Jonathan Crist

 Jonathan Crist has been writing songs since the 1980’s and his musical influences are extremely diverse – ranging from James Taylor, Neil Young and Jimmy Webb to Garth Brooks, Jimmy Buffet, The Beatles and Led Zepplin.  Jonathan taught himself to play harmonica at age thirteen and picked up the guitar when he was fourteen. By age fifteen he was honing his skills at both, simultaneously.  Two years later with guitar in hand and harmonica around his neck, Crist took 1st  Place in the Student Talent Show at Southside High School (Rockville Centre, NY) with his version of Neil Young’s Heart Of Gold.

Crist had written the music and melody for “Where Are My Heroes?” some ten years earlier, however was never satisfied with previous attemps at lyrics and storyline.  In the Fall of 2010 he attended a charity fundraiser where the father of a fallen Army Ranger addressed the audience.  Crist was so moved by the father’s strength and his determination to help the families of other soldiers killed in action that Jonathan went home and penned the new lyrics that night and straight into the next morning.  In “Where Are My Heroes?” Crist touches on the dangers & sacrifices of today’s heroes and expresses a connection or common bond between members of the Military, Firefighters and Law Enforcement.  He recognizes that our heroes grew up just like every kid we hung out with in our own hometown, yet as they become adults, they rise to a greater calling which continually shape our communities and our country.   The song describes how each individual who selects these careers makes a personal choice that will put their lives at risk every day.  He also reminds us that these individuals are not only personal brothers and friends… they are the brothers and friends of everyone in our nation and their stories should never be forgotten.

Jonathan Crist also sings and plays guitar & harmonica in a new “Not For Profit” band called the Dogs Of War (derived from a famous quote in the Shakespearean play, “Julius Ceasar”).  The Dogs Of War perform 2 or 3 shows annually to raise money for various veterans groups on Long Island.  On January 19, 2011 they sold out Governor’s in Levittown, NY and on June 21, 2011 they packed the Sands in Lido, NY with more than 300 fans.  All proceeds going to Veterans.  Every member of the Dogs Of War participated in the recording sessions for “Where Are My Heroes?” and appear on the final recording.  In addition to his bandmates, Jonathan invited four other outstanding singer/musicians to perform on this recording, including his daughter Claudia.