This week on Here’s What We Know, join us for an unforgettable conversation with John Ford Coley, one-half of the legendary duo England Dan & John Ford Coley. From chart-topping hits to behind-the-scenes moments, John shares personal stories, musical insights, and nostalgic reflections on an era that shaped generations. Hit play now and take a trip down memory lane with one of music’s great talents!
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In this Episode:
- Relive the moments that shaped a generation—timeless hits that became more than just songs, but the soundtrack of our lives.
- What really happens when legends cross paths? Hear untold stories of encounters with Led Zeppelin, Three Dog Night, and the unexpected friendships that defined an era.
- Some voices just belong together. Dive into the rare chemistry between John Ford Coley & Dan Seals—a sound so seamless, it felt like family.
- From classical roots to rock, jazz, and beyond—discover the eclectic influences that shaped their signature sound over the decades.
- The music industry is ever-changing, but some things never do. Laugh along with wild TV depictions, behind-the-scenes antics, and why live music matters more than ever.
- Hear John’s heartfelt reflections on his relationship with Dan Seals, Todd Rundgren‘s influence, and thoughts on music’s ephemeral nature versus its lasting legacy.
Quotations:
“We’d buy the album. We’d listen to the record while we’re reading the liner notes. What went on, where it was recorded, who was recording on it, the little stories and tidbits, you know, that they would pass through there. That for me, it’s like reading the cereal box, you know, when you’re a kid and you’re reading all the stuff on the back while you’re chomping down your Cheerios. That was great.” ~ John Ford Coley
“For me, the most important element was and still is the lyrics. I mean, I love the music because the music dries loose. You can have a horrible lyric and a great melody and you got a hit. You can have a great lyric and a miserable melody and it’s going to die a miserable death because it’s not supported.” ~ John Ford Coley
“The connections between people are astounding.” ~ John Ford Coley
“I don’t believe in being in a small pond, being the big fish in a small pond. You gotta leave. You gotta get into the big pond and be the small fish so you can learn.” ~ John Ford Coley
“I loved Utopia and Todd Rundgren. He still ranks as my favorite concert that I’ve ever been to.” ~ John Ford Coley
“Dan and I, we had a hard breakup. I don’t talk about it because I’ve got my side, Dan’s got his side. Dan’s not here. If I were to talk about it, in my estimation, it’s not a very honorable thing to do because he can’t defend himself. So it’s done. It’s over.” ~ John Ford Coley
“A lot of times you go into rote, but by golly, you know where you are. You know what you’re going to do and you don’t get stuck.” ~ John Ford Coley
“It’s an interesting world, and I don’t like not being involved in it because, again, there’s just so many fascinating things that go on. There’s people that can teach you things.” ~ John Ford Coley
Bio:
John Ford Coley is an American singer, guitarist, classically trained pianist, actor, and author. He is most revered as half of the Grammy-nominated duo, England Dan and John Ford Coley.
John has created many memorable hits such as: “Love Is The Answer”, “Gone Too Far”, “I’d Really Love To See You Tonight”, “We’ll Never Have To Say Goodbye Again”, “Nights Are Forever Without You”, and “Sad To Belong”.
Born in Dallas, Texas, John grew up listening to the Grand Ole Opry and early rock and roll music. He also grew up singing church hymns and learning to play classical piano. When he was just 16 years old, he and schoolmate Dan Seals joined the group Theze Few. Later, the band became Southwest F.O.B. and toured the Texas music scene. They had one hit in 1969, “The Smell of Incense”, which hit number 43 on the charts – and soon the band got to play on stage with Led Zeppelin and other acts.
Later, becoming England Dan & John Ford Coley, the duo was signed by A&M Records, and their first break came in 1972 with the song “Simone.” After three albums, they were released from their contract with A&M only to acquire another record deal from Atlantic Records’ subsidiary Big Tree Records two years later. They released the song “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight” with four top-ten hits and two top-twenty hits. Nominated for a Grammy Award, they received triple-platinum and gold records and released eight albums before disbanding in 1980.
John Ford Coley formed another group – Leslie, Kelly, and John Ford Coley (with sisters Leslie and Kelly Bulkin). John also acted in a few films in the 1980s and wrote songs for television and film. He performed with artists including Ambrosia, Three Dog Night, Lou Gramm (of Foreigner), Christopher Cross, Poco, Stephen Bishop, Al Stewart, and Edgar Winter.
In 1999, he moved to Tennessee because he loved the Nashville music community. Today, he still loves music and performing on stages around the world. As part of the growing appreciation for smooth yacht rock music, John Ford Coley brings his Grammy-winning style to the scene with love. Be sure to impress your guests at your next event, party, festival, conference, wedding, or special gathering!
John Ford Coley has performed stunning shows at casinos, large theaters, cruise ships, and more. His style of music is perfect for intimate events or big concerts, pleasing audiences of all kinds and all ages.
Guest Contact Info:
Website: https://johnfordcoley.com/