A BRADFORD district-based singer-songwriter says it feels surreal for him to be battling with a host of music superstars in a poll.

Jon Gomm, who lives in Saltaire, is one of the nominees in Guitar World’s Greatest Acoustic Song of All Time list.

The artist is shortlisted for the prize as part of a who’s who of music over the decades.

The prestigious list includes Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Dolly Parton, Green Day, and Ed Sheeran.

The list features 120 songs featuring acoustic songs from all musical genres.

Mr Gomm has been nominated in this poll for his song Passionflower, which was released 11 years ago and went viral after receiving 19 million views on YouTube.

He is in prestigious company as the list also includes Bob Marley’s Redemption Song, George Harrison’s My Sweet Lord, Blackbird by The Beatles and Faith by George Michael.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Jon Gomm performs in front of Victoria Hall in Saltaire Jon Gomm performs in front of Victoria Hall in Saltaire (Image: Newsquest)

He is known for his unique style on stage, which includes slapping, tapping and retuning the guitar as he plays.

He turned down a place at Oxford University to instead attend The Guitar Institute in London, then Leeds Conservatoire. Leeds became his adopted home, and the city museum requested one of his guitars for its permanent collection in 2021.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Jon Gomm has had 19 million views on YouTube for his song 'Passionflower'Jon Gomm has had 19 million views on YouTube for his song 'Passionflower' (Image: Newsquest)

City Museum in Leeds also has one of his guitars included in its permanent collection. 

Mr Gomm says he is flattered by his inclusion in the prestigious list of acoustic hits from over the decades.

He added: “It feels quite surreal. It is really nice to get a mention.

“I was just shocked when somebody sent it to me. It’s really good.

“As the nominees are in alphabetical order, I’m between Johnny Cash and Joni Mitchell.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Bruce Springsteen is also in contention for the greatest acoustic guitar song poll prize Bruce Springsteen is also in contention for the greatest acoustic guitar song poll prize (Image: Newsquest)

“I’m really grateful to be in there.

“I put it on my socials and I got positive messages about it. It was nice to get some love.

“The song I’m listed for was a breakthrough song from 10 years ago. It’s about seven minutes long. I had never released a single before.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Ed Sheeran is also in the running to be named top of the poll Ed Sheeran is also in the running to be named top of the poll (Image: PA)

“It went really well on the internet. I’ve always been a jobbing musician playing in West Yorkshire, gradually building it up.

“I’m still quite independent as an artist. You never know I might win. It’s only one poll, it’s really nice. Anybody can vote.”

The prestigious public vote closed on Wednesday, June 28, and the winner of the Greatest Acoustic Song of All Time will be announced in the next edition of Guitar World magazine, released on July 28.