John Elefante

{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{BLP sources|date=February 2011}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name              = John Elefante
| image             = John_Elefante_at_Bam_Jam.jpg
| caption           = Elefante performing in 2012
| image_size        = <!-- Only for images smaller than 220 pixels -->
| background        = solo_singer
| birth_date        = {{birth date and age|1958|3|18}}
| birth_place       = [[Levittown, New York]], U.S.
| instrument        = {{hlist|Vocals|keyboards|guitar}}
| genre             = {{flatlist|
* [[Hard rock]]
* [[pop rock]]
* [[progressive rock]]
* [[Christian rock]]
* [[Contemporary Christian music|contemporary Christian]]
}}
| occupation        = {{flatlist|
* Singer
* songwriter
* musician
* Record producer
}}
| years_active      = 1981–present
| label             = {{flatlist|
* [[Word Records|Word]]
* Pakaderm
* [[Pamplin Music|Pamplin]]
}}
| associated_acts   = [[Kansas (band)|Kansas]], [[Mastedon]], World Classic Rockers
| website           = {{URL|johnelefante.com}}
}}

'''John Elefante''' (born March 18, 1958) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, and record producer.<ref>{{cite web|title=John Elefante Credits|url=http://www.allmusic.com/artist/john-elefante-p73675/credits/date-asc/|publisher=Rovi Corporation|access-date=January 1, 2012}}</ref> From 1981-1984, he was lead vocalist of the rock group [[Kansas (band)|Kansas]] and is currently touring with several groups that have featured members from classic rock bands. His credits include writing and singing lead vocals on three multi-platinum albums. He produced albums that have earned numerous [[GMA Dove Awards]], four [[Grammy Awards]] (most recently in 2000), and ten Grammy nominations. He has maintained a close working relationship with his brother, Dino, co-writer of several Kansas songs.

==Early life==
He was born in [[Levittown, New York]], and his family soon moved to [[Long Beach, California]]. He sang and played drums for his family band, The Brotherhood.

==1981–1984: Kansas==
In late 1981, Elefante auditioned for his second band position, as the new lead singer and keyboardist for [[Kansas (band)|Kansas]], after the departure of its co-founder [[Steve Walsh (musician)|Steve Walsh]]. The previous year, Kansas was one of the top-grossing concert acts in the world.<ref>Pollstar{{better source needed|date=July 2022}}</ref> Several of the top vocalists of the time applied for the job, including [[Sammy Hagar]], Dennis "Fergie" Fredriksen, and Jim Stafford.

Elefante did lead vocals and keyboards on two albums, and was a major songwriter along with [[Kerry Livgren]]. On 1982's ''[[Vinyl Confessions]]'', he sang the No. 4 [[Billboard charts#Mainstream Rock Tracks|Billboard Mainstream Rock]] hit, "[[Play the Game Tonight]]". He wrote "Chasing Shadows and the Top 40 single, "Right Away". In 1983, on the following album, ''[[Drastic Measures]]'', he wrote "[[Fight Fire With Fire (Kansas song)|Fight Fire with Fire]]", which remains the band's highest charting single at No. 3 (Mainstream Rock). He wrote "Everybody's My Friend", which is the second single and reached No. 34 on the [[Billboard charts#Mainstream Rock Tracks|Billboard Mainstream Rock]] chart.

While with Kansas, he became a record producer. He issued ''Perfect Timing'' (1984) for the Southern California group, [[Sweet Comfort Band]]. Though not a major commercial success, [[Petra (band)|Petra]]'s ''[[Back to the Street]]'' was a Grammy-nominated, breakthrough, commercial success for both Elefante and the band. He also contributed songwriting, keyboards, background vocals, and engineering to the effort.

In 1984, on the retrospective collection ''[[The Best of Kansas]]'', he wrote the album's one new track, "Perfect Lover". That year, he, Kerry Livgren, and Dave Hope left the band.

==1985–1994==
In 1985, "Young and Innocent" appeared on the soundtrack to ''[[St. Elmo's Fire (film)|St. Elmo's Fire]]'' and was credited to "Elefante" – a collaborative effort by John and his brother Dino Elefante.<ref>{{cite web|title=Original Soundtrack St. Elmo's Fire|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/st-elmos-fire-mw0000650808|publisher=All Media Network}}</ref>

With both John and Dino Elefante as the band's primary producers, Petra's already popular Christian pop/rock niche was given a timely boost. Their accolades include multiple gold albums, 10 consecutive ''[[CCM Magazine]]'' Reader's Choice Awards, induction into the [[Gospel Music Hall of Fame]] and [[Hard Rock Cafe]], and becoming the only artist to ever have four albums in the [[SoundScan]] top-100 Christian chart.

In 1987, while producing a various-artists album called ''California Metal'', the album's production team of John and Dino Elefante ended up one track short and they decided to add a song which had been written for Kansas called "Wasn't It Love" (originally titled "What About Love") as the band [[Mastedon]]. Regency later requested a full-length album which became Mastedon's debut, ''It's a Jungle Out There''.

He produced Petra's further releases, and 30 other albums. He usually performed on them, often sharing songwriting credits. He was committed as producer, eschewing other opportunities such as an offer to replace [[Bobby Kimball]] as lead singer for Grammy winners, [[Toto (band)|Toto]].

Elefante focused on heavier music in the early 1990s, including the [[Guardian (band)|Guardian]] release, ''[[Fire and Love]]'', reaching regular rotation on MTV. He continued [[Mastedon]] with his brother.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mastedon: '80s melodic rock band led by the Elefante brothers|url=http://www.nolifetilmetal.com/mastedon.htm|publisher=No Life Til Metal|access-date=May 9, 2008}}</ref> The band's name is a pachyderm-inspired reference to the brothers' last name. Its albums feature multiple lead singers and performances by other artists, creating an eclectic sound anchored by Elefante's songwriting. His brother Dino was songwriter and main guitarist.

Mastedon's first release is ''[[It's a Jungle Out There!]]'' (1989). In 1990, the band released ''[[Lofcaudio]]''. This album continued the guest performance theme, though Elefante sang more of the lead vocals. Unfortunately, John and Dino's production schedule preempted any touring to commercially support the album (though the band did appear at least one Christian rock festival, [[Cornerstone Festival|Cornerstone]], in 1991). The albums charted at No. 25 and No. 10, respectively.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nolifetilmetal.com/mastedon.htm |title=No Life 'til Metal – CD Gallery – Mastedon |publisher=Nolifetilmetal.com |access-date=January 1, 2012}}</ref>

John and Dino Elefante formed their own record label, Pakaderm. Most of the music they produced in the next 10 years was released from it. With major distribution through [[Word Records]] and [[A&M Records]], Pakaderm became an important element in the brothers' success. Their label afforded them and their artists significant creative control, while still benefiting from major label resources.

With intense recording schedules in 1993, the brothers built their own {{convert|28000|sqft|m2|adj=on}} recording studio in [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]], called Sound Kitchen. In addition to their own productions, the brothers planned to rent time in the studio to other artists and producers.

==1995–1999==
Elefante continued as producer, became record label chief, and began a solo career. He released two solo albums: ''Windows of Heaven'' (1995) and ''Corridors'' (1997).

Under the brothers’ management, Sound Kitchen recorded artists such as [[Bruce Springsteen]], [[Faith Hill]] and [[Tim McGraw]], and [[Buddy Guy]]. The complex was soon expanded to {{convert|80000|sqft|m2}}.

Elefante was hired by [[Pamplin Records]] in 1998, working with Dino to generate artist development. They produced 32 albums, most of which feature Elefante as arranger and performer. The styles include rock, gospel, pop, and metal.

In 1999, Elefante released his most popular solo effort, ''Defying Gravity'' (1999).  It spawned several hit singles and mainstream music videos. He planned a 25-date solo tour but he was badly injured in an accident before the first concert and had to cancel the tour.

==2000–2007==
Elefante rebounded, beginning with the production of Petra's Grammy award-winning album, ''[[Double Take (Petra album)|Double Take]]''. He continued working at Pamplin, producing 20 more albums for them in just three years. Simultaneously, he and Dino continued managing Sound Kitchen.

In 2002, he left Pamplin after a string of successful albums, including the debut for [[Natalie Grant]].

That year, John and Dino sold Sound Kitchen. It had become the largest recording studio in the southeastern United States. Artists included [[Alabama (American band)|Alabama]], [[Amy Grant]], [[Barry Manilow]], [[Brad Paisley]], [[Brooks & Dunn]], [[Carrie Underwood]], [[Dixie Chicks]], [[Dolly Parton]], [[Donna Summer]], [[George Strait]], [[Gretchen Wilson]], [[Jewel (singer)|Jewel]], [[Jimmy Buffett]], [[Julio Iglesias]], [[Keith Urban]], [[Kenny Rogers]], [[LeAnn Rimes]], [[Mary Chapin Carpenter]], [[Michael W Smith]], [[Peter Cetera]], [[Reba McEntire]], [[Rascal Flatts]], [[Third Day]], [[Trisha Yearwood]], and [[Vince Gill]].

Elefante started a new major-distributed label with his brother in 2003, [[Selectric Records]]. Co-managing the label with his brother, he produced 10 albums over the next three years. As a singer, he recorded with artists including [[Pat Boone]] and [[Bono]].

In late 2006, the brothers closed the label but he produced three albums in 2007.

Elefante made a new [[Mastedon]] album, ''[[3 (Mastedon album)|3]]'', featuring former Kansas bandmate Kerry Livgren.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/3-mw0001797480/credits|title=3 – Mastedon : Credits|publisher=allmusic.com|access-date=May 4, 2013}}</ref> Its style is similar to Mastedon, his Kansas work, and his solo albums.

==2010==
As of 2010, Elefante had produced and or performed on more than 100 major label albums.

In 2010, Big3 Records rereleased ''[[3 (Mastedon album)|3]]'' as Elefante's ''Revolution of Mind''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/revolution-of-mind-mw0002090352/releases|title=Revolution of Mind – John Elefante, Mastedon|publisher=allmusic.com|access-date=May 4, 2013}}</ref>

His latest studio album, ''On My Way to the Sun'', released in May 2013,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/on-my-way-to-the-sun-mw0002521709|title=On My Way to the Sun – John Elefante|publisher=allmusic.com|access-date=May 4, 2013}}</ref> reunited Elefante with former Kansas bandmate Rich Williams and also featured current Kansas violinist David Ragsdale.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allmusic.com/album/on-my-way-to-the-sun-mw0002521709|title=John Elefante Returns with New Album|publisher=allmusic.com|access-date=May 4, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://letgodrockyourworld.wordpress.com/2013/04/30/john-elefante-returns-with-new-album-available-may-7th-on-my-way-to-the-sun-reunites-elefante-with-former-kansas-bandmates/|title=John Elefante Returns with New Album Available May 7th, "On My Way to the Sun" reunites Elefante with former Kansas Bandmates|last=Ross|first=C. W.|date=April 30, 2013|website=ChristianRockersOnline.com|access-date=August 17, 2016}}</ref>

In 2013, Elefante released a single, "This Time" which was accompanied by a music video, that tells the story of his adopted daughter who was nearly aborted by her birth mother.<ref name="HuffPo09172013">{{cite web|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/17/john-elefante-abortion_n_3942861.html|title= John Elefante Anti-Abortion Music Video 'This Time' Tells Story of Adopted Daughter's Birth|date=September 17, 2013|work=The Huffington Post|access-date=October 4, 2014}}</ref> The video shows a pregnant teenager entering an [[abortion clinic]] and then having a dream about a little girl she knew to be her unborn daughter.<ref name="HuffPo09172013"/>

Elefante is a member of the Jay Sekulow Band which is named after band leader [[Jay Sekulow]], chief counsel of the [[American Center for Law & Justice]] (ACLJ), and one of [[Donald Trump]]'s personal lawyers during his US presidency.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Suebsaeng|first1=Asawin|last2=Swan|first2=Betsy|url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/trumps-lawyer-jay-sekulow-has-a-band-its-terrible|title= Trump's Lawyer Jay Sekulow Has A Band. It's Terrible.|newspaper=The Daily Beast|date=June 19, 2017|access-date=December 2, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Moore|first=Sam|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/donald-trumps-lawyer-jay-sekulow-band-kansas-2090791|title= Donald Trump's lawyer is in a band with the ex-singer of Kansas|website=NME|date=June 20, 2017|access-date=December 2, 2019}}</ref>

==Discography==
'''Kansas'''
*1982: ''[[Vinyl Confessions]]''
*1982: ''Best of Kansas Live'' (VHS) (a.k.a. ''Live Confessions'' DVD)<ref>{{cite web|title=Best of Kansas Live (VHS) (aka Live Confessions DVD)|url=http://www.progarchives.com/album.asp?id=11795|publisher=Prog Archives|access-date=January 1, 2012}}</ref>
*1983: ''[[Drastic Measures]]''
*1984: ''[[The Best of Kansas]]'' including "Perfect Lover" (Lead vocals, songwriter, keyboards, guitar, bass, drums, producer)

'''Mastedon'''
*1989: ''[[It's a Jungle Out There!]]'' – [[Mastedon]] (Lead vocals, songwriter, keyboards, producer)
*1990: ''[[Lofcaudio]]'' – Mastedon (Lead vocals, songwriter, keyboards, producer)
*1992: Mastedon: Pakaderm Presents ''Video Stampede'' (VHS)<ref>{{cite web|title=Metal for Heaven|url=http://robertigno.webs.com/apps/blog/show/526105-pakaderm-presents-video-stampede-vhs-to-dvdr-1992|publisher=Robert Igno|access-date=January 1, 2012}}</ref>
*2009: ''[[3 (Mastedon album)|3]]''* – Mastedon (Lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards, producer, songwriter) (Europe/Asia)
*2010: ''[[3 (Mastedon album)|Revolution of Mind]]''* – Mastedon (North America)

<nowiki>*</nowiki> ''Mastedon: 3'' and ''Revolution Of Mind'' are the same album, but released in different markets.

'''Solo'''
*1995: ''Windows of Heaven'' (Word Records) (Lead vocals, songwriter, keyboards, percussion, producer)
*1997: ''Corridors'' (Pamplin Music) (Lead vocals, songwriter, keyboards, producer)
*1999: ''Defying Gravity'' (Pamplin) (Lead vocals, songwriter, keyboards, producer)
*2013: ''On My Way to the Sun'' (independent) (Lead vocals, songwriter, keyboards, producer)
*2022: ''[[The Amazing Grace (album)|The Amazing Grace]]'' (independent) (Lead vocals, songwriter, keyboards, lead guitar, producer)

==Awards==
*1991 [[Grammy Award]] Best Rock Gospel Album for "Beyond Belief" – Petra (co-producer)
*1993: [[GMA Dove Award]] Rock Song of the Year for "Destiny" – Petra (co-songwriter)
*2000: [[Grammy Award]] Best Rock/Contemporary Gospel Album for ''Double Take'' – Petra (co-producer)

==See also==
* [[Kansas (band)|Kansas]]
* [[Petra (band)|Petra]]
* [[Mastedon]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Kansasband}}
{{Petra (band)}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Elefante, John}}
[[Category:1958 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:20th-century evangelicals]]
[[Category:21st-century evangelicals]]
[[Category:American evangelicals]]
[[Category:American people of Italian descent]]
[[Category:American performers of Christian music]]
[[Category:American rock singers]]
[[Category:Converts to evangelical Christianity]]
[[Category:Grammy Award winners]]
[[Category:Kansas (band) members]]
[[Category:People from Levittown, New York]]