Ian Von

BIOGRAPHY

With soul stirring lyrics and a smooth voice to match, Ian Von has -- in a short time, captured the attention and hearts of the masses. Smart, witty, God-fearing, and talented are only a few words to describe the triple threat as he now stands to establish himself as a force to be reckoned with.

Born and raised in Baton Rouge, La., Ian grew up in a very musically inclined family with its roots planted firmly in the church. It would be here where he would first hone his skills as a musician. With brothers, a mother, sister, and many cousins gifted musically, music is not just in his soul but is a birth right. One cousin, Micah Stampley, has made quite a name for himself in the music industry Currently under the Motown Gospel Umbrella. These “in- house” influences helped Ian develop his craft.

With a vocal range spanning several octaves, Ian quickly became a standout within the Baton Rouge church community. Performances with various choirs and groups took him to cities around the world including Detroit, New York, London just to name a few. The trips abroad would serve to expand Ian’s musical appetite, exposing him to a Gospel community with voices unmatched in the music business world. Ian remembers fondly the sounds of the Clark Sisters, the Winans family, Kim Burrell, Fred Hammond, as well as many other Gospel musicians being played around his family home.

“It became the soundtrack of our lives,” he says.

A product of the hip-hop generation, the culture was inescapable. Much of the popular music of the day spoke on conditions and a lifestyle not foreign to him. As Ian grew older he became increasingly aware of his surroundings and began to explore the sights and sounds of his neighborhood. Brian McKnight, the harmonies of Boyz II Men, and the street poetry of Nas all influenced the teenager, and as he puts it, would later help him become a more balanced and well rounded artist.

“I’ve had many experiences, both good and bad, but all of which I’ve learned from. My music is a reflection of that.”

When Ian’s high school choir director suggested that he and 3 classmates form a group, Ian agreed to test the waters, but feared that their families would not allow them to sing secular music. The group decided to do a one time show at their annual choir retreat talent show. Plans would soon change once they had a taste of the spotlight and realized once was not enough. That one performan