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The Crumbling Rockstar Life of Jonny Craig
As long as we have breath, we can be redeemed
In music, many band members and artists have used drugs, cheated, and murdered. These viewpoints have become an integral part of the life of a rock star. Jonny Craig has lived the life of a rock star: he misused substances and had countless controversies.
However, he’s among the most recognizable faces and voices in the modern rock and indie scene. He’s a talented singer who has squandered his ability.
So, without further ado, let’s break down the life of Jonny Craig.
Jonny Craig’s Early Years (WesterHALTS and Ghost Runner On Third)
Jonny Craig was born Jonathan Monroe Craig on March 26, 1986, in Abbotsford, Canada. Soon after, in the early 2000s, his family moved to Minot, North Dakota. Jonny Craig grew up in a musical family, as his mother played gospel and Christian rock. Jonny told the music blog Eat Yo Beats:
My mom made me listen to tons of shit when I was a kid, everything from Michael Bolton to some weird ass Christian rock bands.
Jonny Craig’s passion for music grew regardless of what he listened to as a child. He knew he had to become a singer. Craig felt inspired to sing after seeing a Boyz II Men concert. Their performance told Craig that he should sing for a living.
When he moved to the United States in 2000, he auditioned for countless bands, but no one would accept him, so he formed WesterHALTS.
There is only one known recording of the band’s song “Change, Leisure, and Retirement.” In this song, fourteen-year-old Jonny Craig sings over a fast instrumental at the top of his lungs. His voice is impressive for a fourteen-year-old. Craig’s high baritone and deep tenor voice have excellent control.
The band didn’t last long, and Jonny started auditioning for bands again. He auditioned for the band Ghost Runner On Third from Tacoma…
