Jon Barker

Born into a musical family, Jon Barker studied the piano and violin classically from an early age. But between playing Bach and Beethoven, (much to his piano teacher’s horror) Jon played boogie-woogie and the blues.

At the age of just 17, Jon left his Cotswold home to follow his dream of performing in the professional theatre.

Returning to education, Jon studied piano and arranging for three years at Leeds College of Music where he gained a 1st class graduate diploma. He broadened his musical skills and knowledge by playing in jazz, rock, funk and soul bands, as well as being the resident topical singer/songwriter for two years on BBC Radio Leeds before going on to study a post graduate course in acting and drama.

At the age of 23 Jon became the resident entertainer at the Yacht Club Piano Bar on board the QE2. While performing about a world cruise in 1989 Jon wrote the music, lyrics and book for the musical about based on the life of Joseph Merrick, the Elephant Man which went on to be acquired by producer Stephen F. McKernan.

Presently the musical of The Elephant Man is in pre-production being made into a major feature film in the States, to be followed by a first-class Broadway stage production.

During this time Jon worked alongside and learnt from names such as Leonard Bernstein, Victor Borge, Michael Crawford, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., Vic Damone, David Zipple and Freddy Roman, and played the piano for Neil Sedaka, George Hearn, Loretta Swit, Juliet Prowse, as well as rubbing shoulders with Royalty, global leaders and heads of state.

By the age of 30 and now a established headline artist Jon was writing for TV and radio, his songs were played in the Royal London Festival Hall as well as writing and producing shows for five and six star cruise liners.

Today Jon and his wonderful wife Lisa, a former dancer, live in Nottinghamshire with their three children Oliver, Beatrice Lillie and William.

His song, Thank You For Being My Dad, has charted in 50 countries including USA.

Today, Jon writes shows, arranges and records the music for CarnivalUK cruise line and is heavily involved in the creative process and all aspects of each production.

Jon also writes and records music for film, TV and all entertainment platforms.