Jon Batson

Born in Washington, D.C., Jon Batson was always curious about the meaning of life. He valued love, freedom, philosophy and education and firmly believed “if you do not grow, you shrink and “If it ain’t fun – don’t go!”

A creative soul and free spirit, he left behind his legacy through music, short stories, books and his popular four-part, YA science fiction series – Adventures of a Space Bum.

TV & Hollywood Singer/Songwriter

Jon’s artistic career began with music. Influenced by Kris Kristofferson, Burl Ives, Leon Redbone and Bob Gibson, he began writing and performing songs  which he believed were a three-minute movie in the 1960s in bars and coffee houses.

A talented entertainer, he performed both solo and with bands across the United States, as well as throughout the world in Portugal, Spain and the Great Wall of China. In his hometown, he sung before the Kennedy family, performed at the Arts Club of Washington and was televised nationwide from the National Cathedral.

In addition to a string of album and CD releases, his music has been used on television, including in the hit series Murder She Wrote and The Tonight Show. He also wrote five original musicals produced in Hollywood, CA, performed on such stages as the John Anson Ford Theatre. To inspire up-and-coming songwriters, he published, The Songwriter’s Hook Book, complete with tips and famous quotes.

In 2005, Jon made the move from Los Angeles, CA to Raleigh, North Carolina with his wife Eileen. In the “Old North State,” he continued to perform at a variety of venues, including the acclaimed Night of Dreams in Raleigh, the celebrated Festival for the Eno in Durham and the popular Carrboro Musical Festival.

Award-Winning Storyteller

Few musical talents can make the cross over from singer/songwriter to author.

Yet in fact, Jon did this time-and-time again and began writing short stories.

Making the shift from artist to author look seemingly effortless, in no time, he was winning multiple awards. He was a four-time winner of the Lower Cape Fear Short Story Contest and twice the Rusty Axe contest. He received Honorable Mention in the Writers of the Future Science Fiction Short Story Contest for “Selfers” and “Smoking Bedpan.” The latter turned into the YA series Adventures of a Space Bum. You can find many of Jon’s award-winning short stories in his three anthologies. In 2014, The News and Observer selected his story "Rain On St. Mary’s Street" the winner of their Halloween Ghost Story Contest.

Prolific & Published Author

Deciding to combine his vivid imagination with his love of words; his titles cross a number of genres - from conspiracy theories, suspense, action-adventure, and mystery to science fiction. He has 21 published paperback books and 20 eBooks including his popular, gripping YA sci-fi series, Adventures of a Space Bum and Nina Knows the Night. Both books feature a lively and empowering young heroin. All are available on Amazon.com. Known for his witty ability to get a point across as well as evolved character development and action, his stories provide entertainment, education and escape.

Much like his songwriting style, Jon’s writing stance is one part “sand in your eyes” and one part “cool summer breeze”. Just when you think you’ve understand the players, the plot and the purpose  the shift happens and you’re between confusion and clarity.

His signature is intentionally provocative and refreshingly entertaining. Readers describe his works as “life’s wisdom invisibly sewn into the web,” “his sci-fi reminds me of H.G. Wells,” and “thought-provoking and exhilarating.”

A Legacy Not To Be Forgotten

Jon Batson passed away January 16, 2017. Throughout his 72 years, he touched thousands of lives. His memory will live on through his music, short stories and books, continuing to touch more lives over many years to come. Visit http://www.TheRealJonBatson.com for books and news.

Your people thank you for having lived

Earth is better for your having lived

Men, women and children are alive today

Because you lived.

We thank you for coming to us.