John 2 Ponies

BIOGRAPHY (c.2005)

John's earliest [musical] influences came from his mother, whose brilliant taste in vocalist introduced him to Nat King Cole and the local church choir. Finding Elvis Presley and Hank Williams Sr., John's voice began to resemble favorite selections from an old, timeworn jukebox with his own Texas twang. By the age of thirteen, John Two Ponies discovered one of his many gifts and life passion song writing. Being a third generation musician, his guitar roots and handsome voice has since turned many of his ideas into songs. Wanting to explore his musical talents, John made his first career attempts on the west coast. Traveling to Texas, he was able to play in many honkey tonk bars while further exploring his southern rock influences.

Not until John moved to Richmond, Virginia did he find a home that offered the brilliant combination of art, music, and social stimulation that he had been looking for. John met Mr. John E. Morrison, who was a phenomenal guitar player envied by even the Gypsy Kings for his free style guitar playing in the 1960's. John Two Ponies and Mr. Morrison formed a friendship that enabled Mr. Morrison to teach and play his unique style after thirty years of neglect. Mr. Morrison was reminded of an equal hunger and passion for guitar through John Two Ponies. John took his style to a different level and has since created beyond. Richmond was John's first grounded experience with the music scene, playing in different bands, small concerts, and a TV appearance with NBC.

Nashville became his next trek, allowing him to view the music industry from within. John was finally allowed to pursue his love for song writing. He worked with several professional and studio musicians and accepted a writing position working with Chris Gantry and Jerry Gillispie . John quickly discovered that Nashville would not allow him the inspiration or pace as a songwriter. While in Nashville, he met many accomplished musicians and key players. Chris Gantry claimed John to be the " James Dean of Nashville". Jerry Gillispie noted John as, "the most over looked song writer of his time". The Blue Bird Cafe compliments John by saying he is "always a joy on stage". Ramblin' Jack Elliot says, "reminds me of Woodie Guthry".

After three years of part time Nashville, John traveled back to Virginia and found a songwriter's haven in Floyd, Virginia where he currently resides. Here in Floyd , John's inspiration as a songwriter is nurtured and he is always creating more songs with complimentary melodies. The blue grass roots in the southern Appalachia has furthered John's guitar style by combining his already country/ gypsie style to establish a Green Grass Style.

Influences include lady Emily Lou Harris and Graham Parson, as a team and solo musical act. John's eclectic style is born from Beethoven to Zappa, Kris Kristofferson, Woody Guthrie and Son and the Beattles. Whether one is searching for a clever songwriter, whose personal convictions and emotions provide a different assortment of songs ranging from serious to satirical, a seasoned voice that pleases all, or an accomplished guitar style that is well suited for one or a crowd, John Two Ponies' ingenuity will leave any witnesses stirred with emotions.

John opened for Stacey Earle in 2002 and performed at the Floyd Festival for years 2002 and 2003. John and fellow band members Chris Luster (bass guitar), and Jeremy Herman (rhythm guitarist/mandolin) are working on a second CD under their new band name, SOULFOLK.US.