John Francis

John Francis

John Francis is a UK artist associated with blues rock, and is also described as an 80s UK ranter/poet. He works with The Lou Reichner Band.

Early writing and performance

Francis starts writing, recording and performing at the age of 12. At 18, he enrols at Messiah College near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, where he studies Literature and World Religions. There he spends time reading poetry and prose and develops his songwriting. During this period, he also plays guitar in a gospel band on Sunday mornings.

Travels and songwriting influences

After graduating, Francis travels to Ireland, where he draws further influence from the musical traditions of his family homeland. He then spends several years living on the road, collecting songs in Appalachia and on American Indian reservations.

Recordings and recognition

While living in Philadelphia, Francis releases Strong Wine & Spirits. The record receives critical attention, and the single Heavy, Heavy Love receives substantial radio play in the North East. His songwriting draws on rock and roll, folk, country and gospel.

Francis is recognised by ASCAP with two national lyricist awards. He also receives the Sammy Cahn Lyricist Award for Love Came to Me Dressed in Red and the Jay Gorney Award for socially conscious lyrics for Who?