Career Timeline of Justin Vernon: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 24, 2025

Discover the career path of Justin Vernon, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Justin Vernon is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist, primarily known as the frontman and songwriter for the indie folk band Bon Iver. He's also a member of Volcano Choir, Big Red Machine, the Shouting Matches, and Gayngs, and formerly of DeYarmond Edison. Recognized for his distinctive falsetto voice and innovative musical style, Vernon has garnered significant recognition and critical praise for his contributions to the music industry, especially with Bon Iver.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1997: Forms Mount Vernon Band

In 1997, Justin Vernon formed his first band, Mount Vernon, after meeting the members at a Wisconsin high school jazz camp.

1998: Mount Vernon Releases First Local Project

In 1998, Mount Vernon released their first local musical project.

2001: Releases 'Home Is' and forms DeYarmond Edison

In 2001, Justin Vernon released his first solo album under the name "J.D Vernon", titled Home Is. Also in 2001, Vernon founded the band DeYarmond Edison while still in college.

2002: DeYarmond Edison Begins Performing

In 2002, DeYarmond Edison, consisting of Vernon, Phil Cook, Christopher Porterfield, and Joe Westerlund, began performing.

2004: DeYarmond Edison Releases Self-Titled Album

In 2004, DeYarmond Edison self-released their self-titled album.

2005: DeYarmond Edison Releases 'Silent Signs'

In 2005, DeYarmond Edison self-released their album Silent Signs.

2005: Releases 'Self Record'

In 2005, Justin Vernon released his solo album Self Record.

2006: Records 'For Emma, Forever Ago'

During the winter months of 2006 and 2007, Justin Vernon recorded For Emma, Forever Ago, his first album as Bon Iver, isolated in a northern Wisconsin cabin.

2006: Releases 'Hazelton'

In 2006, Justin Vernon released the solo album Hazeltons.

2006: Vernon Returns to Wisconsin and DeYarmond Edison Disbands

In 2006, after nearly a year in Raleigh, Justin Vernon returned to Wisconsin following a breakup with the band and a girlfriend. The remaining members of DeYarmond Edison went on to form the folk bands Megafaun and Field Report.

July 2007: Self-Release of 'For Emma, Forever Ago'

In July 2007, Justin Vernon self-released his album 'For Emma, Forever Ago' under the name Bon Iver.

February 2008: 'For Emma, Forever Ago' is Rereleased

In February 2008, after receiving several positive reviews, Justin Vernon's album, For Emma, Forever Ago, was rereleased.

2008: Produces 'Some Are Lakes' Album

In 2008, Justin Vernon produced Land of Talk's album Some Are Lakes.

2009: Collaborates on "Big Red Machine" for AIDS Benefit Album

In 2009, Justin Vernon collaborated with Aaron Dessner on the song "Big Red Machine" for the AIDS benefit album Dark Was the Night produced by the Red Hot Organization.

2009: Volcano Choir Releases Unmap

In 2009, Justin Vernon's band Volcano Choir, released Unmap.

2010: Collaborates with Kanye West on 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy'

In 2010, Justin Vernon collaborated with Kanye West on various songs for the album My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy, providing vocals on multiple tracks.

2010: Contributes to Anaïs Mitchell's Hadestown

In 2010, Justin Vernon contributed vocals as Orpheus to seven songs on Anaïs Mitchell's album Hadestown.

2010: Gayngs Releases Relayted

In 2010, Justin Vernon's collaborative group Gayngs, consisting of multiple established artists, released Relayted.

2011: Bon Iver releases self-titled album

In 2011, Bon Iver releases their self-titled album.

2011: Contributes to 'Watch the Throne'

In 2011, Justin Vernon contributed to the song "That's My Bitch" from Kanye West and Jay-Z's collaborative album Watch the Throne.

2011: Backing Vocalist for Kanye West at Coachella

In 2011, Justin Vernon served as a backing vocalist for Kanye West at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival.

September 25, 2012: Vernon Temporarily Ends Bon Iver

On September 25, 2012, Justin Vernon temporarily stepped away from Bon Iver.

2012: Vernon Begins Chigliak

In 2012, Justin Vernon began Chigliak, an imprint of Jagjaguwar, dedicated to albums that have had limited or non-commercial releases.

2012: Produces 'Voyageur' Album

In 2012, Justin Vernon produced Kathleen Edwards' album, Voyageur.

2013: Contributes to Kanye West's Yeezus

In 2013, Justin Vernon contributed to Kanye West's album Yeezus, adding to "I Am a God", "Hold My Liquor", and "I'm in It".

2013: Shouting Matches Debut Album

In 2013, the Shouting Matches, which includes Justin Vernon, released their debut album, Grownass Man.

2014: Releases 'De Oro' with Jason Feathers

In 2014, Jason Feathers, a collaboration with Justin Vernon, Ryan Olson, indie rapper Astronautalis and Bon Iver member Sean Carey, released De Oro.

2015: Backing Vocalist for Kanye West at Glastonbury

In 2015, Justin Vernon served as backing vocalist for Kanye West at Glastonbury Festival.

August 2016: Curates Eaux Claires Festival and Debuts '22, A Million'

In August 2016, Justin Vernon and Aaron Dessner curated the second annual Eaux Claires festival, where Bon Iver debuted their third album, 22, A Million, in front of a live audience.

September 30, 2016: Release of 22, A Million

On September 30, 2016, Bon Iver's third studio album, 22, A Million, was released to critical acclaim.

2017: Collaborates with Mouse on Mars

In 2017, Justin Vernon collaborated with Mouse on Mars on their album Dimensional People, his voice can be heard on the song Dimensional People III.

June 23, 2018: Joins Dead & Company on Stage

On June 23, 2018, Justin Vernon joined Dead & Company on stage at Alpine Valley Music Theatre in East Troy, Wisconsin, and performed three songs.

August 2018: Releases Big Red Machine Debut Album

In August 2018, Justin Vernon released the eponymous debut album of duet Big Red Machine alongside the National's Aaron Dessner. The album featured approximately 40 collaborators.