Check Out Jonnie Forster’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonnie Forster. Them and their team share their story with us below:

Music executive and first-time author Jonnie Forster is embarking on the release of The Bird and the Bee. The book follows Herbie the Hummingbird and Bree the Princess Bee as they change the world, all while teaching lessons of acceptance, teamwork, open-mindedness, environmental consciousness, and love. The book came from an idea that literally happened in front of Forster’s face. He was in Lake Tahoe looking at the lake when a hummingbird flew over his shoulder and wasn’t scared of him. It hovered for a long time and then he noticed there as a group of bees next to him feeding on the same group of flowers. He saw two different creatures living in harmony and it reminded him of his recent wedding where different cultures came together under the love and how these “birds” and “bees” can teach us something. He came up with some rough ideas and then put it away until Covid struck and he got it the third time. Under quarantine, it was time to finish the book. But as he was writing it, he realized he couldn’t tell the story of reproduction to his four-year-old daughter so made it about pollinating the forrest.

Forster started his career at A&M/Tuff Break Records implementing marketing plans for their hip-hop roster before moving to Capitol Records. As a marketing executive, he was instrumental in campaigns for the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Jimi Hendrix, The Beach Boys, Tina Turner, Pink Floyd, and a host of others. His first break came as executive producer for George Clinton’s “Greatest Funkin’ Hits” album securing artists like Ice Cube, Busta Rhymes, Q-Tip, Ol’ Dirty Bastard, Coolio, and Digital Underground Jonnie went on to produce the first-ever online concert with George Clinton and Macromedia, blowing up Internet servers all over the globe. At 23 years old, he was promoted to Director of A&R/New Business Development, one of the youngest to hold this title in the company’s storied history. Seeking more entrepreneurial freedom, Jonnie and his brothers established the premier music supervision company for the video game industry with clients including EA Sports, Sony Computer Entertainment America, and Activision. The company continued to develop recording artists and entered into joint venture deals with Warner Bros Music, BMG Music, and then a full distribution deal with EMI. I. Forster Bros. opened a business consulting division for entertainment projects most noteworthy representing the Palms Casino and Resort, the Gallo Winery, and The Bob Marley Estate to launch Marley Coffee. The management side of the business has seen clients ranging from global icons including Lauryn Hill and platinum rapper Lil Zane to current country cross-over star Willie Jones. In 2020, Forster’s entertainment company 4 SOUND rebranded to The PENTHOUSE, inspired by its one-of-a-kind creative hub. The Penthouse includes recording studios, offices for film & TV, management companies and cannabis ventures, plus a legendary 2,500 sq. foot patio overlooking the Hollywood Hills where all are invited to collaborate & celebrate

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’m in the music industry, nothing is smooth. BUT, this has been the most effortless project from inception to release that I’ve been involved in. Maybe because it’s gathering steam by supporters around me or the fact that it’s just a simple story with so many layers that need to be heard right now. Either way, I’ll take it.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
First-time author and music executive.

How do you think about happiness?
Laughter makes me happy. It’s when people connect the most in my opinion. Laughter makes all pain go away, it suspends all other negative emotions, even if it’s just a temporary mental vacation. That and my mother’s phone calls, my wife’s kiss, and my daughter’s daily escapes in my arms that we call “Hugsville.”

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.itsthebirdandthebee.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsthebirdandthebee/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Bird-The-Bee-107031175481318
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFqoW9KTWd6wJgzXE1v-Z8g

Image Credits
Jon McKee for the headshot Forster Family for the family photos