I started playing the guitar at the age of 10.  I began learning American folk songs from John Denver and James Taylor, two of my earliest heroes.

At 13 I began studying Classical Guitar with guitar virtuoso Martin Roberts, passing my ARCM Diploma in 1979.  Whilst studying music in Manchester, to earn extra income, I began my own private guitar school at my parents home in Lymm in Cheshire and at one stage had over 20 pupils.

In 1981 after graduating from music college, I joined a band heading for a tour of Norway.  I fell hopelessly in love with Scandinavia and made it my home for the next 7 years, touring both Scandinavia and other parts of Europe with various bands.

In the 1990’s having settled back in the UK and having had two sons, Christopher and Matthew, I started writing songs and recording demos as a solo artist.  In 1997 I signed a publishing deal with American indie label Atlan-Dec Records from Atlanta and my album ‘Stepping Into The Light’ was released in 1998. 

The album contains 14 of my own compositions and has sold in 42 countries around the world.  You can still buy the album today, although these days it is mostly available through online retailers such as Amazon, or you can download tracks from iTunes.

The track ‘Tonight’ was used by Oprah Winfrey as the theme for one of her cable TV shows in the US on the Oxygen network.

Today, my sons are both learning guitar and show great promise as both guitar and vocal talent.  I have a successful Business and IT consultancy, which I run with my wife Val and I now use my musical talents to raise money for various local charities.  I also play at several ‘open mic’ nights in Staffordshire where I live.

Check the diary section for details of when and where I will be playing and hopefully I will see you there. 

John Denver

James Taylor