Jack Antonoff: The Jewish Producer You Have Never Heard Of

By Andrew Talpins ‘24
Jewish music producer Jack Antonoff won his 8th Grammy at the 65th Annual Grammy Awards this year. 

Antonoff was nominated for Non-Classical Producer of the Year against Dan Auerbach, an eight-time grammy winner, D’Mile, a five-time winner and Boi-1da and Dahi, both one-time winners, all nominees having had successful careers and track records with major artists. 
Junior Chloe Elder, a big fan of Jack Antonoff, said, “I think it’s great that there is a successful, talented producer and great person representing the jewish people so publicly.”
Antonoff’s latest Grammy continues his streak of winning at least one grammy for three consecutive years, with this being his second year winning Non-Classical Producer of the Year. 
Antonoff made a name for himself producing for artists like Taylor Swift, Lorde, Lana Del Rey and Clairo, as well as being a member of his own solo project, The Bleachers. Antonoff is an avid activist for mental health, as he himself has had a history of mental struggles. 
Antonoff has found that music helps him deal with his mental struggles, as it allows him to channel his frustration into something more positive. He uses his platform to spread mental wellness to others through music. 
Antonoff also donated large sums of money to charities that he believes in, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), LGBTQ organizations like the Montrose Center, a safe space for LGBTQ members in Houston and abortion charities, among others. Following rapper Kanye West’s antisemitic remarks, Antonoff’s outspoken response on Twitter garnered him 100,000 likes and a growth of publicity. 
Antonoff grew up in New Jersey and attended the Solomon Schechter Day School in Bergen County. Growing up, he found his passion in music and created a band with his fellow students. In 2008 he formed his first successful band, “fun” whose biggest hit was the 2012 song “We Are Young” featuring Janelle Monáe from the album “Some Nights.” The song sits at 900,000,000 listens on Spotify, with many of the band’s other songs breaking the 100,000,000 listens milestone. 
Junior Jack Spigler said, “I love that dude. We Are Young was my first introduction to his work.”
Antonoff won his first two Grammys, Best New Artist and Song of the Year, through “fun,” helping to launch his career as a producer and eventually leading to his big debut working with Taylor Swift on her 2013 song “Sweeter than Fiction.” Taylor Swift continued to collaborate with Antonoff, leading to his large role in her album 1989 as well as continued involvement in her future works. With this exposure, he was able to continue working with other large artists.
Junior Doron Finkel added, “I never really knew the name of Jack Antonoff but always heard his music. It’s refreshing to know that an artist whose music I used to love in the early 2010s is still making the same great music.”
In 2017, Antonoff co-wrote and produced Lorde’s second album, “Melodrama.” 
Antonoff proved his skills over the past 12 years through his numerous Grammy nominations and awards. Moreover, Antonoff doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon, made clear  by his remarks during his acceptance speech. He remarked, “We were there yesterday and we’ll be there tomorrow,” referring to his, and his associate Laura Sisk’s, work in his studio. 
Antonoff doesn’t plan on slowing down and continues to work on songs for his solo projects and collaborations with other artists. Jack Antonoff’s continued success stands as an exciting story for Jews around the world.
Junior Mimi Lebeau Lebeau said, “It is really inspiring to see a fellow Jew accomplish so much in such a challenging industry. I feel proud that Antonoff was able to gain many achievements and I am excited to see what he does next.”