Eli Young Band remains true to their Texas roots despite an ever-evolving country music landscape, forming in 2000. Mike Eli, James Young and Jon Jones formed this three-piece group with major-label release two major-label albums and four No.1 singles under their belts.
Life on the road for the band involves long bus rides, phone interviews and dinners with country radio programmers – but sing-alongs keep them going!
About Eli Young Band
These four Sigma Nu brothers from University of North Texas have gone from sharing dorm rooms to filling sold-out arenas and amphitheaters across the nation, earning multiple nominations for awards along the way, including appearances on The Tonight Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, FOX & Friends as well as their latest album Jet Black and Jealous (Universal South) debuting at No 5 on the country chart with its single “When It Rains” being up for consideration for CMT Group Video of the Year chosen by fans.
Success for this band lies in their ability to craft songs that resonate with listeners. They’re known for creating melodic country music with traditional and modern pop elements combined into pop rock sounds, while impressing audiences through dynamic live shows. Over the years they’ve collaborated with several artists including Kacey Musgraves from Lady Antebellum as well as Charles Kelley.
Mike Eli, James Young, Jon Jones and Chris Thompson first came together during college, writing original songs and performing them at local bars and coffee shops. Their incredible chemistry and distinctive sound has enabled them to become one of the most sought-after bands in country music; winning multiple awards while placing numerous hits on charts worldwide.
This band started with an ambitious but straightforward goal in mind – they wanted to create music they felt was missing from radio programming, while simultaneously being known for producing great live shows. So they worked tirelessly at honing their craft and gradually matured as musicians and performers, earning hit after hit across charts while becoming famous for energetic live shows.
Their debut album Level was released in 2005 and was an enormous breakthrough in their careers, producing two hit singles: “That’s the Way” and “When It Rains.” They soon became an in-demand act in the Southwest region and were often booked as headliners at venues with over 2000 seating capacity – opening for big names such as Kenny Chesney and Rascal Flatts along the way.
Eli Young & James Young
Eli Young Band is an award-winning country music group from Denton, Texas. Comprised of Mike Eli (vocals, guitar), James Young (guitar), Jon Jones (bass guitar) and Chris Thompson (drums), this quartet formed as freshman in college before performing acoustic shows in local bars quickly growing in popularity.
After the release of Level, they signed with Carnival Records and have released three further albums since then; their third, Life at Best, reached number one on the charts while “Crazy Girl” won both an Academy of Country Music Song of the Year and Grammy nominations from both groups.
Success for this band has been attributed to their ability to write relatable songs that resonate with listeners. Many of their tracks deal with small town living and its hardships; others touch upon relationships or breakups – Love Talking being an excellent example; its lead single “Lucky for Me” tackles such subjects.
One aspect of their music that has attracted significant acclaim is their collaborations with other country artists. They have collaborated with artists like Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum and Dave Haywood of Lady Antebellum on their solo tracks; plus touring alongside Rascal Flatts!
As their success has grown, the band has ensured they stay true to their roots by remaining based in Texas and spending time on their ranch writing songs and relaxing with family. Their strong bond keeps them together and keeps them motivated to continue making great music!
This band stands out with their innovative sound that blends traditional country elements with modern pop-rock influences. Their music has won them multiple awards and collaborations with other country stars, and their songs cover personal experiences most people can identify with. Their fans are at the core of their success and they strive to provide songs they can relate to as much as possible.
Jon Jones
Jon Jones is a bassist for Eli Young Band’s country music lineup in addition to being an MMA fighter. On March 26, 2020 in New Mexico he was arrested on allegations of DWI with Aggravation as well as other related offenses.
Jon has been part of the Eli Young Band since their formation at University of North Texas in 2000, when they started touring Texas country music clubs together. Over time they accumulated a rabid fan base that drove four No.1 singles (4X PLATINUM “Crazy Girl”) as well as creating an edgey, passionate identity (4X PLATINUM “Crazy Girl”). Jon hails Rembrandt as an influence in fine art while showing an interest in learning kickboxing; an ancient martial art that uses various kicking techniques.
Chris Thompson
Chris Thompson is an innovative musician and educator who offers programs tailored to the entertainment and educational needs of groups and individuals alike. Working in collaboration with artists from other disciplines – actors, singers, spoken word performers, instrumentalists and cloggers among them – Chris has designed programs spanning jazz to African drumming to hip-hop; performing and recording with various genres ranging from jazz to fingerstyle guitar virtuosos; as well as creating his own signature programs to meet them all. He has won multiple awards over time thanks to his dexterous fingerstyle guitar playing talent which has garnered him international acclaim.
Thompson first became famous through his work with Manfred Mann’s Earth Band and, more specifically, for singing lead on their 1976 hit song “Blinded By the Light”. Since then his signature voice can also be found on albums by Jan Hammer, Elton John, Bonnie Tyler Alan Parsons and Steve Hackett as well as being covered by Ozzy Osbourne and Jefferson Starship among others.
Solo artist Thompson has released numerous albums as a solo artist, most recently working with former Genesis guitarist and drummer Ian Mosley – often considered England’s premier rock drummer – on Feedback 86 released in 2002. Additionally he has collaborated with artists like Antony and the Johnsons, Bjork, and Tyondai Braxton.
Thompson is not only an accomplished percussionist, but is also renowned as a singer-songwriter. He has composed, arranged and performed vocals on numerous projects with musicians from all over the world – with praise coming in from critics of all genres! Recognized for his “supremely nuanced and remarkable baritone,” Thompson has performed in recitals, festivals and over 25 recordings including those for Bedroom Community, Cantaloupe Innova Live from Lincoln Center Nonesuch Naxos Records.
Thompson has been involved with multiple education projects and takes special interest in educating students of all ages about African music and other cultures. Currently he performs and teaches with Chris Thompson and the Cultural Ensemble – dancers and drummers perform together for an electrifying performance – as well as Black History Month programs and other events that attract diverse audiences. With compositions that blend Jazz Classical Hip-hop genres he can reach people across generations and backgrounds with ease.