John Cunningham

John Cunningham
Showcasing the “Rocky Steady” Band

John Cunningham is a musician/writer/producer based in Northwest, Ohio with years of experience in Smooth Jazz, R&B, Gospel, Blues and Neo-Soul.

John’s musical background began on trumpet in the late 60’s playing in soul bands covering music from “James Brown”, “Kool and the Gang”, “Jr. Walter” to school marching and concert bands. John graduated from The University of Toledo/Bowling Green with a BA in Music Composition.

With over fifty years of involvement on the live music scene in Toledo and surrounding areas, John has performed at many iconic venues. Starting at high school dances to clubs such as “The Green Light”, “The Paladin”, “Club Electra”, “Dorr Hall”, “Sepia” (played on the Dee Wolf local black TV show, as well the “Community Showcase” a local black show of the 70’s). My bands of those days were “Tommy Brown and the Famous Entertainers”, and the “Corruptors”). John was also was involved with the Toledo black communities “Creative Workshop” project.

Switching to keyboards in the mid 70’s, John played formative roles in organizing show bands/groups such as “Westbound Extension”, “Executive Force”, “Social Lubrication”, and “Sign of Vibration”. Then the 90’s John brought the “Hearts of Fire” band, which raged for 10+ years, playing in many clubs and halls, as well as breaking the color barrier of local country clubs, for shows, events and weddings.

Major acts John’s groups have opened for include: Gladys Knight, Bobby Womack, S.O.S. Band, Anita Baker, Alex Bugnon, Kenny G and others.

More recent groups John has been involved in forming and performing in are the “Jamm Band”, “Jesse Coleman”, “The Good the Bad and the Blues”, “Katch Band”, and presently the “Mixed Company Band”, “Bobby G”, “Carmen Miller”, “Rock Steady” and “Mike Williams”.

Music composition has always been John’s first love. Music he’s written and produced can be heard on most streaming music platforms. John’s music ranges from Smooth Jazz, New Age, Latin, R&B, and Funk.