Seventies music star John Ford Coley has been Making music for many years and has traveled the world in the process; but there is one thing he has never done…until now. 

On November 12, Coley made his debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage.  It was a dream of over 50 years in the making.  Coley spoke on his debut appearance saying, “being on the Grand Ole Opry for the first time after all of these years was a dream come true.  I have played all over the world, but the Opry was one place that hadn’t happened. Standing on that iconic circle where so many greats have stood… it takes your breath away. I hope to play it again soon!”

Coley is one half of the duo England Dan and John Ford Coley who had a major hit with the song “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight”.  The duo broke up in 1980 with Coley continuing on as a solo artist.  England Dan – Dan Seals (the son of Jim Seals of Seals and Crofts fame) died in 2009 as a result of lymphoma.

During the course of his career, Coley has shared the stage with numerous artists including Sir Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Chicago, Carole King, Bread, Loggins & Messina, Poco, Orleans, Lou Gramm of Foreigner, and Gordon Lightfoot.

Coley has also written songs and produced music for a number of artists during his career including The Hollies, Eddie Money, Tom Wurth, Connie Smith, Rob Guest, Foss Doll, and corporate clients including Maxwell House Coffee and Dr. Pepper.

Coley has also turned his hand to acting including appearances in “Dream a Little Dream”, “Scenes from a Gold Mine”, and America’s Most Wanted”.

Now in his 70’s, Coley continues to perform and tour and has several dates lined up in the coming months.

John Ford Coley performances:
Nov 18 at The Church Studio in Tulsa, OK
Nov 19 at Kickin’ The Blues Music Festival in Bonita Springs, FL
Dec 15 at the Marion Cultural and Civic Center in Marion, IL
Dec 16 at The Des Plaines Theatre in Des Plaines, IL
Jan 6 at the Red Dragon Listening Room in Baton Rouge, LA
Jan 20 at the Seneca Niagara Bears Den in Niagara Falls, NY
Jan 21 at the Arlington Music Hall in Arlington, TX
May 6 at The Peacock Performing Arts Center in Hayesville, NC
June 30 at the Manchester Arts Center in Manchester, TN

Feature photo credit: Jeremy Westby of 2911 Media