Jon de Mello

Jon de Mello is an American record producer, manager, composer, artist, who was born in Honolulu and raised in Waikiki, and notable for producing Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole.

Early years Jon de Mello's father was composer Jack de Mello. Jon de Mello began playing the piano at the age of five, and began learning his father's trade by sitting in on recording sessions and business meetings. His interest expanded to fine art, and he studied painting at the California College of Arts and Crafts, graduating in 1970 with a fine arts degree. When he returned to Hawaii, he continued his artistic studies at the University of Hawaiʻi while simultaneously embarking on several business ventures.

Career In 1974, de Mello started Mountain Apple Company and in 1978, signed The Brothers Cazimero as the company's first act. Since then, he has produced over 150 recording projects that range from traditional Hawaiian to contemporary Hawaiian to island music, most notably being Israel Kamakawiwoʻoleʻs multi-platinum selling Facing Future and Alone in Iz World albums. In 2002, he became the first producer from a Hawaiian record label to have achieved an RIAA certified Gold Record and 2005 achieved Platinum. He also served as an entertainment consultant to Sheraton Hotels' Pacific Division, Westin Hotels, and the SS Monterey Luxury Liner.

Today, de Mello composes original music for television shows and motion pictures, produces, mixes and arranges recordings of his company's artists, designs album covers and point-of-purchase display material, and edits music videos.