Today we’d like to introduce you to Jon MacLennan.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m from Los Angeles, born and raised in the San Fernando Valley, and there are very few places in the world where you’ll find this many world-class musicians. You’ll find musical inspiration everywhere out here – in the people and the music. Getting a chance to hear and interact with these incredible players in my city is what drove me to become a musician – that, and Jimi Hendrix. When I was a kid, I remember hearing Jimi Hendrix’s rendition of “All Along The Watchtower” for the first time. I heard those electric guitar solos and thought, “I want to do that!” Ever since I picked up my first guitar as a kid, I felt like it was something I was meant to do. Guitar gave me a new way to connect with people that I didn’t even know was possible. Fast forward to today – after working as a professional guitarist in LA for 16 years – the guitar has taken me on adventures all around the world.
I’ve been lucky enough to play for some very notable musicians and artists, like John Popper of Blues Traveler, Julian Lennon, Steven Tyler, and Jamie Cullum. I’m grateful for those opportunities, but working my way up to them took a lot of persistence, passion, and practice.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Building a career as a full-time guitar player and freelance musician is not easy. There were many times when I really wanted a certain gig and was let down by not getting it – only to find that six months later a way better opportunity was in store. Like Napoleon Hill says, “Every adversity, every failure, every heartache carries with it the seed of an equal or greater benefit.” That’s one of my life mantras.
With that said, here’s some advice I’d give to aspiring guitarists in Los Angeles. First, to be a successful working musician, you need to learn to play a lot of different styles – from rock, pop and country to jazz, blues, Latin and classical. Second, never stop learning or being “a student” and always work on upgrading your skillset. And finally, stay optimistic and have a good attitude. Don’t forget to laugh and smile. Other musicians you play with will sense and appreciate having you around and in the band.
Tell us about your work– what should we know?
I’m primarily a guitarist and educator, but also a producer, songwriter, and artist. What sets me apart is my own, unique style of playing – well that, and I smile a lot. Some people call me “the happiest guitar player.” A few years back, I got the chance to play guitar on a song, “Someday,” with Julian Lennon, son of the late Beatle John Lennon, and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler.
Playing in the studio with these two legends has been one of the highlights of my career. As a kid, I grew up watching Steven Tyler sing “Dream On,” just dreaming of being in a band. And when Julian started singing me guitar parts to play on my Rickenbacker 12-string, I remember thinking, “this may be as close as I get to playing with The Beatles.” As a global music educator, I’ve taught millions of lessons to aspiring guitar players of all levels online via YouTube and other platforms.
I’m also a global ambassador and educator for the biggest guitar brand in the world – Fender. You can find some of my lessons on Fender Play – a digital learning app for guitar, bass, and ukulele. When I’m not playing out or teaching, I write and record my own original music and have released five albums to-date. You can listen to that music on my website, jonmaclennan.com.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Growing up in LA, I had the opportunity to meet and learn from some of the best guitar players in the world, like Kenny Burrell – who played for John Coltrane, Billie Holiday, Ray Charles and Aretha – and Tim Pierce, who’s played guitar on most of your favorite contemporary songs on the radio in the past few decades. When I was really digging into learning jazz in the early 2000s, I studied with Ron Anthony, who played guitar for Frank Sinatra and George Shearing.
After a few lessons, I asked him if he’d write me a letter of recommendation for the UCLA music program. On a little yellow legal pad, he wrote: “I think Jon is going to be a very great guitarist one day.” Those words stuck with me (and got me into UCLA), and I’m so thankful for all of the valuable lessons my mentors taught me along the way. Also, I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the support of my wonderful wife, Heather Youmans, who understands the lifestyle and what it takes to be a musician. She’s an awesome singer, songwriter, and bassist and we play out together in Los Angeles a lot!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jonmaclennan.com
- Phone: 818-282-6919
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @jonmaclennan
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jonmaclennanmusic
- Twitter: @jonmaclennan
- Other: www.youtube.com/jonmaclennan
Image Credit:
Julia Maltz, Chris Wood (lead photo only)
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