20 Years Later, and We’re Still Rocking Out with the Jonas Brothers
Photo courtesy of the Jonas Brothers.
I have been a Jonas Brothers fan since I was young. I don’t remember exactly how old I was when I first discovered them either. All I know is I’ve been listening to their music for about two decades now. I can’t wrap my head around how it’s their 20th anniversary. I’m also in denial about going to their concert in October because it will be the first concert I’ll ever go to. I didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to see them perform live because I missed out on seeing them live when I was younger. Today, I’d like to reminisce about the band’s career as well as how they’ve stayed relevant all these years. Let’s dive into this.
Where It All Began
Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas were born in Wyckoff, New Jersey. Their music careers began in 2005 with the recording of their first single, which caught the attention of Columbia Records. Jonas Brothers released their self-titled debut studio album in 2007, including the songs That’s Just the Way We Roll, S.O.S., Hold On, and When You Look Me in the Eyes. They performed at Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve in 2007. In 2008, the guys released their third studio album (and perhaps my favorite one), A Little Bit Longer. The album is best known for its songs: Burnin’ Up, Lovebug, Tonight, and Pushin’ Me Away. In late 2008, the brothers were nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammy’s.
The guys made their SNL debut in February of 2009. In late May of 2009, Kevin, Nick, and Joe voiced three cherubs in Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian. Their fourth studio album, Lines, Vines, and Trying Times, was released in the summer of 2009.
Disney Channel Days
The brothers sang and recorded their version of the theme song for season 2 of American Dragon: Jake Long. They made their acting debut in season 2 of Hannah Montana and sang We Got the Party with Miley Cyrus in the episode.
Jonas Brothers made their film acting debut in Camp Rock, which came out in 2008. They sing Play My Music, which has become a nostalgic favorite. Joe Jonas sings Gotta Find You and This is Me, a duet with Demi Lovato. They made appearances in the Disney Channel Games and Studio DC: Almost Live, a special featuring The Muppets.
Jonas, a TV show, premiered in the spring of 2009 on the network. In the summer of 2009, the guys recorded Send It On with Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, and Demi Lovato for Disney’s Friends for Change.
After the success of Camp Rock, Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam released in the fall of 2010. The brothers sing Heart and Sing, while Joe sings Wouldn’t Change a Thing with Demi Lovato and Nick sings Introducing Me.
In 2011, the brothers took a break to focus on their solo careers. Nick went on tour with The Administration, while Joe released his first solo album. They ultimately split in 2013, leaving Jonas Brothers like myself devastated.
The guys announced their reunion on social media in February of 2019. They released the single, Sucker, on March 1st. Their album, Happiness Begins, was released in the summer. In 2023, the band received their star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and announced their sixth studio album, The Album.
Where the Bros Are Now
This year became the year of endless exciting announcements from the guys because of the 20th anniversary of the band. The first was JonasCon, a fan convention that took place in East Rutherford, New Jersey. During the event, they announced that their seventh studio album, Greetings From Your Hometown, will be released on August 8th. The lead single of the album, Love Me to Heaven, was released back in March. A tour, Jonas20: Living the Dream, commences on August 10th.
Joe released his second solo studio album, Music For People Who Believe in Love, back in May.
I grew up with them, so it’s bittersweet to see them celebrating this anniversary. It’s not a common thing these days to see a band celebrate 20 years, regardless of their split. I’m sure there are more surprises coming our way over the next few months, and I cannot wait to see them live this fall.
