"John Keller is one of those rare composers whose music is always original and at the same time very commercial..”

                                                                                                                                         Veteran music publisher Danny Strick

 

Platinum-selling songwriter John Keller composed the No. 1 hit song "Love Is," recorded by Vanessa Williams and Brian McKnight.  His songs have also been recorded by a wide variety of artists,  including Rickie Lee Jones, Al Green, Wynonna, Aaron Neville,  and Etta James.  In addition to writing and producing his own songs,  John produces the work of newcomers and veteran artists alike.  His productions include "Yugoslavia," for longtime collaborator Tonio K.,  co-writer of "Love Is.." Other production credits include “Outta Here” by Kim Fox.,  an EP for the band Everett Coast, and an album by Lady Lazarus.  

John has been a staff songwriter for Warner Music, Almo-Irving, Geffen and Sony Songs.  He has collaborated with songwriters including Will Jennings, Gerry Goffin, Kim Fox, David Baerwald, Danny Wilde, David Was, Bonnie Hayes and many others.  In 2015,  John released "Young Man’s World", an album of his own songs.  His new album will be coming out in 2023.

From Berlin and Gershwin to Lennon & McCartney, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Randy Newman, and Van Morrison, John’s influences are wide ranging.  From Rock, R&B, Folk and Country, to Classical and Jazz, his songs add up to an eclectic blend of many styles, and defy easy categorization.  Musically, his songs are both sophisticated and earthy, combining stirring melodies and memorable chord changes.  His lyrics are often revealing first-person narratives, displaying an emotional honesty and openness.

As a child, John was surrounded by music of all kinds.  He began playing guitar at the age of 7, and later studied classical guitar and piano at 14.  His mother taught classical piano, and his older brother introduced him to R&B and Rock ‘N’ Roll.  He continued his music studies at California State University at Northridge.  John recalls, “The first record I remember hearing was ‘Yakety Yak’ by the Coasters.  It remains one of my favorite records.  Artists like the Coasters, Ray Charles, James Brown, the Beatles and many others formed the soundtrack to my early years.  I soaked it all up, and to this day the music I originally heard continues to inspire the music I write.  As I got a little older I began to discover Classical music and Jazz, and gradually my music reflected a broader range of styles.”  He adds, “I’ve always drawn inspiration from the rich musical traditions of the past.  Unconsciously, I keep faith with those traditions.”

In the ever-changing music business, where styles come and go almost daily, one thing remains constant: the need for a good song.  John Keller has spent a lifetime in pursuit of that elusive commodity.   

For further information: https://johnkellermusic.com/contact

December 2022

John Keller Bio