Leadership

Johnathan R. Miller’s journey into music began at age twelve, following the tragic passing of his mother in the summer of 2005. That same summer, he made his debut at Turning Point Assembly in Pink Hill, NC, performing MercyMe’s “I Can Only Imagine.” The standing ovation that followed marked a turning point in his life, igniting a passion for music that would carry him forward.

In 2007, after entering foster care, Johnathan’s first foster mother, Charlene, recognized his gift and placed him under the mentorship of Mr. Noah Barefoot, a respected musical figure in Sampson County. Under Barefoot’s guidance, Johnathan went on to win several categories at TalentQuest competitions between 2007 and 2009. In 2010, he found his forever family with Vernon and Loretta Gore. After stunning them with a performance of Natalie Grant’s “In Better Hands,” the Gores began supporting him as he sang across churches in the region.

By 2011, his growing talent drew the attention of TJ Grover Jones, a guitarist at the United Pentecostal Holiness Church in Rocky Run. Within weeks, Johnathan was in the studio with Jones, Kenneth Anderson, and Rusty Saunders, eventually signing with Westlake Records. Though his first album with the label was shelved, he retained ownership of his publishing catalog and later returned with renewed purpose.

Johnathan’s independent debut album, The Art of Healing (2014), featured the single “Let You Go,” which climbed to #3 on the Billboard Brasil charts. His sophomore project, Always Be My Home (2014), produced a beloved regional hit with his rendition of Rachel Lampa’s title track. That same year, he released “The Storm,” which became his most successful song to date, reaching platinum eligibility in 2019 with over 1.5 million global streams and downloads.

Alongside his music career, Johnathan built an impressive business portfolio. In 2017, he became Director of Operations for Vernon & Loretta Gore, LLC, overseeing international distribution of their literary works and expanding their business ventures. In 2019, he acquired the firm’s assets, merging them into his own company, Miller Family Ventures, LLC. His firm became the first independent business management company to secure a direct print agreement with Ingram Content Group, offering publishing services to clients worldwide.

Johnathan has also been deeply committed to philanthropy. In 2018, he headlined the “One Night Only Fundraiser” at the historic Rex Theatre in Galax, VA, benefiting the American Cancer Society. In October 2025, he will headline another benefit concert, this time for the Blessing House in Wallace, NC—a historic ministry site with a long legacy of service.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Johnathan shifted gears, releasing Ships on the Water (2020) while also stepping into service for his community. He worked as a bus driver for Pender County Schools before joining Harrells Christian Academy (HCA) in 2021 as both a driver and the Advancement Coordinator in the Office of Institutional Advancement. Under the leadership of Head of School Andy Wells and Director Eva Thornton, Johnathan gained invaluable experience in education and nonprofit advancement.

In 2023, he released Higher Ground and was appointed Executive Director of Loretta Gore Ministries, Inc., serving families in southeastern North Carolina. He continued his dual role at HCA and LGM until the summer of 2025, when he released ima be alright: the rarities, vol. 1.

Now, Johnathan is expanding his nonprofit consulting firm into central Virginia, with plans for a new office opening in summer 2026. Through music, business, and community leadership, he continues to inspire and serve, with no plans of slowing down.