Johnathan Lee Iverson, Ringmaster

An accomplished and history making showman who has graced the most coveted stages and arenas the world over, Johnathan Lee Iverson began his career at the age of 11 with the Boys Choir of Harlem. A native New Yorker, he traveled around the globe with the Boys Choir, sharing the spotlight with the likes of LL Cool J, Spike Lee, Lena Horne, Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, Luciano Pavarotti, Roberta Flack, Placido Domingo, Tony Bennett and scores of other luminaries in the world of entertainment. He performed before world leaders, including U.S. Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, and Jimmy Carter as well as Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela.

A proud graduate of Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts and the Hartt School of the University of Hartford, Johnathan made history at only 22 years of age as the youngest and first Black Ringmaster of the iconic Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey. He served in this role until the circus closed in 2017, making him the last ringmaster in the 146-year history of The Greatest Show On Earth. During his celebrated tenure with Ringling Bros.and Barnum & Bailey, Johnathan was one of the busiest live entertainers in the world, performing an estimated 450 shows annually in arenas around the United States and Mexico. He is renowned for his “powerful voice” and “superstar” presence. The legendary Lena Horne said of Iverson, “He’s got what it takes.” His many accolades include being selected as one of Barbara Walters 10 Most Fascinating People, but he is most proud of being a question on JEOPARDY® twice.

In addition to his role as Ringmaster, Iverson serves as President of the Board of Directors for Omnium Circus.