Jonathan C. David
@jonathancdavid.bsky.social
Author, Folklorist, Memoirist, Journalist, Ethnomusicologist, and Producer. https://jonathancdavid.com/
Visit my website at ↪️ www.jonathancdavid.com
On my site, you can read reviews and purchase my books, find out about upcoming books, read my articles and bio, watch videos and listen to music by the Singing and Praying Bands, and lots more.
On my site, you can read reviews and purchase my books, find out about upcoming books, read my articles and bio, watch videos and listen to music by the Singing and Praying Bands, and lots more.
Writer and Ethnomusicologist - Jonathan C. David
Jonathan C. David is a writer, folklorist, memoirist, journalist, ethnomusicologist, and producer. His most recent book is the memoir The Flower from a Poisoned Seed. As a journalist, his stories have...
www.jonathancdavid.com
March 31, 2025 at 5:14 PM
Visit my website at ↪️ www.jonathancdavid.com
On my site, you can read reviews and purchase my books, find out about upcoming books, read my articles and bio, watch videos and listen to music by the Singing and Praying Bands, and lots more.
On my site, you can read reviews and purchase my books, find out about upcoming books, read my articles and bio, watch videos and listen to music by the Singing and Praying Bands, and lots more.
If you haven't read my article "Starving the Beast" yet, you can read it now for free on my Substack "Jon David Nails It".
Be sure to subscribe to my Substack because I will be publishing more stories there similar to this one.
open.substack.com/pub/jonathan...
Be sure to subscribe to my Substack because I will be publishing more stories there similar to this one.
open.substack.com/pub/jonathan...
Starving the Beast: A Left Perspective
Why the Left should begin a campaign of non-cooperation with the federal government
open.substack.com
March 28, 2025 at 5:53 PM
If you haven't read my article "Starving the Beast" yet, you can read it now for free on my Substack "Jon David Nails It".
Be sure to subscribe to my Substack because I will be publishing more stories there similar to this one.
open.substack.com/pub/jonathan...
Be sure to subscribe to my Substack because I will be publishing more stories there similar to this one.
open.substack.com/pub/jonathan...
Here's a photo by Richard Holloway from our book, in which members of the Western Shore Singing and Praying Band march exuberantly between a chartered bus and two vendors' tents on Magothy's campground with Shawn Copeland leading the way.
Buy the book here:
jonathancdavid.com/books/togeth...
Buy the book here:
jonathancdavid.com/books/togeth...
March 26, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Here's a photo by Richard Holloway from our book, in which members of the Western Shore Singing and Praying Band march exuberantly between a chartered bus and two vendors' tents on Magothy's campground with Shawn Copeland leading the way.
Buy the book here:
jonathancdavid.com/books/togeth...
Buy the book here:
jonathancdavid.com/books/togeth...
"Opponents of Donald Trump’s second term as president should not sit passively on the sidelines of American politics, waiting for toothless Congressional Democrats to take action."
medium.com/fourth-wave/...
medium.com/fourth-wave/...
Starving the Beast: A Left Perspective
Why the Left should begin a campaign of non-cooperation with the federal government
medium.com
March 24, 2025 at 5:03 PM
"Opponents of Donald Trump’s second term as president should not sit passively on the sidelines of American politics, waiting for toothless Congressional Democrats to take action."
medium.com/fourth-wave/...
medium.com/fourth-wave/...
Watch a performance of the Singing and Praying Bands on the Millennium Stage at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.
I had the honor to work with the Singing and Praying Bands for many years, and this video contains my introduction.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYNE...
I had the honor to work with the Singing and Praying Bands for many years, and this video contains my introduction.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYNE...
Singing and Praying Band - Millennium Stage (August 23, 2012)
YouTube video by The Kennedy Center
www.youtube.com
March 21, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Watch a performance of the Singing and Praying Bands on the Millennium Stage at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C.
I had the honor to work with the Singing and Praying Bands for many years, and this video contains my introduction.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYNE...
I had the honor to work with the Singing and Praying Bands for many years, and this video contains my introduction.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYNE...
"Today, MAGA Republicans, in their unshakable alliance with the corrupt, criminal, serial rapist, have simply doubled down on their previous beliefs and exchanged conservatism for fascism in a sinister but farcical replay of the same Reagan Democrat song."
medium.com/.../but-just....
medium.com/.../but-just....
But Just What IS Fascism?
What does it have to do with us (or the U.S.)?
medium.com
March 19, 2025 at 1:58 PM
"Today, MAGA Republicans, in their unshakable alliance with the corrupt, criminal, serial rapist, have simply doubled down on their previous beliefs and exchanged conservatism for fascism in a sinister but farcical replay of the same Reagan Democrat song."
medium.com/.../but-just....
medium.com/.../but-just....
After falling into long-term depression as a young adult, I embarked on a life-long quest, journeying into my inner world to understand the source of my unhappiness. Becoming increasingly at peace, I found a personal voice and wrote this memoir.
www.amazon.com/Flower-Poiso...
www.amazon.com/Flower-Poiso...
The Flower from a Poisoned Seed
The Flower from a Poisoned Seed [Jonathan C. David] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Flower from a Poisoned Seed
www.amazon.com
March 17, 2025 at 5:20 PM
After falling into long-term depression as a young adult, I embarked on a life-long quest, journeying into my inner world to understand the source of my unhappiness. Becoming increasingly at peace, I found a personal voice and wrote this memoir.
www.amazon.com/Flower-Poiso...
www.amazon.com/Flower-Poiso...
I was honored to be among and do research with the African American grassroots Methodist groups called the Singing and Praying Bands.
This photo is one of the incredible singers in the bands. It was marvelously shot by Lloyd Wolf, whose work is widely available online and in print.
This photo is one of the incredible singers in the bands. It was marvelously shot by Lloyd Wolf, whose work is widely available online and in print.
March 14, 2025 at 6:11 PM
I was honored to be among and do research with the African American grassroots Methodist groups called the Singing and Praying Bands.
This photo is one of the incredible singers in the bands. It was marvelously shot by Lloyd Wolf, whose work is widely available online and in print.
This photo is one of the incredible singers in the bands. It was marvelously shot by Lloyd Wolf, whose work is widely available online and in print.
"A well-written and highly profound read that touches on so many aspects of desire, inner life, and what it takes to find out WHY we are how we are."
- I. Merey, author
Read the full review on Goodreads! If you've read my book, I'd love a review from you, too.
www.goodreads.com/book/show/19...
- I. Merey, author
Read the full review on Goodreads! If you've read my book, I'd love a review from you, too.
www.goodreads.com/book/show/19...
The Flower from a Poisoned Seed: A Memoir of Childhood …
In early adolescence, the author discovers that, withou…
www.goodreads.com
March 12, 2025 at 6:10 PM
"A well-written and highly profound read that touches on so many aspects of desire, inner life, and what it takes to find out WHY we are how we are."
- I. Merey, author
Read the full review on Goodreads! If you've read my book, I'd love a review from you, too.
www.goodreads.com/book/show/19...
- I. Merey, author
Read the full review on Goodreads! If you've read my book, I'd love a review from you, too.
www.goodreads.com/book/show/19...
Inside a temporary eatery at the camp meeting in Magothy, Maryland, two chefs proudly display food they have prepared to sell to those who attend. Photo by Richard Holloway.
Purchase our book about the Singing and Praying Bands "Together Let Us Sweetly Live" at: jonathancdavid.com/books/togeth...
Purchase our book about the Singing and Praying Bands "Together Let Us Sweetly Live" at: jonathancdavid.com/books/togeth...
March 10, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Inside a temporary eatery at the camp meeting in Magothy, Maryland, two chefs proudly display food they have prepared to sell to those who attend. Photo by Richard Holloway.
Purchase our book about the Singing and Praying Bands "Together Let Us Sweetly Live" at: jonathancdavid.com/books/togeth...
Purchase our book about the Singing and Praying Bands "Together Let Us Sweetly Live" at: jonathancdavid.com/books/togeth...
“Jonathan David’s searing memoir is written from the depths of his soul. With the precision of an investigative journalist and heart of a poet, he generously offers the reader an unflinching view of his desolation, despair, and his demons.”
- Dr. Ira Brenner
Buy it:
www.amazon.com/Flower-Poiso...
- Dr. Ira Brenner
Buy it:
www.amazon.com/Flower-Poiso...
The Flower from a Poisoned Seed
The Flower from a Poisoned Seed [Jonathan C. David] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Flower from a Poisoned Seed
www.amazon.com
March 7, 2025 at 8:55 PM
“Jonathan David’s searing memoir is written from the depths of his soul. With the precision of an investigative journalist and heart of a poet, he generously offers the reader an unflinching view of his desolation, despair, and his demons.”
- Dr. Ira Brenner
Buy it:
www.amazon.com/Flower-Poiso...
- Dr. Ira Brenner
Buy it:
www.amazon.com/Flower-Poiso...
This photo feels to me as if it shows some of my melancholy and inner thought at work. Sometimes, the world is a terrible place, but we carry on. It is my writing that is my rebellion, my protest, and my progressive voice that always seeks the truth.
March 5, 2025 at 7:52 PM
This photo feels to me as if it shows some of my melancholy and inner thought at work. Sometimes, the world is a terrible place, but we carry on. It is my writing that is my rebellion, my protest, and my progressive voice that always seeks the truth.
It's past time to tell the truth about what's happening in the world! Subscribe to my Substack 'Jon David Nails It' now!
The events taking place are scary, so I want to help shed light on worldwide corruption and oppression and how to continue to have hope despite it.
jonathancdavid.substack.com
The events taking place are scary, so I want to help shed light on worldwide corruption and oppression and how to continue to have hope despite it.
jonathancdavid.substack.com
Jon David Nails It | Jonathan C. David | Substack
Welcome to where I shed light on the truth of what's happening in today's world events and politics. Right now, we need all the truth we can get! Click to read Jon David Nails It, by Jonathan C. David...
jonathancdavid.substack.com
February 28, 2025 at 7:48 PM
It's past time to tell the truth about what's happening in the world! Subscribe to my Substack 'Jon David Nails It' now!
The events taking place are scary, so I want to help shed light on worldwide corruption and oppression and how to continue to have hope despite it.
jonathancdavid.substack.com
The events taking place are scary, so I want to help shed light on worldwide corruption and oppression and how to continue to have hope despite it.
jonathancdavid.substack.com
In addition to being a writer, I'm a classically trained musician. I studied South Indian classical music in India when I was younger. I studied at the music school of Madurai University and Kalakshetra College of the Arts and focused on an instrument called the veena. This is me and my veena.
February 26, 2025 at 6:02 PM
In addition to being a writer, I'm a classically trained musician. I studied South Indian classical music in India when I was younger. I studied at the music school of Madurai University and Kalakshetra College of the Arts and focused on an instrument called the veena. This is me and my veena.
I'm happy to announce the publication of my first Medium story. Click to read my piece about fascism and the U.S.
medium.com/policy-panor...
medium.com/policy-panor...
But Just What IS Fascism?
What does it have to do with us (or the U.S.)?
medium.com
February 24, 2025 at 7:11 PM
I'm happy to announce the publication of my first Medium story. Click to read my piece about fascism and the U.S.
medium.com/policy-panor...
medium.com/policy-panor...
Another beautiful photo by Richard Holloway from my book "Together Let Us Sweetly Live" about the Singing and Praying Bands. Many of these incredible photos are in my book, which can be purchased by going to: jonathancdavid.com/books/togeth...
February 21, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Another beautiful photo by Richard Holloway from my book "Together Let Us Sweetly Live" about the Singing and Praying Bands. Many of these incredible photos are in my book, which can be purchased by going to: jonathancdavid.com/books/togeth...
Two centuries ago, in the tidewater regions of Maryland, traditional African worship practices merged with the newly introduced beckoning Christianity of the Methodist Church. Born of that cultural intersection was a movement that came to be known as The Singing and Praying Bands.
vimeo.com/43111479
vimeo.com/43111479
The Singing and Praying Bands of Maryland
Two centuries ago, in the tidewater regions of Maryland, traditional African worship practices merged with the beckoning Christianity of the Methodist Church. Born…
vimeo.com
February 19, 2025 at 6:54 PM
Two centuries ago, in the tidewater regions of Maryland, traditional African worship practices merged with the newly introduced beckoning Christianity of the Methodist Church. Born of that cultural intersection was a movement that came to be known as The Singing and Praying Bands.
vimeo.com/43111479
vimeo.com/43111479
Tucker Lieberman wrote this review of my recent memoir 'The Flower from a Poisoned Seed':
"A brave, profound gay memoir. I haven’t read anything else quite like this."
Click on jonathancdavid.com/books/the-fl... to read the full review, learn more about my memoir, and buy it on Amazon.
"A brave, profound gay memoir. I haven’t read anything else quite like this."
Click on jonathancdavid.com/books/the-fl... to read the full review, learn more about my memoir, and buy it on Amazon.
The Flower from a Poisoned Seed - Jonathan C. David
A Memoir of Childhood Trauma, Sexual Masochism, and Eventually, a Good Measure of Wellbeing.
jonathancdavid.com
February 17, 2025 at 11:34 PM
Tucker Lieberman wrote this review of my recent memoir 'The Flower from a Poisoned Seed':
"A brave, profound gay memoir. I haven’t read anything else quite like this."
Click on jonathancdavid.com/books/the-fl... to read the full review, learn more about my memoir, and buy it on Amazon.
"A brave, profound gay memoir. I haven’t read anything else quite like this."
Click on jonathancdavid.com/books/the-fl... to read the full review, learn more about my memoir, and buy it on Amazon.
I have excerpts from my books "The Flower from a Poisoned Seed" and "Together We Sweetly Live" on my website's blog page, and I will be publishing a new article about fascism soon. Enjoy the excerpts and some of my other writing here:
jonathancdavid.com/blog/
jonathancdavid.com/blog/
Blog - Jonathan C. David
jonathancdavid.com
February 14, 2025 at 8:14 PM
I have excerpts from my books "The Flower from a Poisoned Seed" and "Together We Sweetly Live" on my website's blog page, and I will be publishing a new article about fascism soon. Enjoy the excerpts and some of my other writing here:
jonathancdavid.com/blog/
jonathancdavid.com/blog/
Raising his arms like the conductor of an orchestra, Joseph Spicer leads the Western Shore Singing and Praying Band in a give-out hymn. The photo is by Richard Holloway.
Listen to music by the bands and buy my book "Together Let Us Sweetly Live" by going to jonathancdavid.com/books/togeth...
Listen to music by the bands and buy my book "Together Let Us Sweetly Live" by going to jonathancdavid.com/books/togeth...
February 12, 2025 at 7:35 PM
Raising his arms like the conductor of an orchestra, Joseph Spicer leads the Western Shore Singing and Praying Band in a give-out hymn. The photo is by Richard Holloway.
Listen to music by the bands and buy my book "Together Let Us Sweetly Live" by going to jonathancdavid.com/books/togeth...
Listen to music by the bands and buy my book "Together Let Us Sweetly Live" by going to jonathancdavid.com/books/togeth...
“With candor and care, tying his insights to Buddhist thought, he gives us a grand achievement of philosophy and personhood. 'The Flower from a Poisoned Seed' is vulnerable and vibrant.”
- Tucker Lieberman, author of 'Ten Past Noon'
Thanks for the great review, Tucker!
www.amazon.com/Flower-Poiso...
- Tucker Lieberman, author of 'Ten Past Noon'
Thanks for the great review, Tucker!
www.amazon.com/Flower-Poiso...
The Flower from a Poisoned Seed
The Flower from a Poisoned Seed [Jonathan C. David] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. The Flower from a Poisoned Seed
www.amazon.com
February 10, 2025 at 4:45 PM
“With candor and care, tying his insights to Buddhist thought, he gives us a grand achievement of philosophy and personhood. 'The Flower from a Poisoned Seed' is vulnerable and vibrant.”
- Tucker Lieberman, author of 'Ten Past Noon'
Thanks for the great review, Tucker!
www.amazon.com/Flower-Poiso...
- Tucker Lieberman, author of 'Ten Past Noon'
Thanks for the great review, Tucker!
www.amazon.com/Flower-Poiso...
This photo by Lloyd Wolf is of the Singing and Praying Bands “marching around Jericho” outside a church in Dorchester County, Maryland, which was closely associated with Harriet Tubman.
When I began researching the bands, I was intensely moved by their religious services.
When I began researching the bands, I was intensely moved by their religious services.
February 7, 2025 at 6:33 PM
This photo by Lloyd Wolf is of the Singing and Praying Bands “marching around Jericho” outside a church in Dorchester County, Maryland, which was closely associated with Harriet Tubman.
When I began researching the bands, I was intensely moved by their religious services.
When I began researching the bands, I was intensely moved by their religious services.
You can purchase my first book "Together Let Us Sweetly Live" about the Singing and Praying Bands of the Mid-Atlantic by going to my website!
jonathancdavid.com/books/togeth...
The book is available through the University of Illinois Press and contains 80 amazing photos by Richard Holloway.
jonathancdavid.com/books/togeth...
The book is available through the University of Illinois Press and contains 80 amazing photos by Richard Holloway.
Together Let Us Sweetly Live - Jonathan C. David
Offers a rare look at the unique grassroots African American religious institutions called the Singing and Praying Bands.
jonathancdavid.com
February 5, 2025 at 7:06 PM
You can purchase my first book "Together Let Us Sweetly Live" about the Singing and Praying Bands of the Mid-Atlantic by going to my website!
jonathancdavid.com/books/togeth...
The book is available through the University of Illinois Press and contains 80 amazing photos by Richard Holloway.
jonathancdavid.com/books/togeth...
The book is available through the University of Illinois Press and contains 80 amazing photos by Richard Holloway.
My first blog is out on my new website. Read it here: jonathancdavid.com/coming-soon.
More new writing of mine is coming very soon, and it will include stories that shed light on the truth of what's happening in today's world events and politics. Right now, we need all the truth we can get.
More new writing of mine is coming very soon, and it will include stories that shed light on the truth of what's happening in today's world events and politics. Right now, we need all the truth we can get.
Then How Should I Begin - Jonathan C. David
“And when I am formulated, sprawling on a pin, When I am pinned and wriggling on the wall, Then how should I begin To spit out all the butt-ends of my days and ways? And how should I presume?” T.S. El...
jonathancdavid.com
February 3, 2025 at 5:52 PM
My first blog is out on my new website. Read it here: jonathancdavid.com/coming-soon.
More new writing of mine is coming very soon, and it will include stories that shed light on the truth of what's happening in today's world events and politics. Right now, we need all the truth we can get.
More new writing of mine is coming very soon, and it will include stories that shed light on the truth of what's happening in today's world events and politics. Right now, we need all the truth we can get.
Reposted by Jonathan C. David
Not today, Satan
January 31, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Not today, Satan