John Ford Coley
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John Ford Coley (born John Edward Colley on October 13, 1948 in Dallas, Texas) is a singer, classically trained pianist, guitarist, actor, and author most well known for his partnership in the musical duo England Dan & John Ford Coley.
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[edit] Early days
John Ford Coley grew up listening to the Grand Old Opry, early rock and roll, singing church hymns and was trained as a classical pianist. At 16, While at W.W. Samuell High School in Dallas, John along with fellow schoolmate Dan Seals, joined the group "Theze Few" which later became "The Southwest FOB" (Freight On Board) and toured the Texas music scene where they had one hit "The Smell of Incense" that in 1969 rose to number 43 on the charts. This band played on the bill with such acts as Led Zeppelin and others.
While in the band, Dan Seals and John Coley began their own acoustic act: Coley and Wayland. The act was renamed England Dan & John Ford Coley and the duo was signed by A&M Records. In 1971, the two moved to Los Angeles where they opened for numerous bands[1] Their first break came in 1972 with the song "Simone". It became a number one hit in Japan and was quite popular in France. However, "Simone" did not fare as well in the United States, and the two were released from their contract with A&M records.
[edit] Signing to Atlantic Records
Two years later, they acquired another record deal from Atlantic Records subsidiary Big Tree Records and released the song "I'd Really Love to See You Tonight" which moved them straight up the charts.[citation needed] Overall they had four top tens and two top twenties. They were nominated for a Grammy award, received triple-platinum and gold records and released 8 albums; additionally, others were released abroad.
The duo disbanded in 1980.
[edit] Beyond the 1980s
John Ford Coley went on to form another group that released an album on A&M Records. Then, he went on to act in teen films in the 1980s, acquired a small ranch in the 1990s, and wrote songs for film and TV. He returned to touring in 1996 and has an active tour schedule where Coley plays the hits and other favorite songs. Coley plays with groups including Ambrosia, Terry Sylvester, formerly of The Hollies and rides the bill with numerous other acts including Three Dog Night, Lou Gramm (of Foreigner), Christopher Cross, Poco, Stephen Bishop, Al Stewart, Edgar Winter and others.
In 1996, Coley made a trip south for Tin Pan South and began making trips to Nashville to be part of the music community. He moved his family and horses across country to Tennessee in 1999. While in Tennessee, Coley, once a Bahá'í, converted to Christianity. He lectures about Christianity, is writing a book about his faith, and continues to perform around the world.
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- John Ford Coley - biography and official website
- John Ford Coley - his biography sketch
