Jon Cowherd, the son of musician parents, grew up in Kentucky where he began singing and playing piano at an early age.  While attending college and launching a music career in New Orleans, Jon studied jazz piano and improvisation with Ellis Marsalis, John Mahoney and Steve Masakowski at Loyola University.  During this time he met and collaborated with fellow student Brian Blade as well as New Orleans bands led by Tony Dagradi, Steve Masakowski and Delfeayo Marsalis.

A Masters Degree in Jazz Studies at Manhattan School of Music brought Jon to New York where he continued performing with the bands of Brian Blade, Dave Binney, Phillip Harper, Myron Walden and vocalists Carla Cook, Norah Jones, Lizz Wright and Cladia Acuna.  

Jon's compositions and arrangements can be heard on:  Brian Blade Fellowship; Brian Blade Fellowship “Perceptual”; Lizz Wright “Salt”; and Original Broadway Cast Recording “Swing!”  His producer credits include:  Brian Blade Fellowship “Perceptual” (Blue Note) and Lizz Wright “Salt” (Verve).  His discography includes:  Brian Blade Fellowship;  Brian Blade Fellowship Perceptual”; Original Harmony Ridge Creekdippers (featuring Victoria Williams) “Zola and the Tulip Tree”; Steve Kowalchyk “Soul of the Night”;  Steve Sacks “Look to the Sky”; and Lizz Wright “Salt”.