Javier Colon's Rise To Fame – Soul, Passion, And Pure Talent
Javier Colon’s journey from Connecticut to The Voice stage is full of heart, talent, and unforgettable music.
Jul 20, 20251.6K Shares61.7K Views
Javier Colón draws you in with a warm, soulful voice and songs that feel both honest and uplifting. He gained national attention in 2011 when he won the first season of NBC’s The Voice, earning a recording contract and a cash prize. With his distinctive blend of acoustic soul, he has released music that spans R&B, folk, rock, and soul, earning praise for its heartfelt lyrics and natural sound. Fans still remember his performances of songs like “Time After Time,” “Stand by Me,” and “Stitch by Stitch” that showcased his emotional range on national TV. Through it all, Javier remains genuine in his art, writing and performing music that aims to connect with listeners on a personal level.
Early Life
Javier Colón was born on April 29, 1978, in Stratford, Connecticut. His father is Dominican and worked at a radio station, and his mother is Puerto Rican. He attended Frank Scott Bunnell High School in Stratford, where he began writing songs as a student.
After high school, he studied music education at the University of Hartford’s Hartt School. While there, he performed as a singer and percussionist in a soul-funk band named EmcQ, inspired by the music of Stevie Wonder. His early home life was full of music. His father was a radio DJ and music played in their house often. He started playing piano and guitar around age seven, and by middle school he was writing songs and singing regularly.
Music Career
Javier first stepped into the music world after college by joining EmcQ, a soul-funk group inspired by Stevie Wonder. After performing together and opening for acts like Soulive, he was invited to lead vocals for the Derek Trucks Band in 2000, touring with them for nearly two years.
In 2002, he left the band to begin a solo path with Capitol Records. He released two albums: Javierin 2003, featuring the single “Crazy,” which reached number 95 on the Billboard Hot 100, and Left of Centerin 2006.
In 2011, Javier auditioned for The Voice and won its first season. He then released his third studio album, Come Through for You, which included collaborations with Adam Levine and Natasha Bedingfield. The album appeared briefly on the Billboard 200 and peaked at number 20 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.
After parting ways with Universal Republic in 2012 due to creative differences, Javier signed with Concord Music Group in 2014. He released his fourth album, Gravity, in 2016, a project where he co-wrote nearly every song and embraced his “acoustic soul” style.
Though he hasn’t released new albums since Gravity, Javier continues to perform live, collaborate with artists, and create music independently. His recent activity includes performances overseas, like a show with Maroon 5, and participation in weekly programs like Inside Voice with Javier Colón.
Recordings
- Javier (2003):His debut album was released on Capitol Records. The lead single “Crazy” reached number 95 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 42 on the Hot R&B/Hip‑Hop Songs chart. The album itself peaked at number 91 on the Billboard 200 and number 18 on the R&B/Hip‑Hop Albums chart. It mixes R&B, funk, jazz, and hints of Latin style and includes a guest feature by Mulgrew Miller and Roy Hargrove on the final track “October Sky.”
- Left of Center (2006):His second studio album was released on March 7, 2006. It followed a similar R&B and soul direction with singles like “Indecent Proposal,” “Dance for Me,” and “The Answer Is Yes.” It reached number 37 on the R&B/Hip‑Hop Albums chart. Anthony Hamilton appears as a guest on the song “Count On Me.”
- The Truth – Acoustic EP (2010):This six-track acoustic project was released independently on his own label. It focused on simple arrangements with piano and guitar, highlighting his personal songwriting and vocal style.
- A Very Acoustic Christmas EP (2011):Released during the holiday season under Universal Motown, it featured acoustic versions of classic Christmas songs.
- Come Through for You (2011):This third studio album was released on November 21 under Universal Republic Records after he won The Voice. Singles include “As Long As We Got Love” with Natasha Bedingfield, “Stand Up” with Adam Levine, and a cover of “Angel.” The album reached number 134 on the Billboard 200 and number 20 on the R&B/Hip‑Hop Albums chart.
- Gravity (2016):His fourth full-length album was released through Concord Music Group. Javier co-wrote most of the songs, staying true to his acoustic soul style. It includes songs like “Clear the Air,” “Walking Blind,” and “For a Reason.” While it did not chart widely, it marked a creative milestone in his work.
He also released singles from his time on The Voice such as “Stitch by Stitch,” which debuted at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100, and performances like “Time After Time,” “Stand by Me,” “Angel,” and “Fix You.”
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