Album Notes

Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson is a charismatic goodwill ambassador and virtuoso tenor whose joy and exuberance in the ring create a powerful connection with every audience he welcomes.

When Johnathan's around, people can't take their eyes off him. Hearing him sing, they quickly understand why this amazingly accomplished young New Yorker is a natural as the voice of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® - the most famous circus in the world.

Born in New York City, Johnathan began performing at age 11 with the world-famous Boys Choir of Harlem. For seven years, as part of a select family of young talented men, he was groomed with the skills of charm and self-expression through the art of music. With his mother as his mentor, his incredible talent and perseverance placed him in the role of lead tenor for the choir.

Johnathan gained an intense training in all forms of music including classical, jazz, hip-hop, and gospel, and experienced a string of unforgettable, inspiring moments as a member of the Boys Choir: seeing Placido Domingo perform in Japan (1989), singing at the intermission for Luciano Pavarotti's Concert in Central Park; and performing in a live show on Broadway for two weeks (1993).

In 1991, Johnathan placed second in the Lena Horne Vocal Jazz Scholarship, a competition for performing arts students throughout New York City.

Johnathan graduated from the University of Hartford's Hartt School in May 1998 with a degree in voice performance. During his college career, he starred in several University opera productions. He believes that classical singing is a lot like being an athlete: It takes incredible strength and concentration. His plans for graduate study were interrupted when he was selected to perform with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey®.

Johnathan has an incredible respect for all of the circus artists and considers his role an unbelievable dream. He hopes to help the audience to escape into the world of the circus and bring the show to a new level.

Johnathan was named one of the 10 Most Fascinating People of 1999 by Barbara Walters.