Draft:Jonathan Paley
{{AFC submission|d|music|u=2601:19E:8100:8C60:79A9:5A62:138A:33C|ns=118|decliner=Anuwrites|declinets=20241215133529|ts=20241215131808}}
{{Short description|American musician}}
{{Draft topics|biography}}
{{AfC topic|blp}}
Jonathan Paley is an American musician, songwriter, and producer, best known as a founding member of The Paley Brothers and for his involvement in the punk and power-pop music scenes. Over his career, Paley has worked with a variety of bands, including the Nervous Eaters, and contributed as a performer, producer, and arranger.
== Early Life and Career ==
Jonathan Paley and his brother, Andy Paley, began performing together in the 1970s, developing a style influenced by 1960s pop and rock music. The Paley family also includes their sister, Sarah Paley, a comedy writer and novelist known for her work on Saturday Night Live. She is married to former U.S. Senator and Nebraska Governor, Bob Kerrey.{{cite news|title=Bob Kerrey and Sarah Paley Wed|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/12/30/style/weddings-bob-kerrey-and-sarah-paley.html|work=The New York Times|date=December 30, 2001}}
== The Paley Brothers ==
In the late 1970s, Jonathan and Andy Paley formed The Paley Brothers, a power-pop duo signed to Sire Records. Their self-titled debut album, released in 1978 and produced by Earle Mankey, featured harmonies and pop melodies.{{cite web|title=The Popdose Interview: The Paley Brothers|url=https://popdose.com/the-popdose-interview-the-paley-brothers/|publisher=Popdose|date=2010}}
The Paley Brothers toured with acts such as Shaun Cassidy, Blondie, and The Patti Smith Group.{{cite web|title=Nervous Eaters: Boston’s Punk Rock Pioneers|url=https://pleasekillme.com/nervous-eaters/|publisher=Please Kill Me|date=2020}} They collaborated with The Ramones on the track "Come On Let's Go," which was featured on the soundtrack for the film Rock 'n' Roll High School (1979). The brothers also contributed the song "Crying Won't Help" to the same soundtrack.
The Paley Brothers worked with producer Phil Spector on a series of recordings that were never officially released.
== The Nervous Eaters ==
In the 1980s, Paley joined the Boston punk band The Nervous Eaters, a pioneering group in the local punk scene. Known for their association with The Rat, a famed Boston music venue, the Nervous Eaters blended punk attitude with pop sensibility. Paley contributed to their sound, including the track "Loretta."
== Personal Life ==
Jonathan Paley has one daughter, Violet Paley, who is a writer, actress, and filmmaker.{{cite web|title=Who is Violet Paley?|url=https://heavy.com/entertainment/2018/01/violet-paley/|work=Heavy|date=January 7, 2018}}
== Selected Discography ==
With The Paley Brothers:
- The Paley Brothers (1978){{cite web|title=Discogs – The Paley Brothers|url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/847276-The-Paley-Brothers|publisher=Discogs}}
- "Come On Let's Go" (Rock 'n' Roll High School Soundtrack, 1979)
- "Crying Won't Help" (Rock 'n' Roll High School Soundtrack, 1979)
With The Nervous Eaters:
- Nervous Eaters (1980){{cite web|title=Discogs – Nervous Eaters|url=https://www.discogs.com/artist/405731-Jonathan-Paley?filter_anv=0&subtype=Writing+%26+Arrangement&type=Credits|publisher=Discogs}}
== References ==
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