Biography
There are several artists with that name: 1. a British organist, 2. an American R&B singer.
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1) Keith John was born in Gloucester where he was a chorister in the Cathedral Choir under the Organist and Master of Choristers, Herbert Sumsion. He was awarded a scholarship to the Royal College of Music where his professors were Ralph Downes (organ), Bernard Roberts (piano) and Ruth Gipps (composition). An award by the Zürich Master Classes Foundation enabled him to study with Jean Guillou.
Keith John’s programmes are well known for juxtaposing standard repertoire alongside the less familiar and unusual; often his transcriptions of piano and orchestral music are also found in his programmes. Works such as Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition, Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite and Brahms St. Antoni Variations have been recreated for the organ. These have been performed and recorded on award-winning CDs in churches, cathedrals and concert halls worldwide from Bordeaux, Budapest, Reykjavik, Michigan and Madrid to Shiroishi. As an occasional composer, his “Rhythmic Energy” – the conclusion of a 3 movement suite entitled ‘Time and Motion’ – has become a celebrated recital tour de force.
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2) Keith John is an American R&B singer, best known for his work with Stevie Wonder from the 80's to the present.
Keith John is the son of R&B singer Little Willie John. He met Stevie Wonder in the 1970's and would go on to sing backup with him on records and tours. His voice can be heard on many Stevie Wonder recordings. He also had a small role in the Spike Lee film "School Daze" and appeared on the soundtrack to the film, as well as the soundtrack to Lee's film "Do The Right Thing".
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