American R&B singer Jon Echols sheds light on his single Lady, his early beginnings and what's coming next

American R&B has set the tone for alot of the music scene from the innovative work of groups like 112, Jagged Edge and even other legendary groups like The Temptations to solo artists like Joe, Aaliyah and many more. In Hampton , Virginia another music star is rising up and standing out, Jon Echols started his career back in 2017 building a buzz for himself and recording unstoppable tracks . From his early EP projects like Grow'n Pains (2019) and his follow up EP Pretty Privilege (2023) to his exciting run of music videos to original bangers such as Blessings , Beautiful Mess , On The Way and more many more. The Washington-based singer songwriter's virtual live performance series 'Serenading Sundays' has been blowing up on social media platform Instagram which sees him perform popular R&B songs like Leon Thomas' MUTT, How does it feel by D'Angelo and The Way by Jill Scott just to name a few. There's just no telling what will come from Jon Echols and the Tenth Music group camp but utter Greatness. Jon shared with us more behind his latest popular single LADY and what he hopes fans will take from the song and also discusses his early beginnings and tells us his inspirations growing in music. Jon also gives advice and shares his wisdom to aspiring musicians in the world today and unlocks info of what fans can expect from him coming up in 2025 and beyond.

Stream Lady on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube

1) Welcome Jon, congratulations on your single Lady, it’s a fantastic single and we love it. Could you tell us about how it first came about?

JON: Thank you so much — I really appreciate that. Lady came from a real place of wanting to celebrate the kind of love that feels timeless. I was thinking about the women in my life who held a certain grace and power, and I wanted to write a song that honors that. It started with the melody and that smooth, warm groove. Once I had that foundation, the lyrics just flowed — it felt like I was speaking directly to her. It’s romantic but also grounded in admiration and respect.

2) We appreciate your music. What do you hope fans take from this release — do you have expectations?

JON: I hope Lady makes people feel seen and appreciated. I want folks to hear it and either feel like the “Lady” I’m singing about — or be reminded of someone who brings that light into their life. I try not to move with expectations, because art is a conversation — you put it out and let people connect with it in their own way. But if anything, I hope it adds something soulful and positive to their day.

3) You’ve come a long way from the early days and it’s been fun discovering your catalogue of songs. Who were some of your inspirations growing up in music?

JON: Growing up, I was inspired by storytellers from my home state of Virginia — people like Pharrell, Chris Brown, Missy Elliot, The Clipse, and Timbaland. I was also given older influences from my father, raising me on R&B/Soul artists like Teddy Pendergrass and Marvin Gaye. Then my sister and brother are about 10 years older than me so I was exposed to artists/groups such as 112, Jagged Edge, Dru Hill, Tank, and Jamie Foxx. Also, when I was in college I heavily listened to artists like Bryson Tiller and Ty Dolla Sign. I also drew from outside R&B — artists like Andre 3000 and Kendrick Lamar which has influenced the way I think about lyrics and performance. I’m a blend of all those styles and emotions.

4) You’ve released an impressive amount of music from your debut album Coliseum Dreams to your EP Pretty Privilege and recent songs like Beauty, Still Slidin & Shii, and Conversation. How would you describe your growth over the years? Are you proud of the journey so far?

JON: Definitely. I’m proud because I’ve stayed true to myself, even as my sound has evolved. Coliseum Dreams was about foundation — understanding who I am as an artist and a storyteller. Pretty Privilege dove into introspection and social themes. The newer releases show a more refined version of me — musically and emotionally. I’ve learned to trust my voice more, trust the process, and let the art breathe. And I’m still learning every day.

5) As a Black R&B talent coming up, we know it hasn’t been easy in the industry. What advice would you give young creatives who want to have success in music?

JON: Don’t wait for the industry to tell you you’re worthy — build your own foundation. A lot of what we call “success” starts behind closed doors: discipline, emotional resilience, and doing the boring stuff like organizing your files, following up on emails, and rehearsing when no one’s watching. There’s this illusion that talent is enough, but being consistent and intentional is what really moves things forward. Also, stop trying to chase the algorithm — focus on real community and real connection. The numbers will come, but the mission has to come first.

6) Lastly, what can we expect from you moving forward? Any more projects on the way, more music videos or more live shows?

JON: Absolutely — I’m just getting warmed up. I’ve got new music on the way, more visuals that bring the songs to life, and live shows planned across DC and beyond. I’m also expanding The Tenth Music as a platform — pushing more content, more collaborations, and finding ways to build culture through music. I want everything I do to feel intentional and alive — and I’m excited for what’s next. To find out more follow Jon Echols on Instagram, Twitter / X and Facebook