John’s first recovery album HOPE ROAD details his story of addiction and recovery. During the 1960s hippie movement, the mind-altering substances were part of the culture, part of the adventure. For three days in August of 1969, John soaked up the music, the mud and the vibe at Woodstock, and a few months later decided to drop out of college to get a ‘real’ education. Sacramento to Cheyenne brings to life his years of traveling the country via thumb and freight train.

John settled in a Taos, New Mexico new age spiritual community, where he didn’t drink or use drugs for 8 years. When his marriage broke up and he left the group, the drugs and alcohol returned. 

Years later and re-married, he found himself leading The Double Life, one while he was on the road working for the family business, and the other while he was home with his wife and kids. John’s Addiction had reached a point where he could no longer get through a day without drinking or using. The inner torture became a War (a song written by his son, Jackson).

In White Flag, John recalls a ‘divine intervention’ in the form of a run-in with the law. His true recovery journey began at Marworth Treatment Center in 1992. The cover of the John Hiatt song Thirty Years of Tears describes the rehab experience.

Subsequent songs on the album show how John has maintained sobriety and spiritual growth through Learning to Serve and Gratitude. Chesapeake Bay acknowledges that even in sobriety, life can present serious challenges. The album closes with the title song Hope Road, which offers encouragement to listeners by describing what’s possible in a sober life.

“These songs are an effective way to carry the message of hope, help and healing to fellow travelers like me AND those who want a deeper and richer understanding of the power of addiction and the promise and possibility of recovery.” – William C. Moyers, VP Public Affairs & Community Relations, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

Click here to stream or buy HOPE ROAD!

THE LIGHTHOUSE PROJECT

 After the release of HOPE ROAD, John was invited to join the Creative Recovery Group, an online group of folks who are using creative writing as a means to enhance their recovery. They started collaborating on song lyrics, which he then put to music and began recording. The Lighthouse Project, a collection of 16 recovery songs, is now available as a book and CD.

“This project reflects a new generation of creative works that are simultaneously acts of self-healing and acts of service—sources of profound hope and inspiration to individuals, families, and communities. These uplifting recovery anthems and the companion book will be warmly welcomed by diverse communities of recovery across the globe.” – William White, Author: Slaying the Dragon: The History of Addiction Treatment and Recovery in America

Click here to stream or buy THE LIGHTHOUSE PROJECT (available as a book or CD)

WE DO RECOVER - Voices of Hope

John now visits several substance use disorder treatment centers on a regular basis to perform concerts and facilitate Creative Writing for Recovery workshops. In addition to specific writing exercises designed to deepen recovery, they spend a portion of the time creating lyrics for a future recovery song. A topic is chosen. The participants write on the topic, and John photographs the writings of those who wish to contribute to the song. He transcribes the writings in his home studio, moves words and phrases around, adds some of his own, then writes music. The newly completed song is performed for the participants on the next visit.

John’s third recovery album WE DO RECOVER: Voices of Hope consists of songs written in collaboration with participants in these workshops. The songs trace the journey of a person in active substance use disorder from living on the street (Be There) to asking for help (Surrender). The middle songs (Tracks 3 - 12) reflect the insight and hope gained in rehab. Completing treatment, the person is ready to go home (Coming Home) and establish a new life in recovery (Unshakeable). The closing song (Spirit Bird) explores the possibility of a spiritual awakening as the person grows in recovery.

There’s a raw wisdom in the words of people coming out of a very dark period of their lives and beginning to seek the light. This insight combined with the experience of a creative person in long-term recovery conveys a message of hope to readers and listeners.

Set aside an hour, sit down with the book, and listen to the songs as you read the lyrics and the stories behind them. Whether just exploring or in sustained recovery, we hope these words and melodies will inspire you on your journey.

“John's work reaches far beyond music. With humility, presence, and deep respect for the human story, he creates a space where people feel safe enough to tell the truth. In his workshops, what emerges is never just a song, but a shared act of courage, connection, and meaning making. Individual stories are gently woven into a collective expression that carries both beauty and honesty. 

“Substance use disorder is often rooted in profound disconnection, and John's work restores what has been fractured by inviting people back into relationship – with themselves and with one another. As someone who values creativity, community, and truth as pathways to healing, I recognize how rare and necessary this kind of work is. Watching a group transform lived experience into something meaningful, together, is profoundly moving. The songs born from these spaces carry an unmistakable sense of soul, reminding us that connection is not only possible, it is essential.” – Dr. Jennifer Richards, PsyD, Chief Clinical Officer, BriteLife Recovery, NY, PA & SC

Click here to stream or buy WE DO RECOVER (available as a book or CD)

CURRENT OFFERINGS

Recovery Concerts

John shares his lived SUD and recovery experience through story and song. Music allows the message to connect with listeners on a deeper level than a story simply told. The concert includes songs from his albums HOPE ROAD, THE LIGHTHOUSE PROJECT and WE DO RECOVER. Also included are several songs that were written in collaboration with people in treatment or early recovery. Q&A discussion follows the concert. 

John is often joined by his wife Vivian on harmony vocals and Native American flute.

Creative Writing for Recovery

Through a series of writing exercises, John takes participants on an introspective journey designed to deepen their recovery. Attendees are invited to share their writing in a safe and supportive space. 

Collaborative Songwriting

Available as an optional segment of the writing workshop. A topic is chosen, and participants work together to create lyrics for an original recovery song. In his home studio, John edits the lyrics, writes music, and performs the completed song during his next visit.

Professional Recording

A recording of the collaborative song is available. John records the song in his home studio with drums, bass, guitar and vocal (sometimes additional instruments and vocals). The recording has the sound and feel of a full band. The song is delivered as an mp3 and a streaming link that can be provided to clients/patients upon discharge. The song/lyrics can also be used for promotional purposes.

For more information and John’s availability, please fill out this contact form.