Jon Evans Conley was born in Paragould, Arkansas. He picked up his first guitar at age 7 and played in his first band at age 10. His style was and is uniquely his own, however he credits Stevie Ray Vaughn, David Gilmour, Mark Knophler, Albert Lee, Willie Nelson and James Taylor in influencing him as a young musician and songwriter.
In 1991, Jon crossed the state line from Arkansas to Branson, MO. While there he worked with legendary Grand Ole Opry star Jeannie Pruett and Grammy award winning instrumentalist/comedian Buck Trent. He went on to be the lead guitarist/musical director for the late great Steel Guitar Hall of Fame member Tom Brumley (Buck Owens, Ricky Nelson, Desert Rose Band).
In 1995, Jon moved to Nashville where he started building a list of credits that any guitarist would enjoy. The first job he landed was playing for Wynonna Judd, auditioning over the phone for legendary bass player Willie Weeks (Rolling Stones, George Harrison, Donnie Hathaway). Playing for Wynonna placed him in the steady company of Weeks, guitarist Tom Bukovac (Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, Brooks and Dunn), and renowned horn player Jim Horn (Elton John, Steely Dan, Toto).
Jon went on to become the lead guitarist and musical director for LeAnn Rimes. He has toured with Wynonna, LeAnn Rimes, Lee Greenwood, and many other acts. As a session guitar player, he has recorded with artists that include Jimmy Tittle, Marty Stuart, Johnny Cash, Wynonna, the Judds, Lee Greenwood, Terri Clark, Jamie Oneal, Jason Castro, Ty England, Chad Austin, Natalie Grant, Darren Koselsky, Charlie Rivers, Tonya Watts, Shawna Russell, the Roys, Burns and Poe, and Joshua Payne. His studio experiences have earned him calls from some of the most respected producers in the business.
He has performed for President George W. Bush as well as former presidents Bill Clinton and George H. W. Bush. Television credits include multiple appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and Austin City Limits to name a few. He performed for the 1997 Presidential Summit, the CMA Awards Show and the 2004 Daytona 500.
As a songwriter he has had songs recorded by Michael James, Gordon Mote, Leah Faith, and Simone De. His song, “Kisses and Hugs” was included in the Brentwood/Benson “Daddy, Sing Me To Sleep” project which won a Dove Award.
As a producer, he has produced records for Scott Willis, Greg McDougal, Amy Davis, and Leah Faith. Acts such as The Oak Ridge Boys, The Bellamy Brothers, Tammy Cocharan, and Randy Kohrs have contributed to his projects.
Jon is currently still very active as a session musician, songwriter, producer, and artist. He is currently working on three album projects. One is with a rock band called The Emotional Rex. The Emotional Rex consists of Kelly Keagy (Night Ranger) on drums and vocals; Bruce Gaitsch (Madonna, Richard Marx, Peter Cetera) on guitar; and George Hawkins, Jr (Loggins and Messina, Ricky Lee Jones, Delbert McClinton) on bass guitar and vocals. He is also working on a record with a country band called Calico Trail. Calico Trail consists of Cole Bruce - vocals, guitars, banjo, mandolin; Jonny Houlihan - vocals, 12 string acoustic guitar, ganjo; Tim Denbo - vocals, bass guitar; Garry Murray - vocals, fiddle, mandolin; David Racine - Vocals, drums; and David Dorn - vocals, keys. Jon is also working on his first solo project since 1993.
Jon makes his home in the Nashville area with his wife Katie and daughters Savannah and Polly Kate.
Hey There Jon! Wanted to Wish You A Happy Fathers Day And Touch Base With You. Give Me A Hollar When You Get A Lil' Time To Spare! Untill Then GOOD LUCK WITH EVERYTHING AND GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY!
Hi Jon ! I hope you and the family are doing well. I ran across pictures of you and I at the Judds Reunion Tour and will scan them and send them to you. I am thinking of taking a road trip this summer to Tenn. If we come I hope we can see you perform ! Martha
Hi Jon, From Switzerland Hello !!!!! I am a good Friend from Joe. Hope all is well ???? Have a great Day and Thank..s Jon See Ya, Annalies glitter-graphics.com
Ciao Jon, hope the world is treating you well. Just heard from Bruce that you both are in a little band Emotional Rex. Sounds cool! Any sound samples on the web? Overhere everything goes well. Next weekend I will see Rosanne Cash with John Leventhal in Zurich. One of the highlights this year. Stay well & healthy, Joe
Thx for dropping by and listening to my tunes! Please let your friends know both my worship rock CD's are for sale on my site, and now on iTUNES!! These CD’s were co-produced by Ron Davis the engineer on the Grammy/Dove award winning CD, “Shout to the Lord!” I've also got some FREE DOWNLOADS!
“Here I Stand” just charted in the Top 20! Be sure to ask to hear it at your local radio station! Everyone please come see the video and leave me a comment! May God bless you, and draw you closer as you surrender to Him!
hey JON im gettin so many complements on the guitar it rocks my socks!!!!!!!!!!!! seriously you are amazing and i just wanted to thank you again for being apart of this track and really making it better than i could have imagined!!!!!! ur the best~ u rock!
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU, JON, YOUR BEAUTIFUL WIFE AND FAMILY. MAY GOD GRANT YOU AND ABUNDANCE OF BLESSINGS 2009. LOVE PEGGYE ,JERALD, JENNIFER AND MADISON
Hi Jon, cool thing with Jamie O'Neal. Will listen if the record is out. Overhere all is in deep white. Have a good Xmas time. Cheers from over the pond, Joe
HEY BUDDY!! HOW ARE YA!!?? MAN WE GOTTA GET TOGETHER & HANG OUT SOMETIME SOON. WE GOTTA CATCH UP!! HOPE ALL IS WELL. KEEP IN TOUCH MY FRIEND. GOD BLESS YOU & THE FAMILY!!
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