JOHN JORGENSON - EPISODE TWO

John Jorgenson is an American guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer celebrated for his remarkable versatility across a wide range of musical genres. Born on July 6, 1956, in Madison, Wisconsin, he grew up in a musically inclined family and began playing guitar at an early age. His early influences included rock, jazz, and country, but he would later become especially renowned for his mastery of gypsy jazz.

Jorgenson first gained widespread recognition as a founding member of the country rock band The Desert Rose Band in the 1980s, alongside Chris Hillman and Herb Pedersen. The group achieved commercial success with several hit singles and earned multiple awards from the Academy of Country Music. During this time, Jorgenson established himself as one of the leading guitarists in country music.

Beyond his work in country rock, Jorgenson became highly sought after as a session musician and collaborator. He has performed with major artists such as Elton John, with whom he toured for several years, as well as Bob Dylan and Bonnie Raitt. His ability to adapt stylistically—from rock and pop to jazz and bluegrass—has made him a uniquely valuable contributor in diverse musical settings.

In addition to guitar, Jorgenson is proficient on instruments including the mandolin, clarinet, and bouzouki. In the 2000s, he formed the John Jorgenson Quintet, through which he explored the tradition of Django Reinhardt-inspired gypsy jazz, earning critical acclaim for both recordings and live performances.

Throughout his career, Jorgenson has received numerous accolades for his technical skill, musical breadth, and dedication to exploring global musical traditions, solidifying his reputation as one of the most accomplished and versatile guitarists of his generation.

More about John at johnjorgenson.com
More about the book, Finding Fretless at findingfretless.com