If you’ve been lucky enough to catch one of singer and songwriter John Sullivan’s live shows around the Lake Norman area, you’ve been thoroughly blessed!
What began with piano lessons at age four (thanks to the loving nudge of his musically talented mother) began to really blossom around age 23 when John first picked up the guitar and found a love of song writing along the way.
“Playing piano really helped develop my ear and set the foundation for what was to come – it was more of a chore when I was little, but I’m glad my mom kept me at it! Her side of the family was very musical, and my mom has a beautiful, very unique voice. I remember hearing her voice in church as I stood next to her as a child. She sang harmonies and melodies that were beautiful and dynamic – and that went right along with the choir, just as if she had practiced with them all week. She’s naturally gifted, has a great ear and perfect pitch.”
When John decided to explore the guitar, he was also pursuing a career in baseball.
“I had always wanted a guitar and now needed a hobby – besides baseball – that could help fill my time after work. I focused on Jack Johnson’s music because he was my favorite artist, and I felt his style really mirrored mine,” he shares.
John was given a position on an independent professional baseball team in Colorado as a closing pitcher in 2012, and yes, brought along his guitar which was slowly becoming an obsession.
“I wasn’t making much money playing baseball, so I decided to play small shows at local bars in Colorado for extra cash. It worked out well, becoming clear to me that was what I wanted to pursue instead of baseball,” he explains. “The songwriting process came naturally with this new territory. Any time you challenge yourself with something new in life, creativity naturally flows from it. Guitar is one of those things I will never stop learning, so the more I challenge myself, the more I let that creative side flourish.”
Born in Brooklyn, New York, but raised in Concord, NC, John’s career path also led him to Hollywood where he appeared on season 19 of NBC’s The Voice in 2020.
“Looking back at my experience with The Voice, it was a special place in time that marked the end of my own personal ambitions and the start of something incredible for the Lord. I found freedom and joy in no longer seeking the approval of my peers but rather just utilizing my talents to glorify God. Giving my life to Christ that same year, I watched how His building of this platform all along was being purposed for His glory, even before I knew Him intimately.”
John’s blind audition on the show – Jim Croce’s “Operator” (That’s Not The Way It Feels) – was a soulful introduction to his talents and enormously well received.
“Getting feedback from a professional like John Legend – someone I’d grown up listening to – was a special interaction. It sparked a flame that made me realize this was a lucrative career option. At that time, I had ‘one foot on the train and one on the platform’ – and needed to make a decision on what to do with my life. I decided to jump all in to music with the love and support of my amazing wife, Staci, and what an adventure it has been!” he adds.
A longtime resident of Denver, NC, John and his family moved out to a farm in Dallas, NC at the beginning of this year – trading the lake life for a homestead life!
“We’ve named it ‘Antioch Ranch’ and have a couple of donkeys, mini Nubian goats, chickens and rabbits, and I’m working on turning our wood shop into a venue where people can host events,” he shares.
“I find inspiration daily from my relationship with God,” explains John. “His eternal promises and allowing Him to carry out His work through me – and through my music – it’s a blessing to be used in this capacity. I’m also thankful for my family. My wife led me to Jesus Christ, and I’m so grateful He provided me with a faithful partner. He also blessed us with three beautiful children who are such a joy to raise in His word and truth!”
To catch one of John’s upcoming solo shows or events with his band, Sulli’N Friends, visit johnsullimusic.com, follow him on Facebook at John Sullivan Music and on Instagram @johnsullimusic.
