Why Is a Grammy-Nominated Artist BLACKBALLED by Music Industry? | John Ondrasik | Ep 123

John Ondrasik started playing piano when he was three. Thirty years later, as Five for Fighting, he found himself playing beside his musical heroes at Madison Square Garden after his song “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” became an anthem for the fallen heroes of 9/11. On this episode of the Glenn Beck Podcast, Ondrasik and Glenn chat about music, fame, songwriting, freedom, and the strange power of “Let’s Go Brandon.” He plays “Freedom Never Cries,” “100 Years,” and his latest single, “Blood on My Hands,” which is a protest song, a good one, about Joe Biden’s disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan. “Afghanistan is not a political cause,” Ondrasik tells Glenn. “It’s a moral cause.” Hollywood used to celebrate subversive protest music, so why is one of America's most celebrated ballad artists being ignored by the mainstream?
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Disclaimer: All music featured in this video is used with the permission of the copyright holder.
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[@surfrunnerd8457]

Glenn you ARE a GREAT AMERICAN HERO!

[@andrewchristensen6295]

@Jams Staley you are a fake..get lost

[@margorandolph375]

WE WILL NEVER FORGET SUPERMAN! YOU SIR ARE AN AMERICAN HERO!

[@JohnOndrasikYoutube]

Thank you for having me Glenn!

[@NickNicometi]

John, I have so much admiration for you now, beyond the hit "singer guy", after having watched this interview. We're probably around the same age. I've been tinkering with guitar for yrs and bought an electric piano 3 yrs ago, having touched it not once since. I've been "writing" songs in my head since I was a child, but had a dysfunctional family & childhood with fleeting happiness, of any. You've helped to inspire me to study piano, not only by your music and performance, but with your words and seeing what it means to you because of what it means to others.

[@MamaMaria504]

You are my inspiration to keep going in a world of hurt. Your music inspires me♥️

[@AuntMaggie]

His song 100 Years makes me cry every time I hear it.

[@rd7726]

This is what the singer Pitbull has been talking about lately. He's from Cuba. He is very pro-freedom.

[@jasonpocaro2730]

God Bless G.B. and Blaze staff.

[@nancypetrick86]

He's a Mormon

[@elizabethmiller1740]

@@nancypetrick86 SO what's that mean? What are you saying?

[@andrewchristensen6295]

@@nancypetrick86 why are you here dios#!t?

[@mayolson2]

A Hundred Years is me. My 80th birthday is next Thursday. I can really relate !

[@commentator5571]

Happy birthday to us! My birthday is Friday. (This may be the most depressing birthday of my life, however.)

[@mayolson2]

@@commentator5571 Happy Birthday back at ya ! Yes depression seems to be everywhere these days but I remember the song from days gone by "Let the Sunshine in". Let's see if that will work !

[@commentator5571]

@@mayolson2 - I remember and thanks! Excellent recommendation!!

[@hrtofhome61]

Ohmygosh. Chills. Lord help us. Please hear our prayers.

[@andrewchristensen6295]

@Matthew Curry oh ye of little faith

[@commentator5571]

Amen. Lord hear our prayer.

[@rudyw.giuliani8844]

Tëxt🇱🇷🇺🇸Mé

[@rudyw.giuliani8844]

📝①(④⑦⓪)🇱🇷⑥④⑥-①:⑧⑨⑤📩

[@rudyw.giuliani8844]

📝①(④⑦⓪)🇱🇷⑥④⑥-①:⑧⑨⑤📩

[@darrellrogers1593]

Hello glenn you are my hero, next to JC. Keep up the great work

[@whyami8024]

John is awesome. Thanks Glen for reminding us all.

[@tjdwyer3]

What a beautiful interview 🙏🏻

[@ejpaladin]

That was a fantastic and insightful conversation. Conservatives NEED to start engaging in the Arts.

[@monahavens5798]

What kooky things do people think President Trump did? Look where we are now! President Trump was just what this country needed and needs.

[@betzaidadurkin2694]

Tomorrow I'll turn 60 and I'm wondering what's next? May God grant any of my wish left according to his perfect will!!🥳💪🎂🎂🎂🎂

[@loboyd691]

Trust me, Trump was no angel. I like what he did for freedoms and our bank accountants in general. Trump spent a ton of money, our debt increased and he flipped on the "vaccines" and has made money from them.

[@bluejay9235]

@@loboyd691 Trump may not have been an angel, but he sure looks like one compared to what we have now! And not just him either, EVERY president we've had previously looks like an angel compared with this! Not only have things never been this bad, they've never even been remotely close! Food shortages, water shortages, fuel shortages, lumber shortages, coin shortages, paper shortages, sky high inflation, unconstitutional vax mandates, unconstitutional mask mandates, travel restrictions, parents being treated like terrorists for simply not wanting their kids indoctrinated with nonsense, a crisis at the southern border, leaving Americans behind to die in Afghanistan and then laughing about it, China emboldened like never before to the point they're going to invade Taiwan, etc! The list goes on and on, and we've only had this senile old fascist for 10 months!

[@fedup4848]

@@bluejay9235 Amen To All, God Bless.

[@fedup4848]

Amen, Satan's Administration Working Overtime, They Need To Go.

[@mayolson2]

WONDERFUL yes I am shouting !!💓

[@christonks7147]

What a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Thank you for your goodness gentlemen 😊

[@glennbeck863]

Thanks for watching, I have a great opportunity I’d love to share with you, feel free to reach out immediately,

[@glennbeck863]

(④⓪⑨) ②④⑦-⑧⑤④⑨

[@togetherworksemail]

Glenn and John, What an inspirational interaction. Thank you both, it was an honor to watch and listen. Sometimes other great things come from such greatness.

[@glennbeck863]

Thanks for watching, I have a great opportunity I’d love to share with you, feel free to reach out immediately,

[@glennbeck863]

(④⓪⑨) ②④⑦-⑧⑤④⑨

[@togetherworksemail]

@@glennbeck863 I do not believe this is Glenn.

[@parrottm76262]

What a dream come true?!?! This discussion was gold. Thanks to Glenn and John for sharing with all of us.

[@larrymags2045]

Don't forget Alan Jackson - Where Were You When The World Stopped Turning

[@michaelcelis538]

I have always loved Five For Fighting' s music, beautiful music and lyrics...Artists have the freedom of expression, in all forms of art, but this freedom is so fragile, as we are seeing at the present. Artists like John Ondrasik, willing to speak truth, are far and few. Thank you for your courage...this interview made me love your music even more!! God bless you sir. And Glenn Beck thank you for allowing his voice to be heard. God bless

[@angiedettore7978]

Goosebumps, chills, just amazing.

[@jamewakk]

Glenn ♥️

[@bobdavis9727]

Go Glenn go.

[@rudyw.giuliani8844]

Tëxt🇱🇷🇺🇸Mé

[@rudyw.giuliani8844]

📝①(④⑦⓪)🇱🇷⑥④⑥-①:⑧⑨⑤📩

[@ladycourttales2720]

Thank you. The piano strums my heart. ❤️. We need our artists now more than ever to speak the truth of our times. I might start playing again.

[@postscript5549]

Afghanistan was sickening. I mean it makes me literally sick to my stomach.

[@commentator5571]

It still is sickening. Literally sickening.

[@mortman31]

... this is a Conversation that explains why TODAY is the MOST IMPORTANT DAY. Everyday.

[@dylanappenfeldt2442]

Thank you Glenn for bringing John and you have no idea the tears I cried for 03 to now listening to Five for Fighting that first album American Town and how the music saved my soul in graduate school. Thank you John for all your work ❤️❤️🙏🦋🦋

[@ladycourttales2720]

Look up Vanessa Valentine in Australia. She has songs for sale on iTunes. She is not vaccinated and struggling and telling her story. She survived addiction only to face the world today.

[@IdahoRanchGirl]

What a song! Brought me to tears! Thank you!

[@rapschick7688]

This was hopeful and powerful. Just loved it

[@MsScarletDove]

Marvelous discussion....just terrific!

[@lyneae3786]

Head of Toyota, “Don’t show me the data, show me the facts.”

[@coramarie7610]

Music is amazing!

[@markfreeman-uv7si]

Mr. Toyoda, who founded Toyota, built a shrine in Japan honoring all the people killed in Toyotas.

[@msbabs649]

Head of Toyota is not a roll model, the data was money based.

[@vinceburris2538]

Love the song. Thank you 😊

[@planojag595]

I liked John's music since he first hit it big but wasn't truly a fan until he released the song Two Lights. Hearing that song about a father who heard that someone in his son's unit was killed and not knowing if it was his son. He tells his wife that he's going for a drive and when he finally comes home to leave two lights on if their son is still alive. That song is still a favorite of mine and I thank John for that song, for loving America, supporting our military, and for being a patriot.

[@janiecepoush1904]

Intense... Powerful! God Bless! 🇺🇸 Stay Strong & Know that your Music is a Chord in History! 🇺🇸

[@RRW276]

This conversation & the performances are one for the books! I'm such a fan of Glenn & Stu, listening daily on Spotify, but this one was especially moving as a big Five for Fighting fan. Thanks 🤜🏽🤛🏽

[@TMacGamer]

This was such a REFRESHING interview. Thanks to the both of you!

[@elizabethmiller1740]

Great interview Thank you both Two great Americans who love man and country God bless you both❤

[@ladystardust673]

Awww I love this man. My favorite is The Beautiful. Merci thank you for your beautiful talent xxx from Quebec Canada Thank you to you also Glenn for inviting this wonderful man... so touching and profound

[@Eagle52525]

Glen, I think this has been one of the most powerful and impactful interviews you have done. This is great for culture building and I love it.

[@glennbeck863]

Thanks for watching, I have a great opportunity I’d love to share with you, feel free to reach out immediately,

[@glennbeck863]

(④⓪⑨) ②④⑦-⑧⑤④⑨

[@beverlydavid8514]

I’m a woman who loves music, many genres, but must confess I’d not heard or known about John Ondrasik. I thank you for the opportunity to hear and love his music and appreciate so much your interview with him. He’s a thoughtful and talented man and I hope you have him back again. And I learned something about you, Glenn, that I hadn’t known before. Good interview! Again, thanks!

[@MichNative01]

Five for fighting...look this up buy every cd....every one of the songs are gold. Love you John!! Never stop singing.

[@rd7726]

I wish people would know about the soldiers who did survive the Kabul Airport bombing. Look up Tyler Andrews. It will break your heart 💔

[@rloydander]

Excellent interview

[@Blueskyeday]

This is an important conversation. Thank you both! Great!

[@andymac345]

Had to put my cans on do this episode justice , what a personable chap.

[@youcanthandletruth7340]

Watched the whole interview Glen, Awesome and diverse guy there !

[@izelave]

Finally able to sit down & listen. Thank you Glenn for showcasing John…he has not only been a longtime favorite of mine…but of my daughter’s as well. During her “singer-songwriter” days, she performed mostly her own material, but would often add “Two Lights” into her sets. That one truly seemed to speak to her deeply. Now she has begun college and entered her next phase - Musical Theater… so I may not hear her sing that onstage again for quite a while…unless someone mounts a Broadway production around John’s music. Hmmm…not a bad idea. If no one has pitched the concept, it might just be the perfect project!😁

[@theyouchannel6355]

Thanks for the vacation to sanity.... I actually didn't even realize that I was holding my breath for so long....Hug to you both.🤗💜💖🤗

[@cj9136]

What a glorious, righteousness episode, thank you both.

[@victoriacrowe5610]

Brilliant…. Love this!!!

[@ryanhunsader7038]

I’m so glad that almost everyone on the right is finally figuring out we need to build our own artistic infrastructure. One of biggest regrets is mocking the art crowd Over the years. But no more.

[@rpjswish]

Agreed.. insightful, some lessons are hard earned..

[@commentator5571]

If anyone doubts this I would direct you to Yuri Bezmenov who tried to warn us that Marxists were infiltrating the arts, higher education, media and politics.

[@Drakemiser]

Believe or not Dylan wasn't hard left. Tom Waits wasn't either, nor Outkast and many others. There have beeb plenty of pragmatic artists that are extraordinarily talented. Only recently that these types of artists have been silenced. Johnny Cash wouldn't put up with this horse $@#&.

[@damama4209]

This was an awesome conversation. I'm going to watch it again. 🎶🎵

[@melf8786]

I really enjoyed listening to this.

[@kristifetherston1792]

Beautiful ❤

[@HarambeKojima]

After all this time, John still has the voice of an angel. I grew up listening to him as a kid. At 33, I still greatly admire him. Keep it up. Thanks for having him Glenn.

[@carmelaaustin3594]

Bravo to both of you, beautiful song beautiful Voice beautiful hearts. Trump was the best president.

[@NonieK2267]

Hi Glen from Glendale As. I have been following you for a number of years

[@kb8882]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ show! Thank you!

[@davidrediger6407]

I was born in the 50's and saw the unrest of the 60's-70's. I never understood what the Beatles were talking about until today.

[@commentator5571]

We are close in age David Rediger. The only reason I know is because I have listened to Glenn Beck for over 20 years.

[@williamrule402]

Super nice show. Thanks!!!

[@FrostyFluffs]

What a great interview, I got chills and goosebumps with every song he played and that doesn't happen very often.

[@FrostyFluffs]

@Jams Staley lol nahhh, I think I will pass on that one

[@margorandolph375]

WE WILL NEVER FORGET SUPERMAN AND YOU SIR ARE AMERICAN HERO!

[@commentator5571]

Truth, justice and the American way!

[@loveslazylapcats4039]

Thank you for an amazing concert!

[@jammin4284]

Fan since 'American Town'!

[@janetgarland627]

That was an awesome interview thank you to you both

[@bradfordlewis9765]

I think this guy is the new generation's Harry Chapin. Thank you Glenn for the entire interview.

[@mikem4984]

Have always been a big fan of John's. Love his music!". I work in the music industry as an audio engineer and keep my views largely to myself for obvious reasons. I really admire John's courage and talent. Thanks for interviewing him, Glenn!

[@wilanwong7367]

wow. artist with family in science and business. so moved by this program. thank you.

[@acgeo7502]

💗💗

[@kevinglick8671]

I STAND FOR FREEDOM

[@glennbeck863]

Thanks for watching, I have a great opportunity I’d love to share with you, feel free to reach out immediately,

[@glennbeck863]

(④⓪⑨) ②④⑦-⑧⑤④⑨

[@zman7244]

I wanted at least another hour. What an interesting, talented person. Didn’t see the ending about the family business coming, which was amazing. Please come back for at least another hour, as I’m sure there is so much more inspiring stories to share. Thank you!

[@lharrill7229]

I love five for fighting. 100 years is an awesome song. Much respect for taking a stand.

[@tammiesan589]

🇺🇸💪🏻❤️🙏🏻

[@ciannadinh]

I enjoy watching your podcast. Very classy. I love your introduction. I'm sharing your podcast to all of my groups.

[@rickryanii2239]

Great interview, uplifting for sure.

[@josephinelb5735]

I actually thought he was going to present Lee Greenwood. That's an American hero song artist who has been marginalized, censored and removed from a position with the government regarding the Arts! Proud to be an American the song is truly God inspired song in which I weep!

[@andrebeauchamp5242]

Very good interview Sir. 👍

[@jenniferning2945]

Bravo!

[@bondjovi4595]

F-the music industry. You write however you feel, respect. I'm sick of turning on the local radio stations and listening to trash rap/pop/super old music

[@markp4451]

One of your Best episodes

[@misskimpegues]

Simple beautiful that song was beautiful

[@Andthatisit]

John is the best mother fucker ever born! Humbler! Down to earth! Respectful, caring, not only for people but animals as well!! He is an angel as, as well as Carla, him wife!! They really make this world better for all us and Mother Nature. Let’s support them!! Let’s save our planet and our species! Love Mother Nature!!!!

[@tracyjames2917]

glenn so many great tunes out there that are hitting it on the mark,aaron lewis toby keith tom macdonald

[@michaelpaul5682]

We need REBELS LETS GO

[@glennbeck863]

Thanks for watching, I have a great opportunity I’d love to share with you, feel free to reach out immediately,

[@glennbeck863]

(④⓪⑨) ②④⑦-⑧⑤④⑨

[@andrebeauchamp5242]

Thanks

[@chrislebese8513]

Morning Glann. This is so inspiring to hear from an artist. I am a potter myself and I would like to design coffee mugs for you and other podcast I always watch. If your voice can echo as far as Africa is concerned then you must be assured that you are making pr

[@franklee1205]

WoW ! If there was a rock through back for today, Blood on our hands is IT. !!!🤔🤙🙋😔✌️

[@NickNicometi]

I'm a classically trained artist, and I wouldn't let Max clean my pallette, as he hasn't the skill set he wishes he had that I possess. "Modern" art is an absolute scam.

[@eddiewalker7252]

So went Michael, Prince, Bob, and the Jimi Hendrix Experience!

[@markfreeman-uv7si]

Lima Golf Bravo! Foxtrot Juliett Bravo!

[@sherrimcavoy8342]

Amen to that!

[@commentator5571]

Let's go Brandon! fjb

[@Charly6-4]

Bill O'Reilly is starting to think like a dictator zombie vaccinator.

[@52marli]

We are being attacked from every direction and the disgusting Afghan fiasco kind of disappears from the focus. His song brought me the vision of terrified Americans being raped, tortured and murdered because they were left behind. I never thought the US would so blatantly ignore their word. It was a total disgrace. We can't let it be forgotten. This administration owns 100% of this.

[@Frank51203]

Imagine a society without politics or religion.

[@top6ear]

God damn that man can sing.

[@commentator5571]

Jake - Please don't take the Lord's name in vain.

[@Eli-qr9hc]

Can someone tell who the artist is and song on Glen Beck's radio program called (I think) STAND UP ! ..... Thank you

[@olysvenson8464]

Well dang. A commercial right in the middle of his song 😡

[@johnnywraie1955]

If anything is to changes it will come thru Music ☺️ quote of Jimi Hendrix.

[@jeffdorris5321]

Happy Halloween 👻🎃👻

[@mikepittman9822]

Here's a challenge for the both of you Deuteronomy 32 a song God asked Moses to write it starts off give her all you have in an earth I love the part where it tells and how the mother he will comes up to syrup to nest it's the way God takes care of us love to hear that set the music today God bless and Godspeed yay team go good guys

[@mikepittman9822]

Well we're still in the end of the Superman story I love it cuz that's what it's about nitric oxygen all you got to do is home and you can tell a difference cuz it puts up the level of nitrate o but there's so much more healing from the vibration of music vibrations of voice the pitch and tone all the world singing together would like to stop most of the nonsense if not all of it I started whistling about 9 years old no matter where I was if I was doing anything I would have low quiet whistle I can walk for hours that way get a task it was tough boring right on through music is universal that's the vibrations I love you guys thanks God bless and Godspeed yay team go good guys

[@tackyroo5669]

Yes

[@bronsonblood637]

Did he just say McCain was the last great American? Do you agree with that Glenn?? Why no push back on the name of that song?

[@commentator5571]

I gotta agree with you.