An 18-year-old Shelbyville resident has earned an enthusiastic following for his varied musical talents. What sets John Mikkiah Thompson apart is that his early fans did not know that is autistic. He did not speak or sing until he was eight years old. He will headline a free concert in the Center Grove High School Auditorium on April 15 at 7 PM.
Once John Mikkiah’s talent was recognized his career started to take off. In 2010, he won the “Shelby Idol” contest and swept multiple categories in the Franklin Fall Talent Contest. He appeared at the 2010 Indiana State Fair and formed the National Anthem at the opening of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in May 2011.
“The Lord used praise and worship to unlick John’s mind,” said Thompson’s father Grant. “He taught himself how to play the piano between 5 and 6, before he began to speak [and] then we discovered his amazing signing voice.”
During the concert, Thompson will perform a full set including a range of music styles from country to Contemporary Christian and patriotic music. Bluegrass folk artists Whipstitch Sallies will open for the teen.
Members of Dancing with a Purpose (D-WAP), a community outreach program that uses dance (hip hop and street dance) as a platform to bring hope and love to Middle School and High School students, were riveted by John’s performance and how he captivated the attention of Center Grove Middle School students. When he started singing, their jaws dropped.,” said D-WAP observer Emmalea Butler. “They pulled out their cell phones and began recording him.”
The April concert is the fruition of a dream for the vibrant and chatty Thompson who loves people and loved to lead worship music in his community. He said his next dream is to sing with his favorite Christian band, Casting Crowns.
I believe it will happen,” said John.
Admission is open to the public, but a free will offering will be collected. For more information about John, visit his Facebook page.
