Elefante released his most popular solo effort, Defying Gravity (1999). It spawned several hit singles and mainstream music videos. John geared up for a 25-date solo tour to promote the album. Tragically, however, he was badly injured in an accident before the first concert, and had to cancel the tour.
. He continued at Pamplin, producing 20 more albums for them in just three years. Simultaneously, he and Dino continued their role managing the Sound Kitchen, which continued to grow in size and popularity.
The new year also saw Elefante’s schedule becoming too hectic, however. Success was taking away too much time from his family. In 2002, he left Pamplin after a string of successful albums, including the debut for (now) mega-artist Natalie Grant
.
The same year, John and Dino sold the Sound Kitchen. It had become the largest recording studio in the Southeastern United States. Artists included Alabama
, Amy Grant
, Barry Manilow
, Brad Paisley
, Brooks & Dunn
, Carrie Underwood
, Dixie Chicks
, Dolly Parton
, Donna Summer
, George Strait
, Gretchen Wilson
, Jewel
, Jimmy Buffett
, Julio Iglesias
, Keith Urban
, Kenny Rogers
, LeAnn Rimes
, Mary Chapin Carpenter
, Michael W Smith, Peter Cetera
, Reba McEntire
, Rascal Flatts
, Third Day
, Trisha Yearwood
and Vince Gill
.
John started a new major-distributed label with his brother in 2003, Selectric Records
. Having their own label again allowed John to set his own pace for production. Along with co-managing the label with his brother, he produced 10 albums over the next three years. As a singer, he recorded with artists ranging from Pat Boone
to Bono
.
In late 2006, John took this opportunity to consider something he had never done in his career: catch his breath. Even with his reduced schedule, he needed a break. The brothers closed the label, and John could finally take some time away from the industry. This proved more challenging than expected, and despite his best intentions, he served as producer on three albums in 2007.
John has now finished a new album, in a contemporary style that also hearkens back to the best of Mastedon, his Kansas work, and solo albums.
* Mastedon: 3 and Revolution Of Mind are the same album, but released in different markets.
* Songwriting and some compilation credits not included.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, and producer
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
.
Early years
Born in Levittown, New YorkLevittown, New York
Levittown is a hamlet in the Town of Hempstead located on Long Island in Nassau County, New York. Levittown is midway between the villages of Hempstead and Farmingdale. As of the 2010 census, the CDP had a total population of 51,881....
, his family soon moved to Long Beach, California
Long Beach, California
Long Beach is a city situated in Los Angeles County in Southern California, on the Pacific coast of the United States. The city is the 36th-largest city in the nation and the seventh-largest in California. As of 2010, its population was 462,257...
. Growing up, he sang and performed drums for his family band, the Brotherhood. As an artist, his credits include writing and singing lead vocals on three multi-platinum albums; as producer, his albums have earned numerous GMA Music Awards
GMA Music Awards
The Gospel Music Association Dove Awards are presented annually by the Gospel Music Association for outstanding achievements in the Christian music industry. The awards are usually presented during a ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee, that features performances by a number of the industry's newest...
, 4 Grammy Awards (most recently in 2000) and 10 Grammy nominations. He has maintained a close working relationship with his brother, Dino, throughout his career.
1981-1985
His career began in earnest when a young John Elefante auditioned as the new lead singer and keyboardist for KansasKansas (band)
Kansas is an American rock band that became popular in the 1970s initially on Album-Oriented Rock charts, and later with hit singles such as "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind"...
, in 1981. That year, the band was the top-grossing concert act in the world and John had never been in a band apart from his family. Although several of the top vocalists of the day applied for the job (e.g. Sammy Hagar
Sammy Hagar
Sam Roy "Sammy" Hagar , also known as The Red Rocker, is an American rock singer, guitarist, and songwriter. Also sings Country Music....
, Doug Pinnick
Doug Pinnick
Doug Pinnick sometimes stylised as dUg Pinnick or simply dUg is an American musician best known as the bass guitarist, songwriter, and co-lead vocalist for the hard rock/progressive metal band King's X. He has fourteen albums with King's X, four solo albums, and numerous side projects and guest...
, Jim Stafford), John received the part.
John sang the lead vocals and performed keyboards on three (multi) Platinum albums with Kansas. He was also a major songwriting contributor (along with lead guitarist/keyboardist/songwriter Kerry Livgren
Kerry Livgren
Kerry Allen Livgren is an American musician and songwriter, best known as one of the founding members and primary songwriters for the 1970s progressive rock band, Kansas.-Biography:...
). On 1982's Vinyl Confessions
Vinyl Confessions
Vinyl Confessions is the eighth studio album, and ninth album overall, by American rock band Kansas, released in 1982 . The album was reissued in remastered format on CD in 2011.-Background:...
, he co-wrote and sang the No. 4 Billboard Mainstream Rock hit, "Play the Game Tonight". He also wrote the acoustic-based classic "Chasing Shadows", along with the Top 40 single, "Right Away". The next year, on the following album, Drastic Measures
Drastic Measures
Drastic Measures is the ninth studio album, and tenth album overall, by American rock band Kansas, released in 1983.The shift in direction that Kansas took with Vinyl Confessions took its toll before recording began on this album...
, he wrote the early MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
favorite, "Fight Fire with Fire", which remains the band's highest charting single at No. 3 (Mainstream Rock) as well as a staple of Kansas' live shows to this day. John was also responsible for "Everybody's My Friend," which was released as the second single from the album and reached No. 34 on the Billboard Mainstream Rock chart.
Around this time the band began to buckle under the increasing strain of maintaining the consistent radio hits and record company commercial expectations. In addition, contemporary pop music was quickly becoming antithetical to the band’s organic, sophisticated aesthetic. A new age of sequenced synthesizers and drum machines confronted Kansas with the near-impossible challenge of maintaining their musical essence and commercial integrity. In 1984, on the retrospective collection The Best of Kansas
The Best of Kansas
The Best of Kansas is the first compilation album and 11th album overall from the American rock band Kansas. It was originally released in 1984, and featured one new track, "Perfect Lover," written and performed by then-lead vocalist John Elefante...
, John wrote the album's one new track, "Perfect Lover". That same year John, Kerry Livgren, and Dave Hope left Kansas.
1985-1989
John discovered another calling while still with Kansas—record producer. In 1984, he produced Perfect Timing for ground-breaking Southern California group, Sweet Comfort BandSweet Comfort Band
Sweet Comfort Band was a Christian rock band that first performed in 1973 in Riverside, California, and were active until 1984. The band was initially composed of keyboardist/lead vocalist, Bryan Duncan, and brothers Kevin and Rick Thomson. The band was the brainchild of the Thomson brothers...
. While not a major commercial success, his next album told a different story, with a Christian-oriented band that got its start in 1972. Petra
Petra (band)
Petra is a music group regarded as a pioneer of the Christian rock and contemporary Christian music genres. Formed in 1972, the band took its name from the Greek word for "rock"...
’s Back to the Street
Back to the Street
Back to the Street is the ninth release of the Christian rock band, Petra. It was released in 1986 and is the first album to be produced by John and Dino Elefante....
was a Grammy-nominated, breakthrough, commercial success for both John and the band. He also contributed songwriting, keyboards, background vocals and engineering to the effort.
With John and Dino as the band’s primary producers, Petra went on to become one of the most popular bands in the genre. Their accolades include multiple gold and platinum albums, 10 consecutive CCM Magazine
CCM Magazine
CCM Magazine was a monthly magazine published by Salem Publishing, a division of Salem Communications. It was first published in July 1978, and it has always been a Christian music magazine. On January 16, 2008, Salem announced that the April 2008 issue would be the final printed issue of the...
Reader’s Choice Awards, induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame
Gospel Music Hall of Fame
The Gospel Music Hall of Fame, created in 1971 by the Gospel Music Association, is a Hall of Fame dedicated exclusively to recognizing meaningful contributions by individuals and groups in all forms of gospel music.-Inductees:...
and Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe is a chain of theme restaurants founded in 1971 by Americans Peter Morton & Isaac Tigrett. In 1979, the cafe began covering its walls with rock and roll memorabilia, a tradition which expanded to others in the chain. In 2006, Hard Rock was sold to the Seminole Tribe of Florida, and...
, and the only artist to ever have 4 albums in the SoundScan top-100 Christian chart.
In 1987 while producing a various artists album called California Metal, the albums production team of John and Dino Elefante ended up one track short and they decided to add a song written for Kansas called "Wasn't It Love" (originally entitled "What About Love") under the name Mastedon. Regency later requested a full length album which became Mastedon's debut It's A Jungle Out There.
Closing out the decade, John had produced five major label albums, and performed on 12. Over the next five years, John worked at an almost frenetic pace as one of the most in-demand producers in Nashville. In addition to Petra's further releases, he worked as the producer on 30 other albums. He usually performed on the releases as well, often sharing songwriting credits, as well. Elefante was committed to his role as producer, eschewing other opportunities such as an offer to replace Bobby Kimball
Bobby Kimball
Robert Troy "Bobby" Kimball is an American singer, best known as the longtime frontman of the rock band Toto.- Early life:...
as lead singer for Grammy winners, Toto
Toto (band)
Toto is an American rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1977. The group currently consists of Joseph Williams , David Paich , Steve Porcaro , Steve Lukather , Mike Porcaro , and Simon Phillips . Toto is known for a musical style that combines elements of pop, rock, soul, funk, progressive rock, hard...
.
1990-1994
John began focusing on heavier music in the early 1990s. Among many notable albums was the GuardianGuardian (band)
Guardian is an American Christian hard rock/metal band. The band released six studio albums, three additional albums in Spanish—and toured extensively worldwide...
release, Fire and Love
Fire and Love
Fire and Love is the second album of Christian metal band Guardian. It was released in 1990 and featured an arena rock sound, described by Cornerstone as "Bon Jovi to the bone"....
, which was played in regular rotation on MTV. Elefante also felt the songwriting muse, and formed a metal band with his brother, Mastedon
Mastedon
Mastedon is the name of a Christian rock band formed by brothers Dino and John Elefante in the mid-80s. The band was formed mainly as a studio project and released two full-length albums and two stand-alone songs on compilation albums.Mastedon have recently signed with Italian label Frontiers...
. The band's name was a pachyderm-inspired reference to the brothers' last name. Although John was an accomplished vocalist and performer, the Mastedon albums featured multiple lead singers and performances by other artists, creating an eclectic sound anchored by John’s songwriting. His brother Dino played a prominent role, contributing songwriting and handling most of the guitar work.
Mastedon's first release was titled It’s a Jungle Out There!
It's a Jungle Out There!
It's a Jungle Out There is the first full-length album by Mastedon, the studio project formed by brothers John & Dino Elefante. It was released in 1989 on Regency Records, while they were setting up their own label Pakaderm Records...
(1989). A year later, the band released Lofcaudio
Lofcaudio
Lofcaudio is the second full-length album by Mastedon, the studio project formed by brothers John & Dino Elefante. It was released in 1990 by their own label Pakaderm Records, distributed by Word, Inc. Long out-of-print, it was reissued by Deep Music Distribution in 2006 in the form of digital...
. This album continued the guest performance theme, though John sang more of the lead vocals. Unfortunately, John and Dino’s production schedule preempted any touring to commercially support the album (though the band did appear at least one Christian rock festival, Cornerstone, in 1991). Even so, the albums charted at No. 25 and No. 10, respectively. To this day, they are considered classics in the genre http://www.nolifetilmetal.com/mastedon.htm.
John and Dino formed their own record label, Pakaderm. Most of the music they produced on in the next 10 years was released on it. With major distribution through Word Records
Word Records
Word Records is a Christian record label based in Nashville, Tennessee. It is a division of Word Entertainment , which, itself is co-owned by Warner Music Group and Curb Records...
and A&M Records
A&M Records
A&M Records is an American record label owned by Universal Music Group that operates under the mantle of its Interscope-Geffen-A&M division.-Beginnings:...
, Pakaderm became an important element in the brothers’ success. Their label afforded them and their artists significant creative control, while still benefiting from major label resources.
Given their intense recording schedules, John and Dino decided to build their own recording studio in Nashville
Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is the capital of the U.S. state of Tennessee and the county seat of Davidson County. It is located on the Cumberland River in Davidson County, in the north-central part of the state. The city is a center for the health care, publishing, banking and transportation industries, and is home...
. They broke ground on the 28000 square feet (2,601.3 m²) Sound Kitchen in 1993. In addition to their own productions, the brothers planned to rent time in the studio to other artists and producers. Nashville certainly had no shortage of excellent recording studios, though, and it remained to be seen if the Kitchen would be booked.
1995-1999
Throughout the latter half of 1990s, Elefante continued his breakneck pace as producer, and now record label chief. He decided it was also time to begin a solo career. John released two critically acclaimed and commercially successful solo albums: Windows of Heaven (1995) and Corridors (1997).Meanwhile, the Sound Kitchen was taking on a life of its own. Under the brothers’ management, the studio was quickly establishing itself as one of Nashville’s most popular. Artists such as Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen
Bruce Frederick Joseph Springsteen , nicknamed "The Boss," is an American singer-songwriter who records and tours with the E Street Band...
, Faith Hill
Faith Hill
Faith Hill is an American country singer. She is known both for her commercial success and her marriage to fellow country star Tim McGraw. Hill has sold more than 40 million records worldwide and accumulated eight number-one singles and three number-one albums on the U.S...
and Tim McGraw
Tim McGraw
Samuel Timothy "Tim" McGraw is an American country singer and actor. Many of McGraw's albums and singles have topped the country music charts with total album sales in excess of 40 million units in the US, making him the eighth best-selling artist, and the third best-selling country singer, in the...
, and Buddy Guy
Buddy Guy
George "Buddy" Guy is an American blues and jazz guitarist and singer. He is a critically acclaimed artist who has established himself as a pioneer of the Chicago blues sound, and has served as an influence to some of the most notable musicians of his generation...
had recorded there. The complex was soon expanded to 80000 square feet (7,432.2 m²).
Elefante was hired by Pamplin Records in 1998, working with Dino to generate artist development. This period saw the release of an astounding 32 albums with John at the helm, most of which feature him as arranger and performer, as well. The styles ranged from rock to gospel; pop to metal.
In 1999, Elefante released his most popular solo effort, Defying Gravity (1999). It spawned several hit singles and mainstream music videos. John geared up for a 25-date solo tour to promote the album. Tragically, however, he was badly injured in an accident before the first concert, and had to cancel the tour.
2000-2007
John rebounded, beginning the new millennium with the production of Petra’s Grammy award-winning album, Double TakeDouble Take (Petra album)
Double Take is the Grammy Award winning, nineteenth release of the Christian rock band, Petra. It was released on February 29, 2000.The album features 10 new acoustic rearrangements of classic Petra songs. It also features two new songs . The song "Breathe In" is sung by guitarist Pete Orta...
. He continued at Pamplin, producing 20 more albums for them in just three years. Simultaneously, he and Dino continued their role managing the Sound Kitchen, which continued to grow in size and popularity.
The new year also saw Elefante’s schedule becoming too hectic, however. Success was taking away too much time from his family. In 2002, he left Pamplin after a string of successful albums, including the debut for (now) mega-artist Natalie Grant
Natalie Grant
Natalie Grant is a singer-songwriter of contemporary Christian music. Her work has gained prominence, including four consecutive Dove Awards for best female artist, and with her signature song, Held...
.
The same year, John and Dino sold the Sound Kitchen. It had become the largest recording studio in the Southeastern United States. Artists included Alabama
Alabama (band)
Alabama is a country music and southern rock band from Fort Payne, Alabama, United States. The band was founded in 1969 by Randy Owen and his cousin Teddy Gentry , soon joined by Jeff Cook...
, Amy Grant
Amy Grant
Amy Lee Grant is an American singer-songwriter, musician, author, media personality and actress, best known for her Christian music. She has been referred to as "The Queen of Christian Pop"...
, Barry Manilow
Barry Manilow
Barry Manilow is an American singer-songwriter, musician, arranger, producer, conductor, and performer, best known for such recordings as "Could It Be Magic", "Mandy", "Can't Smile Without You", and "Copacabana ."...
, Brad Paisley
Brad Paisley
Brad Douglas Paisley is an American singer-songwriter and musician. His style crosses between traditional country music and Southern rock, and his songs are frequently laced with humor and pop culture references....
, Brooks & Dunn
Brooks & Dunn
Brooks & Dunn was an American country music duo consisting of Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn, who were both vocalists and songwriters. They were paired by record producer Tim DuBois in 1990. Before the duo's foundation, both members of the duo were solo recording artists...
, Carrie Underwood
Carrie Underwood
Carrie Marie Underwood is an American country singer-songwriter and actress who rose to fame as the winner of the fourth season of American Idol, in 2005...
, Dixie Chicks
Dixie Chicks
The Dixie Chicks are an American country band which has also successfully crossed over into other genres. The band is composed of founding members Martie Erwin Maguire and Emily Erwin Robison, and lead singer Natalie Maines...
, Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton
Dolly Rebecca Parton is an American singer-songwriter, author, multi-instrumentalist, actress and philanthropist, best known for her work in country music. Dolly Parton has appeared in movies like 9 to 5, The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas, Steel Magnolias and Straight Talk...
, Donna Summer
Donna Summer
LaDonna Adrian Gaines , known by her stage name, Donna Summer, is an American singer/songwriter who gained prominence during the disco era of the 1970s. She has a mezzo-soprano vocal range. Summer is a five-time Grammy winner and was the first artist to have three consecutive double albums reach...
, George Strait
George Strait
George Harvey Strait is an American country music singer, actor, and music producer. Strait is referred to as the "King of Country," and critics call Strait a living legend. He is known for his unique style of western swing music, bar-room ballads, honky-tonk style, and fresh yet traditional...
, Gretchen Wilson
Gretchen Wilson
Gretchen Frances Wilson is an American country music artist. She made her debut in 2004 with the Grammy Award-winning single "Redneck Woman," a number-one hit on the Billboard country charts. The song served as the lead-off single of her debut album, Here for the Party...
, Jewel
Jewel (singer)
Jewel Kilcher , professionally known as Jewel, is an American singer-songwriter, guitarist, producer, actress and poet...
, Jimmy Buffett
Jimmy Buffett
James William "Jimmy" Buffett is a singer-songwriter, author, entrepreneur, and film producer. He is best known for his music, which often portrays an "island escapism" lifestyle. Together with his Coral Reefer Band, Buffett's musical hits include "Margaritaville" , and "Come Monday"...
, Julio Iglesias
Julio Iglesias
Julio José Iglesias de la Cueva , better known simply as Julio Iglesias, is a Spanish singer who has sold over 300 million records worldwide in 14 languages and released 77 albums. According to Sony Music Entertainment, he is one of the top 15 best selling music artists in history,...
, Keith Urban
Keith Urban
Keith Lionel Urban is a New Zealand-born Australian, country music singer, songwriter and guitarist whose commercial success has been mainly in the United States and Australia. Urban was born in New Zealand and began his career in Australia at an early age...
, Kenny Rogers
Kenny Rogers
Kenneth Donald "Kenny" Rogers is an American singer-songwriter, photographer, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur...
, LeAnn Rimes
LeAnn Rimes
LeAnn Rimes is an American country/pop singer. She is known for her rich vocals and her rise to fame as an eight-year-old champion on the original Ed McMahon version of Star Search, followed by the release of the Patsy Cline-intended single "Blue" when Rimes was only age 13, resulting in her...
, Mary Chapin Carpenter
Mary Chapin Carpenter
Mary Chapin Carpenter is an American folk and country music artist. Carpenter spent several years singing in Washington, D.C. clubs before signing in the late 1980s with Columbia Records, who marketed her as a country singer...
, Michael W Smith, Peter Cetera
Peter Cetera
Peter Paul Cetera is an American singer, songwriter, bassist and producer best known for being an original member of the rock band Chicago, before launching a successful solo career...
, Reba McEntire
Reba McEntire
Reba Nell McEntire is an American country music artist and actress. She began her career in the music industry as a high school student singing in the Kiowa High School band , on local radio shows with her siblings, and at rodeos. As a solo act, she was invited to perform at a rodeo in Oklahoma...
, Rascal Flatts
Rascal Flatts
Rascal Flatts is an American country music band that originated in Columbus, Ohio, United States of America. Since its inception, Rascal Flatts has been composed of three members: Gary LeVox , Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney...
, Third Day
Third Day
Third Day is a Grammy award-winning Christian rock band formed in Marietta, Georgia during the 1990s. The band was founded by lead singer Mac Powell, guitarist Mark Lee and former member Billy Wilkins. The other band members are bassist Tai Anderson and drummer David Carr...
, Trisha Yearwood
Trisha Yearwood
Patricia Lynn Yearwood, professionally known as Trisha Yearwood , is an American country music artist. She is best known for her ballads about vulnerable young women from a female perspective that have been described by some music critics as "strong" and "confident."Trisha Yearwood signed with MCA...
and Vince Gill
Vince Gill
Vincent Grant "Vince" Gill is an American neotraditional country singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. He has achieved commercial success and fame both as frontman to the country rock band Pure Prairie League in the 1970s, and as a solo artist beginning in 1983, where his talents as a...
.
John started a new major-distributed label with his brother in 2003, Selectric Records
Selectric Records
Selectric Records was an independent record label based in Franklin, TN. Their roster was made up of a number of rock bands, including Monday Morning, Cross Culture , Dalton, Pivitplex, Homeless J., and High Flight Society...
. Having their own label again allowed John to set his own pace for production. Along with co-managing the label with his brother, he produced 10 albums over the next three years. As a singer, he recorded with artists ranging from Pat Boone
Pat Boone
Charles Eugene "Pat" Boone is an American singer, actor and writer who has been a successful pop singer in the United States during the 1950s and early 1960s. He covered black artists' songs and sold more copies than his black counterparts...
to Bono
Bono
Paul David Hewson , most commonly known by his stage name Bono , is an Irish singer, musician, and humanitarian best known for being the main vocalist of the Dublin-based rock band U2. Bono was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland, and attended Mount Temple Comprehensive School where he met his...
.
In late 2006, John took this opportunity to consider something he had never done in his career: catch his breath. Even with his reduced schedule, he needed a break. The brothers closed the label, and John could finally take some time away from the industry. This proved more challenging than expected, and despite his best intentions, he served as producer on three albums in 2007.
2008 Onward
At the dawn of 2008, Elefante has produced and/or performed on more than 100 major label albums. The Elefante brotherhood has endured, and the two brothers have together achieved considerable artistic and commercial success. Elefante realized, though, that he was still a songwriter at heart.John has now finished a new album, in a contemporary style that also hearkens back to the best of Mastedon, his Kansas work, and solo albums.
With Kansas
- 1982 Vinyl ConfessionsVinyl ConfessionsVinyl Confessions is the eighth studio album, and ninth album overall, by American rock band Kansas, released in 1982 . The album was reissued in remastered format on CD in 2011.-Background:...
- 1983 Drastic MeasuresDrastic MeasuresDrastic Measures is the ninth studio album, and tenth album overall, by American rock band Kansas, released in 1983.The shift in direction that Kansas took with Vinyl Confessions took its toll before recording began on this album...
- 1984 The Best of KansasThe Best of KansasThe Best of Kansas is the first compilation album and 11th album overall from the American rock band Kansas. It was originally released in 1984, and featured one new track, "Perfect Lover," written and performed by then-lead vocalist John Elefante...
New song, "Perfect Lover" (Lead vocals, songwriter, keyboards, guitar, bass, drums, producer)
Solo/with Mastedon
- 1989: MastedonMastedonMastedon is the name of a Christian rock band formed by brothers Dino and John Elefante in the mid-80s. The band was formed mainly as a studio project and released two full-length albums and two stand-alone songs on compilation albums.Mastedon have recently signed with Italian label Frontiers...
: It's a Jungle Out There!It's a Jungle Out There!It's a Jungle Out There is the first full-length album by Mastedon, the studio project formed by brothers John & Dino Elefante. It was released in 1989 on Regency Records, while they were setting up their own label Pakaderm Records...
(Lead vocals, songwriter, keyboards, producer) - 1990: MastedonMastedonMastedon is the name of a Christian rock band formed by brothers Dino and John Elefante in the mid-80s. The band was formed mainly as a studio project and released two full-length albums and two stand-alone songs on compilation albums.Mastedon have recently signed with Italian label Frontiers...
: LofcaudioLofcaudioLofcaudio is the second full-length album by Mastedon, the studio project formed by brothers John & Dino Elefante. It was released in 1990 by their own label Pakaderm Records, distributed by Word, Inc. Long out-of-print, it was reissued by Deep Music Distribution in 2006 in the form of digital...
(Lead vocals, songwriter, keyboards, producer) - 1995: [ Windows of Heaven] (Lead vocals, songwriter, keyboards, percussion, producer)
- 1997: [ Corridors] (Lead vocals, songwriter, keyboards, producer)
- 1999: [ Defying Gravity] (Lead vocals, songwriter, keyboards, producer)
- 2009:*MastedonMastedonMastedon is the name of a Christian rock band formed by brothers Dino and John Elefante in the mid-80s. The band was formed mainly as a studio project and released two full-length albums and two stand-alone songs on compilation albums.Mastedon have recently signed with Italian label Frontiers...
: 33 (Mastedon album)3 is the title of the third release from Christian rock band Mastedon. It was released on November 6, 2009, on Italian melodic rock label Frontiers Records.-Track listing:# "Revolution of Mind"# "Slay Your Demons"# "Nowhere Without Your Love"...
(Lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards, producer, songwriter)(Europe/Asia) - 2010:*John Elefante & Mastedon: Revolution Of Mind3 (Mastedon album)3 is the title of the third release from Christian rock band Mastedon. It was released on November 6, 2009, on Italian melodic rock label Frontiers Records.-Track listing:# "Revolution of Mind"# "Slay Your Demons"# "Nowhere Without Your Love"...
(N. America)
Other Credits
- 1983: [ Arcade] Patrick Simmons (Vocals, Background Vocals)
- 1984: [ Time Line] Kerry Livgren AD (Percussion, Vocals)
- 1985: [ Anywhere You Go] David Pack (Background Vocals)
- 1985: [ St. Elmo's Fire] Original Soundtrack (Arranger, Keyboards, Producer)
- 1986: [ Back to the Street] Petra (Keyboards, Background Vocals, Producer, Engineer)
- 1987: [ This Means War] Petra (Keyboards, Background Vocals, Producer, Engineer)
- 1987: [ Atomic Arena] Barren Cross (Keyboards, Vocals, Producer)
- 1987: [ California Metal] Mastedon (Keyboards, Vocals, Producer)
- 1987: [ Voices] Various Artists (Keyboards, Producer)
- 1989: [ How Long] Michael Thompson Band (Vocals)
- 1989: [ Petra Praise The Rock Cries Out] Petra (Background Vocals, Engineer, Assistant Producer)
- 1989: [ State of Control] Barren Cross (Keyboards, Vocals, Producer, Engineer)
- 1989: Get It X-Sinner (Keyboards, Backing Vocals, Producer)
- 1990: [ Beyond Belief] Petra (Arranger, Background Vocals, Producer, Engineer)
- 1990: [ Ultimate Metal, Vol. 2] Various Artists (Producer)
- 1991: [ Fire & Love] Guardian (Keyboards, Engineer)
- 1991: [ Heaven Calling] Heavenly Angelic Light Orchestra (Composer, Keyboards, Background Vocals, Producer)
- 1991: [ Peace Treaty] X-Sinner (Bass, Percussion, Tambourine, Background Vocals, Producer, Engineer, Shaker, Cowbell, Mixing)
- 1991: [ Petrafied! The Very Best of Petra] Petra (Producer, Engineer)
- 1991: [ Portrait of a Spirit] Various Artists (Composer, Vocals, Producer, Engineer, Mixing)
- 1991: [ Rock Power Praise, Vol. 2 Christmas Hymns] Various Artists (Producer, Engineer, Performer)
- 1991: [ Within Reach] Rick Cua (Keyboards, Background Vocals, Producer, Engineer, Performer, Mixing)
- 1992: [ Battle Cries] The Brave (Arranger, Lyricist, Producer, Engineer, Liner Notes)
- 1992: [ Decade] Kerry Livgren (Background Vocals)
- 1992: [ Dream of a Lifetime] Kelli Reisen (Producer, Engineer)
- 1992: [ En Alabanza] Petra (Engineer, Assistant Producer)
- 1992: [ Heaven's Metal Collection, Vol. 2] Various Artists (Producer)
- 1992: [ No Compromise Remembering the Music of Keith Green] Various Artists (Background Vocals)
- 1992: [ Pop Pie in the Sky] Various Artists (Producer)
- 1992: [ Rock Power Praise, Vol. 3 Traditional Gospel Hymns] Various Artists (Arranger, Producer, Mixing)
- 1992: [ Serius Bizness] J.C. Crew (Producer, Executive Producer)
- 1992: [ Start the Car] Jude Cole (Background Vocals)
- 1992: [ Unseen Power] Petra (Arranger, Producer, Engineer)
- 1993: [ Angel in Your Eyes] Lisa Daggs (Keyboards, Programming, Background Vocals, Producer, Engineer, Mixing)
- 1993: [ Fear Not] Fear Not (Background Vocals, Producer, Engineer)
- 1993: [ Hello Forever] Scott Springer (Keyboards, Background Vocals, Producer, Engineer)
- 1993: [ Kingdom of Desire] Toto (Background Vocals)
- 1993: [ Le Voyage] Sandi Patti (Vocals)
- 1993: [ Miracle Mile] Guardian (Organ, Piano, Producer, Engineer)
- 1993: [ Operation Angel Wings] Various Artists (Vocals)
- 1993: [ Rock Pie in the Sky] Various Artists (Producer)
- 1993: [ Soak Your Brain] Lovewar (Producer, Engineer)
- 1994: [ Cross My Heart] Greg Long (Arranger, Keyboards, Producer, Engineer, Mixing)
- 1994: [ Trust] The Brave (Keyboards, Producer)
- 1995: [ My Utmost for His Highest] Various Artists (Keyboards, Producer, Performer)
- 1995: [ No Doubt] Petra (Keyboards, Producer)
- 1995: [ One Love] Jonathan Pierce (Arranger, Keyboards, Programming, Background Vocals), Producer, Drum Programming)
- 1995: [ Petra Means Rock] Petra (Arranger, Keyboards, Background Vocals, Producer, Engineer)
- 1995: [ Petraphonics] Petra (Producer, Engineer, Musician)
- 1995: [ Power Praise] Petra (Producer, Engineer)
- 1995: [ Rock Block] Petra (Producer)
- 1996: [ WOW 1996 The Year's 30 Top Christian Artists and Son] Various Artists (Producer)
- 1996: [ Days of Grace] Greg Long (Arranger, Keyboards, Programming, Background Vocals, Producer)
- 1996: [ Love Is the Bottom Line] Lisa Daggs (Background Vocals, Producer, Engineer)
- 1996: [ My Utmost for His Highest The Covenant] Various Artists (Keyboards, Producer)
- 1996: [ This Is How I Feel] Nouveaux (Arranger, Keyboards, Producer)
- 1996: [ WOW 1997 The Year's 30 Top Christian Artists and Son] Various Artists (Producer)
- 1997: [ Colors of Truth] Jeni Varnadeau (Producer)
- 1997: [ Jesus Experience] Bride (Producer)
- 1997: [ Petra Praise, Vol. 2 We Need Jesus] Petra (Vocals, Background Vocals, Producer)
- 1997: [ WOW 1998 30 Top Christian Artists & Songs] Various Artists (Producer)
- 1997: [ God Fixation] Petra (Background Vocals)
- 1998: [ In the Light] Various Artists (Performer)
- 1998: [ Jesus Saves] Greg Long (Background Vocals, Producer)
- 1998: [ Never Be the Same] The Truth (Producer)
- 1998: [ No Hesitation] Jeni Varnadeau (Vocals, Producer)
- 1998: [ Oddities] Bride (Vocals, Producer)
- 1998: [ Scrub] Mayfair Laundry (Producer)
- 1998: [ Shelter Me] Nikki Leonti (Keyboards, Programming, Producer, Performer, Sequencing)
- 1998: [ Way Home] Wayne Watson (Vocals)
- 1998: [ Yeaterday & Today] Michael Redman (Arranger)
- 1999: [ Believe It] Various Artists (Performer)
- 1999: [ Double Take] Petra (Recorder, Vocals, Background Vocals, Producer, Vocal Engineer)
- 1999: [ No Place Like Home] Scarecrow & Tinmen (Producer)
- 1999: [ Still Waters] Say So (Tambourine)
- 2000: [ Aurora] Aurora (Producer)
- 2000: [ Best of 2000 Dove Award Nominees & Winners] Various Artists (Performer)
- 2000: [ Celebration of Voices Great Choirs of America] Various Artists (Producer)
- 2000: [ Change] Sierra (Vocals, Producer, Engineer, Vocal Arrangement)
- 2000: [ Dreamer's Heart] Kimber Leigh Mowery (Producer)
- 2000: [ Letting Go] The Darins (Producer, Vocal Arrangement, Vocal Engineer)
- 2000: [ Postcard From Mexico] Nikki Leonti & Darins (Producer)
- 2000: [ Superhero] Scarecrow & Tinmen (Keyboards, Producer, Assistant Engineer)
- 2000: [ Tracing His Hand] Jeni Varnadeau (Background Vocals, Producer)
- 2000: [ Vestal & Friends, Vol. 2] Vestal Goodman (Performer)
- 2000: [ WOW Gold] Various Artists (Producer)
- 2001: [ Bigger Than Us] Aurora (Producer, Engineer)
- 2001: [ Hits] Dominic Chianese (Producer)
- 2001: [ Nikki Leonti] Nikki Leonti (Producer)
- 2001: [ Not Just Any Other Day] Various Artists (Producer)
- 2001: [ Stronger] Natalie Grant (Background Vocals, Producer)
- 2001: [ Word Gold Five Decades of Hits] Various Artists (Producer)
- 2002: [ If You Only Knew] Prymary Colorz (Producer)
- 2002: [ Pass the Love] Larnelle Harris (Background Vocals)
- 2002: [ Still Means War!] Petra (Producer)
- 2003: [ AJA] AJA (Producer)
- 2003: [ Power of Praise] Petra (Producer)
- 2003: [ Soak] Rachel Farris (Producer)
- 2004: [ Worship With Natalie Grant and Friends] Agnus Dei (Performer)
- 2005: [ Glory Train The Lost Sessions] Pat Boone (Vocals)
- 2006: [ Fool's Paradise] Monday Morning (Producer, Executive Producer)
- 2006: [ Praise Collection] Petra (Producer)
- 2006: [ Proof Positive] Cross Culture (Background Vocals, Producer, Executive Producer)
- 2006: [ Taste the Sky] Dalton (Executive Producer)
- 2006: [ Three Seconds to Gaze] Homeless J (Producer)
- 2006: [ Ultimate Collection] Petra (Producer)
- 2006: [ Very Best Of] Bride (Producer)
- 2007: [ Definitive Collection] Guardian (Producer)
- 2007: [ Definitive Collection] Greg Long (Producer)
- 2007: [ Definitive Collection] Petra (Producer)
- 2010: Northern Light Orchestra, Celebrate Christmas Northern Light Orchestra (Lead Vocals)
Official
- Solo: Pass the Flame
- Solo: Eyes of My Heart
- Solo: This is What Love is
- Solo: We Need Jesus
- Kansas Everybody's My Friend
- Kansas Fight Fire with Fire
- Kansas Play the Game
- Kansas Windows
Live
- Kansas: Paradox
- Kansas: Play the Game Tonight
- Kansas: Windows
- Kansas: Dust in the Wind
- Kansas: Chasing Shadows
- Kansas: Hold On
- Kansas: Diamonds and Pearls
- Kansas: Portrait
- Kansas: Mysteries and Mayhem
- Kansas: Sparks of the Tempest
- Kansas: No One Together
- Mastedon: "Islands in the Sky" and "Right Hand"
Fan-created
See also
- KansasKansas (band)Kansas is an American rock band that became popular in the 1970s initially on Album-Oriented Rock charts, and later with hit singles such as "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind"...
- PetraPetra (band)Petra is a music group regarded as a pioneer of the Christian rock and contemporary Christian music genres. Formed in 1972, the band took its name from the Greek word for "rock"...
- MastedonMastedonMastedon is the name of a Christian rock band formed by brothers Dino and John Elefante in the mid-80s. The band was formed mainly as a studio project and released two full-length albums and two stand-alone songs on compilation albums.Mastedon have recently signed with Italian label Frontiers...