His lyrics tug at your heartstrings and his music moves your soul. He is the idea behind Five For Fighting, breathing life into his songs and touching hearts all over the world. His music is filled with emotion and enriched with meaning. Songs like Superman, 100 Years, World and Freedom Never Cries have made their way into America’s “songbook.” He is Five For Fighting’s John Ondrasik.
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 Born and raised just a few miles south of here in Granada Hills, John spent his early years learning the piano. As he approached his teenage years, he learned to play the guitar and began writing music. And while he went on to college at UCLA and graduated with a degree in applied science and mathematics, he never lost sight of his love for music. John’s debut album launched in 1997 with Message for Albert, but it wasn’t until 2001 where Five For Fighting’s grammy-nominated song Superman, from the platinum certified America Town album, took on a life of its own. After the 9/11 attacks on America, this song became known as an anthem for the aftermath, a song of healing and a song of hope. “I can’t stand to fly….I’m not that naïve…I’m just out to find…the better part of me.” John’s powerful lyrics resonated in hearts around the country. In 2004, John recorded another platinum certified album, The Battle For Everything, which debuted at number 20 on the Billboard 200. In August of 2006, Five For Fighting released another album, Two Lights, taking the charts at number eight that year. Their fifth album, Slice, was released just last year. “We released our second single last month,” states John, “and will be promoting the album and touring. Then it’s back to the studio.” “Slice is a look back in time, where we waited for records, we told stories, we talked about experiences, when life was simple,” states John, “straight from the heart.” John’s success in the music industry has allowed him to dedicate time towards causes that are important to him, raising money for various charities and even producing a CD compilation series of superstar recording artists dedicated to our United States troops. “I am fortunate enough to be able to live my dream and survive as a singer/songwriter and make a living doing it. But with that, I am able to give back to causes that I’m passionate about,” states John. John will be making his way to the Santa Clarita Valley on September 25, where he will be headlining for the Michael Hoefflin Foundation’s annual Evening Under the Stars Gala Dinner. “I was asked through my agent to do this event. After doing research on the foundation and reading about Michael’s legacy, I knew I wanted to be a part of it,” states John. “I’m a dad, and I’ve done so many events, and met so many inspirational kids. I admire their passion and their strength. I want to honor the memory of the spirits of those who passed on, and turn tragedy into something positive. I think events like this one remind us how lucky we are. This is a very challenging time in America. I know. I make my life in a tour bus and I go from town to town seeing how people are challenged and suffering. But when you hear of Michael’s story, or others like his, you realize just how blessed you are.” For more information visit www.fiveforfighting.com. |