With his smooth demeanor and seductive lyrics, Jon B. was one of the leading male R&B singers of the ’90s. • Jon B. grew up in a musical family in Pasadena, California. His father was a music professor, and his mother was a concert pianist. His grandparents owned a record store. • Jon B. began his career by writing and producing songs for R&B acts like Color Me Badd, After 7, New Edition, and Toni Braxton. • In 1995, after landing a deal with Yab Yum Records—the label headed by Tracey Edmonds, wife of singer Babyface—Jon B. released his debut album, Bonafide. The single “Someone to Love,” featuring Babyface, earned a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals. • His 1997 sophomore album, Cool Relax, includes "They Don't Know,” which reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100, and “Are U Still Down,” an R&B/hip-hop smash featuring 2Pac.