Singer, songwriter and producer Jon Williams ’89 knows a thing or two about music. Growing up in Newark, New Jersey, he sang in the same church that Whitney Houston attended, often performing alongside her on Sundays. Music also runs in the family. His father was a professional singer when he met Jon’s mother. 

Jon, whose vocal range spans five octaves, has spent years performing professionally as both a lead singer and backing vocalist, working with artists such as Julio Iglesias, Jr., Backstreet Boy Kevin Richardson, and Latin music legends Franco De Vita and Luis Enrique. 

Now, CBS television has featured Jon and his band, The Grooveline, on their Emmy Award-winning destination channel travel series. The feature, which first aired in May, profiles Jon and The Grooveline, originally formed in 2001 in Miami as a premier event band serving corporate and wedding clients. About 10 years ago, the band relocated to Texas, where they found their niche. Known for their wide-ranging repertoire that includes everything from big band to Motown and hits from every decade, The Grooveline remains in high demand. The band’s most sought after form is a 12-piece ensemble, including four vocalists and a Grammy Award-winning percussionist, making them a standout in the Lone Star state. 

“Grooveline is the only African-American-owned entity in Dallas/Fort Worth performing primarily in the luxury event space,” Jon relays in the CBS piece. “I am quite proud of that.”

Throughout his career, Jon has had the privilege of performing for many celebrities, including Jamie Foxx, Barry Gibb and Tiger Woods, among others. But the secret to The Grooveline’s success, he believes, is the exchange of energy between the band and their audiences. “The exchange of energy…is something that comes from within,” Jon told CBS. When the audience gives it back, “It’s pretty beautiful.” 

Learn more about The Grooveline at www.thegroovelinedallas.com.