Writer and Ethnomusicologist - Jonathan C. David

Latest Publication

The Flower from A Poisoned Seed

A Memoir of Childhood Trauma, Sexual Masochism, and Eventually, a Good Measure of Wellbeing.

“Jonathan David’s searing memoir is written from the depths of his soul. With the precision of an investigative journalist and heart of a poet, he generously offers the reader an unflinching view of his desolation, despair, and his demons. With great perseverance, he is driven by his inherent belief that understanding his mind would ultimately liberate him, as he says, ‘get to the bottom’ of things. A most illustrative account of how insights into early trauma can save one’s life.”
– Ira Brenner, MD, author of Injured Men

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Author

Jonathan C. David

Jonathan C. David is a writer, folklorist, memoirist, journalist, ethnomusicologist, and producer. His most recent book is the memoir The Flower from a Poisoned Seed, which explores the psychological roots of BDSM and fetishism, family, trauma, spirituality, and well-being through therapeutic self-awareness and creativity.

Jonathan’s first book is a deeply researched account of the Singing and Praying Bands of Maryland, Virginia, and Delaware called Together Let Us Sweetly Live. He recorded and produced the accompanying album of the bands, and his liner notes for the album were nominated for a Grammy Award. His follow-up book about the Singing and Praying Bands titled On One Accord is slated for release soon, and another deeply personal work with the working title A Caravan of One is in the works.

As a journalist, his stories have been featured in The Nation and The Unconvention. He is also a classically trained Indian musician and has spent extensive time living in India. Jonathan currently lives in Philadelphia.

FULL Biography

A rare look at the unique grassroots African American religious institutions called the Singing and Praying Bands.

“Together Let Us Sweetly Live is an invaluable contribution to the study of folk culture, and a testament to the resilience of a heretofore largely overlooked tradition.”
– Sing Out!

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Coming Soon

Planned for publication in 2026

On One Accord

The Singing and Praying Bands, Ring Shouts, and the Formation of African American Culture

In this book, Jonathan offers readers a lyrical view into the origin and practice of the Singing and Praying Bands from Maryland and Delaware. Originating in the early 19th century, the band service begins with a prayer meeting during which participants relive their group suffering and align their suffering with that of many biblical heroes, but most centrally, with that of Jesus. Through this shared experience, they relive the resurrection of Jesus and find the wholeness that they call being “on one accord.” Armed with this sense of joyous unity, they conclude with a return to an African-derived ring dance, now in a hybrid service called a ring shout. The sensibility of “accord” diffused to the South with the internal slave trade, influenced local traditions there and helped form a common culture throughout African North America.

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