09/06/2025, 08:00 PM EDTJohn Ford Coley
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.
