John Ford Coley | |
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England Dan and John Ford Coley (right), 1976
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Background information | |
Birth name | John Edward Colley |
Born |
Dallas, Texas, United States |
October 13, 1948
Genres | Pop rock, folk, soft rock, country |
Occupation(s) | Singer |
Instruments | Vocals, guitar, piano, keyboards |
Years active | 1969–present |
Labels | A&M Records, Atlantic Records, HIP Records (Stax) |
Associated acts | England Dan & John Ford Coley, Dan Seals |
Website | www.johnfordcoley.com |
John Ford Coley (born October 13, 1948) is an American singer, classically trained pianist, guitarist, actor, and author most known for his partnership in the musical duo England Dan & John Ford Coley.
John Ford Coley was born John Edward Colley in Dallas, Texas. He grew up listening to the Grand Ole 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, Seals and Coley began their own acoustic act: Colley 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. 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 after three albums.
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". 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 eight albums; additionally, others were released abroad.
The duo disbanded in 1980.