John Sheridan, Jim Cullum Jazz Band

Biography

John Sheridan (1946-2021) was an American stride and swing pianist, arranger, and bandleader born in Columbus, Ohio. He developed an early interest in jazz at age eight upon hearing recordings that inspired him, and as a teenager began playing in local groups. Sheridan served in the U.S. Navy Band in Washington, D.C., from 1968 to 1972, after which he moved to Dallas, Texas, to pursue graduate studies at North Texas State University (now University of North Texas), earning a Master's degree in Music in 1977.[1][3][4][5]

Sheridan joined the Jim Cullum Jazz Band in the late 1970s (around 1977-1979), becoming a cornerstone member for over two decades until 2002, serving as pianist, chief arranger, and occasional vocalist. His hundreds of arrangements elevated the band's sound, featured prominently in their 'Riverwalk: Live From The Landing' NPR radio broadcasts from San Antonio's Riverwalk venue. After departing, he freelanced at jazz parties, cruises, and festivals, led his own Dream Band (recording five albums for Arbors Records with vocalist Rebecca Kilgore), and returned occasionally to the Cullum band post-2011. He also arranged for vocalist Banu Gibson's symphony pops concerts and wrote symphonic orchestrations.[1][2][3]

Renowned for his masterful stride piano and world-class arranging in traditional jazz styles influenced by Bix Beiderbecke and Bob Haggart, Sheridan's legacy includes key recordings like the Cullum band's 'Porgy & Bess' and Christmas albums, plus his Dream Band's 'All The Cats Join In.' He passed away on August 24, 2021, after battling cancer, leaving a profound impact on classic jazz.[1][3]

Fun Facts

• Sheridan played the National Anthem for the Dallas Cowboys through his association with Tommy Loy.
• He served as rehearsal/pit pianist for Casa Mañana Summer Musicals in Fort Worth from 1974-1978.
• One of his first projects with Jim Cullum was a European tour including Hannover, West Germany, and the Breda Jazz Festival.
• He led at least seven albums under his own name, mostly for Arbors Records.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Tommy Loy - Band leader in Upper Dallas Jazz Band who facilitated connection to Jim Cullum (Battles of the Bands with Jim Cullum’s Happy Jazz Band) [1973]

Key Collaborators

• Jim Cullum Jazz Band - Longtime pianist and arranger (Riverwalk broadcasts, 'Porgy & Bess' album, Christmas album, 9 records) [1977-2002, occasional after 2011]
• Rebecca Kilgore - Vocalist featured on Dream Band recordings (5 Dream Band albums for Arbors) [post-2002]
• Banu Gibson - Arranger for symphony pops concerts (Symphonic orchestrations) [1980s onward]
• Allan Vaché - Sideman recordings (Multiple records) [career spanning]

External Links

• Spotify