In the mystery that is life, Jonathan Lee Allmett was taken from on August 20, 2007 . He was 36 years old.
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From England to Houston to Japan to Atlanta to Chicago, singer/songwriter/guitarist Jon Allmett brought an enormous amount of life experience to his music. His pop-ready, soulful mix of smart, well-crafted songs had earned him (and his former band, Garrison Field) critical acclaim and ravenous fan support in Atlanta. With his move to Chicago in early 2002, Allmett launched the next phase of his unstoppable ascension into the upper echelons of the music world.
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A lot of people can play guitar, some can even write songs, but it’s rare to come across someone who can do both extremely well and who can sing. That is, really sing from the inside out — with a voice full of passion, conviction, power and soul. Allmett was all that and more. His talent for crafting smart, hook-laden pop masterpieces along with the ability to sing them with confidence, deep soul, and an intensity not often heard on the radio made Allmett a force with which to be reckoned. “Allmett can sing anything and smother it in old school smooth soul,” raved Atlanta’s In Sitemagazine. “His soul grooves sizzle with white hot intensity. He beckons you down a path you’ll never want to stray from. Jon Allmett is that good.”
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After moving to Chicago early in 2002, Allmett began working on new material, showcasing it at clubs around the city. When the songs were road-tested and ready, he co-produced and recorded his new solo album, NOWHERE IS TOO FAR, with former bandmate Aaron Thompson. From the immediately pleasurable sounds of Sermon to the hook-filled pop of Sex And Soulfood, to the emotionally charged, autobiographical Open Wound, Allmett wrote with a keen eye and sang with intensity and forceful purpose. The radio-friendly arrangements and intelligent lyrics are at once thought provoking and danceable, the stories both personal and universal.
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Born in Surrey, England, and raised in Houston, Texas, Allmett began singing at age six. He studied voice and classical music at the Houston School for Performing and Visual Arts, and first performed at age 12 during his sixth grade talent show. His love of music from the Beatles to Stevie Wonder to Sting to Pink Floyd to Paul Simon to Leonard Bernstein led him to begin writing songs and playing guitar at age 17, and he became skilled quickly. He joined the Marines, and, while stationed in Japan, formed his first band, Buzzcat, with Japanese nationals. His singing brought him to the attention of fellow Marines as well as locals and led him to even sing a few gigs with the legendary vocal group, the Drifters, when they performed in Okinawa.
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In the short time he played professionally, Jon turned many heads and made some pretty influential friends along the way. He opened for and sang back-up with John Mayer, who was completely blown away by Jon’s voice. In 1998, Allmett placed second at an open mic contest in Atlanta. The first place winner was none other than india.arie. The two became fast friends, and when Jon’s band Garrison Field recorded their first CD, OPEN, arie sang back-up on two songs. The strength of the CD led The Southern Local Area Band network (SLAB) to name Garrison Field 1999’s Band Of The Year, declaring Allmett and his bandmate’s music as “very funky, very danceable and very addictive. Completely and totally outstanding.” The band’s next album, 2002’s DAWN, received even more widespread critical and popular regional acclaim. Music review site Blah3.comcalled the album “remarkable. Smart well-produced rock with perfect vocals.” 2Walls.com said the CD was “good old-fashioned rock music, a welcome breath of fresh air. Exceptional guitar work, instant hooks, funky and soulful.” Garrison Field toured heavily around the Atlanta region and attracted a large following. In addition to india.arie and John Mayer, some of the other artists Allmett shared stages with include Peter Frampton, Corey Glover, Edwin McCain, Jeffrey Gaines and Simon Phillips.
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On August 20th, Jon, at the age of 36, formerly of Atlanta, GA and most recently of Houston, TX passed away. The obituary reads: Our most giving and loving husband, son, brother and friend slipped from our arms to enter eternal peace. Jonathan was born in Epsom Surrey, England on February 23, 1971. He moved with his family to Texas in 1978 and spent the remainder of his childhood in Houston. He attended the Houston School for the Performing & Visual Arts and graduated from Eisenhower High School and was a current student at The University of Houston. Jonathan joined the Marines and spent four years stationed in Okinawa, Japan and in the Philippines. Jonathan was a professional musician whose incredible voice and stage presence left his listeners spellbound. During his remarkable life, Jonathan wrote and recorded countless original songs both with his band, Garrison Field, and as a solo artist. CDs include "Open", "Dawn", "Nowhere is Too Far", and "Some Trees Grow Bananas". Jonathan touched thousands of lives through his music. He also recorded two Christmas CD compilations for charities. He was the musical director for Camp Twin Lakes special needs camps for the last 8 years. His work with the camp kids was the most significant of his life; every single one of their hearts touched his. Jonathan recently joined Bootleggers Music Venue in Minneapolis as a partner in charge of all booking and entertainment. He also recorded commercials for Earhole Agency, Leo Burnett Agency and Spank Agency in Chicago. He leaves behind his wife, Dr. Michelle Ludwig of Houston, whom he recently married on May 26, 2007, his parents John and Carol Allmett of Panama City Beach, FL, brothers Colin and Justin Allmett of Atlanta, his Nan Iris Poulter of Wiltshire, England, uncles Malcolm and Geoffrey Poulter, and many other relatives in the UK. Jonathan had the most vibrant personality and giving heart of any angel on earth. His generosity to all who had the pleasure of sharing his life will always be remembered. Without him, our hearts are broken and our tears run endless, but our memories and joys are immeasurable. If love could have saved him, he would have lived forever and now the pause in our hearts is from the echo of Jonathan.
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Hey man, was really thinking about how much i missed not being at camp with you. Jusy and i had some fun, a few tears... erh, they were mine. You know you Brittish kids and the crying thing doesn't mix that well. Anyway, just wanted to let you know, not that you don't see it, but Jusy has really stepped up in your absence and i really miss you Jon Allmett!
Hey Jon, i missed you so much at camp last week. Its just not the same with out you. I just wanted to let you know that i've been thinking about you a lot. I've been seeing rainbows in the sky so i know you're looking down on all of us. I can't wait to son you again someday. -taylor
Hey Jon You have no idea how much I missed you. I went to camp again. My 7th year. It was the best yet. But it still seemed empty without you. I always half excpeted that you would come out at camp and scare us all XD I really missed you. I really do. I cryed when I left (again) But as I left camp, I promised Scott that we where gonna rock out again next year! I promise I will come back every year till they nail me in my coffin. I love you so much Jon.
Hey Jon, just wanted to say hi and I miss you.. When you see my niece give her a hug for me, sing her a song or two.. You were always so awesome at calming me at camp with your music.. Your amazing anyways.. I miss you so much.
Hey Jon. Havent said anything in a while. Just want you to know that ive been thinkin about you. It sucks that I wont have camp this year. It will be different. I plan on getting that tattoo real soon in your memory. Hopeing ill get before summer time. I hope your doing alright up there. As you can see ive been doin alright. I have a feeling that your watching over me from time to time. I miss you buddy. Ill keep you deep inside my heart, so ill never feel alone. :) Ryan. I love you Jon.
We're getting together for your 38th. Guess you know. You're so missed man!! Tryin to take care of the fam... doin a terrible job of it. Make me trip over something or put my foot in my mouth, i'll know it was you. I love you Brother.
hey Jon. its been a little while since ive written on here but i talk to you all the time. maybe you know im going thru some tough times. maybe you dont. but maybe you can pull some strings for me up there? lol i love you so much Jon. i think about you all the time and i miss you so much. i love you
Jon i miss you so much. more then words will ever be able to express. i hope you had a wonderful christmas... well actually im sure you did! id love a little visit from you Jon. i love you so much!
The Snow Miser Song had me laughing and crying today! I missed the last minute scramble to get a Holiday CD together for you and the flurry of voicemails I would get from you ... delete this, add this, no don't delete that, put that back on, don't forget to add Jen's name in the thank you's ... ; ) yes, i actually missed ALL of that!
i miss you jon. i listen to your cd everyday. i had to give my testimony the other day and i talked about how it was a big struggle losing you but that i will always strive to be there for others like you were! i love you
hello jon i know that you are always with us but i cant help but to miss you so much. i dont think i will ever get used to you not being here. but lately ive been more understanding about it all. god sent you here with a purpose to change so many peoples lives and you definitely accomplished that. jon i love you and i miss you but i know that one day we will meet again.
hey jon! it's been a while since i've talked to you! just wanted to let you know that i think about you everyday! you will always have a place in my heart! xoxo
hey Jon you know i think about you all the time i miss you so much in a few weeks ill be walking with jeff and stephanie for the walk to cure diabetes. im so excited bc they understand and know exactly how im feeling. no one here knows how amazing you were so its hard being surrounded by people that dont understand what im going thru when ive had a bad day and miss you i know your always with us though and that makes it a little easier i miss you Jon i love you
