Jon Yamasato entered the local music scene in 1998 as the lead singer for the group Pure Heart. The group's first CD recording was recognized with three Na Hoku Hanohano awards for the following categories: a) Most Promising Artist; b) Contemporary Album of the Year; and c) Album of the Year. The group also won the award for the Favorite Entertainer of the Year. Pure Heart was again recognized in 1999 with the award for the Island Contemporary Album of the Year. In collaboration with Justin Young, a talented local recording artist in his own right, Jon & Justin released their "Y2J" CD in 2000. In this CD, Jon was able to record one of his original compositions, "I'll Take Care of You." Other songs that feature his singing on this album are, "Number One," "Rocking Steady," "Ua Ua Ho E Ele" and "Kou Aloha Mau A Mau." Beyond recording, Jon co-produced the local girl group Keahiwai. Their debut CD was recognized with a Na Hoku Hanohano awards for the categories of "Most Promising Artist" and "Favorite Entertainer of the Year." In 2001, Jon joined Dennis Kamakahi, David Kamakahi and Mike Kaawa to form the Hawaiian contemporary group Na Oiwi. Na Oiwi released two albums to date ("Crossroads" and "The Sequel") in which Jon had the opportunity to compose and record two of his original Hawaiian songs "Ka Beauty O Halawa" and "E Pili Mau Ai." Jon is on two other Na Oiwi albums, singing local favorites, "Pretty Brown Eyes," "Koke E" and "Onizuka" (a ballad honoring the late American astronaut Ellison Onizuka). After receiving his degree from the University of Hawaii, Jon releases his solo CD entitled "One." This album features three original songs "Love's Got a Hold on Me," "The Way It Should Be" and "All 'G'" (an ukulele instrumental arrangement). Other songs performed his style are "You Send Me," "Tracks of My Tears" (duet featuring Mailani of Keahiwai), "Ku E Manu," "He Aloha Mele," "Goodtime Charlie's Got the Blues," "Fire and Rain" (for fans of James Taylor), "There She Goes," "E Pili Mai" and "Crazy Without You." Jon's balance of originals and "covers" demonstrates his desire to keep good music alive as well as introducing new themes.