Idol's Finalist

Background:

John Stevens is an American classic pop singer. He came to fame as the sixth place finalist on the third season of the television talent show “American Idol” (2004). His debut album, “Red,” was released by Maverick Record in 2005 and became a Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot Jazz Albums chart. The singe “Come Fly With Me” peaked at No. 27 on the Billboard Hot 100. He has since parted ways with his label.

Johnny Red

Childhood and Family:

John Stevens was born John Bassat Stevens IV on July 28, 1987, in Buffalo, New York, but was raised in East Amherst. NY. He was educated at Williamsville East High School. In May 2009, he graduated from the Berklee College of Music in Boston, Massachusetts.

John began singing when he was four years old, and later sang in a select jazz group. His passion for jazz, big band and swing started after he discovered the record collection of his grandparents. He found similar tomes in the works of Duke Ellington, Dean Martin, and most significantly Frank Sinatra.

John Stevens has several nicknames. They are Johnny, Johnny B., Johnny Boy, Johnny Red, and Teen Martin.

Red

Career:

John Stevens auditioned for the third season of “American Idol” in New York City by performing a Dean Martin impersonation of “That's Amore.” When the judges asked him to sing his normal voice, he performed a smooth rendition of “ The Way You Look Tonight” and was sent through to the next round.

Stevens was a part of the semifinal group 4. He eventually passed to the next round after singing Billy Joel's “She's Always a Woman,” along with fellow group member Jasmine Trias. Only 16 years old at the time, Stevens became the youngest contestant even to make the finals on “American Idol.”

Stevens performed Stevie Wonder's “Lately” for “Soul Week” and was safe. He went on to perform Roger Miller's “King of Road” during “ Country Week” and then The Temptations' “My Girl” for “Motown Week.” He sang “Crocodile Rock” for “Elton John Week,” and Dooley Wilson's “As Time Goes By” for the film “Casablanca” during “Movie Soundtrack Week,” for which he was placed on the bottom 2. For “Barry Manilow Week,” he sang “Mandy.” He was eliminated during “Latin Week,” a tribute to the music of Gloria Estefan, after performing “Music of My Heart.” He became the sixth finalist to be eliminated from the show.

After “Idol,” Stevens was signed to Maverick Records and launched his debut album, “Red,” on June 28, 2005. the album which was produced by Steve Tyrell and executive produced by David Foster, reached No. 8 on the Billboard Hot Jazz Albums chart and No. 17 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers. It sold about 21,000 units. The album produced a single called “Come Fly With Me,” which made the Top 30 on the Billboard Hot 100 (#27). Stevens also covered The Beatles' “Here, There and Everywhere” and Maroon 5's “This Love,” which both were arranged and performed in a relaxed jazz/lounge style, for the album.

In January 2006, Stevens was released from his contract with Maverick Records.

Three years later, after graduating from Boston's Berklee College of Music, Stevens released a Christmas album, “Home for Christmas,” on November 1, 2009.

Currently, Stevens sings with the Boston based Beantown Swing Orchestra, focusing on the classic big band arrangements that were originally performed by Frank Sinatra and Bobby Darin.

Awards:
---