Born in Providence, Rhode Island, United States and raised in Altadena, California, Buck comes from a musical family—his father, David, was a professor of music; his mother, Linda, was a concert pianist; his sister Deborah was a violinist; and his brother Kevin was a cellist.[2] His mother is Jewish and his father is of Dutch descent. In 1992, Jon B. was shopping demos when he caught the attention of Tracey Edmonds, then-president and CEO of Yab-Yum Records.[2]
Artistry
In the late 1990s, Buck noted that he was inspired by the neo soul movement, stating "There's a wave of music now that's crossing racial and cultural barriers--like Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, and D'Angelo-that's bringing back the classic soul sound." while adding "That's the sound that has influenced me the most in my life."[3]
Career
1994–97: Bonafide and Cool Relax
Before his rise to fame, Buck pursued a songwriting career, and wrote songs for After 7, Toni Braxton, Michael Jackson, Color Me Badd, the Spice Girls and others.[4][5] His debut studio album in 1995 titled Bonafide spawned the popular hit and Grammy-nominated single "Someone to Love", which featured Babyface. The album was a commercial success, selling over one million copies and being certified platinum.
He released his second studio album, Cool Relax, in 1997; the album spawned the top-10 single "They Don't Know" and two other top-20 hits, including "Are U Still Down" featuring Tupac Shakur. Cool Relax received generally positive reviews from music critics, and it is his most successful album commercially; it has been certified as double platinum by the RIAA. Buck would also co-write the Brownstone hit "5 Miles to Empty" in 1997.
While on tour promoting Cool Relax, he formed a group with two of his backup singers, Dominiquinn and Silky Deluxe, collectively named Jack Herrera.[6] A full album, titled Retro Futuristo, was put together but never officially released.
2010s
2020s
In 2023, it was announced that Jon B. and Tank would team up for a new release.[7]
Discography
Studio albums
List of studio albums, with selected chart positions and certifications
Billboard Music Award nomination for Top R&B Artists – Male
1998
Billboard Music Award nomination for Top Hot R&B Single for "They Don't Know/Are U Still Down"
1998
Billboard Music Award nomination for Top Hot R&B Singles Artists
1998
Billboard Music Award nomination for Top Hot R&B Singles Artists – Male
1998
Billboard Music Award nomination for Top Hot R&B Singles Sales for "They Don't Know/Are U Still Down"
1998
Soul Train Music Award nomination for Best Male Single for "They Don't Know/Are U Still Down"
Other honors
On January 15, 2016, Rep. Carlos E. Tobon and Mayor Don Grebien presented Jon B. with a state citation and a key to the City of Pawtucket[16]
Personal life
Jon B is married to Danette Jackson. The couple have two daughters; L'Wren True and Azure Luna together.[17]
Notes
^ ab"Are U Still Down" and "They Don't Know" were issued together as a double-sided single. The two songs were listed as a single entry on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart because both were receiving substantial airplay at the publication's panel of R&B radio stations.[14] On the Hot 100, each song was listed individually at different times over a single chart run, as neither title had reached the Hot 100 Airplay component chart when the latter overtook the former in airplay.[15]
