John Gregory has weathered a storm. For over a decade as a professional musician, he’s witnessed the musical winds blow from alternative rock to gangster rap, and he’s clutched his acoustic guitar tightly through the gale force of teen pop. Through it all, he has stayed the course, crafting timeless rock ‘n’ roll in the tradition of the icons of American music. As a reflection of their author, Gregory’s songs are permeated with the determination that has fueled his life and his music. His songwriting takes cues from the canon of distinctively American songwriters -- the blue-collar ranks that include luminaries from Hank Williams to Bruce Springsteen. Like those before him, Gregory’s own history of determination is reflected in his work, an attribute that elevates his songs from pop music to the realm of inspiration. With its prevailing messages of perseverance and optimism, Gregory’s Atlantic debut, "PICTURES FROM HOME," is largely autobiographical. Tracks like "Living Proof," "Ride of Your Life," and "Half of Me" are tributes to self-resolve. The plaintive "Victoria," a song partially inspired by the fear and helplessness that permeated the D.C. region during the 2002 sniper attacks, is about the hope that a good friend can provide. Gregory’s been knocked down, but he’s not too jaded to write about getting back up. Having written songs since he was a teenager, Gregory gigged with various Los Angeles local outfits for years before his band California drew industry attention in the late-‘90s. With the band falling apart and without a record deal, Gregory was woodshedding new songs in Nashville and L.A. when his manager placed a fortuitous call to Atlantic Records.
Gregory found a kindred spirit in producer Rob Jacobs, whose engineering and production credits include The Eagles, Alanis Morissette, and Elton John. "We brought in Rob, and we hit it off," he recounts. "He understood that the songs didn’t really need a lot of production, a lot of schlock. I needed someone to find good tones and find the right players." Even before completion of the album, the track "Ride of Your Life" became the single from the movie What A Girl Wants. He remembers back to his early days writing songs: "I saw so many people that I used to play in bands with…One day they were in tight pants with big hair, and the next they were wearing shorts, combat boots, and flannels and bitching and moaning about how miserable they were. I just stayed my course." He mentions Tom Petty and Billy Joel as songwriters whose music has transcended time and trends. "I knew that’s where my thing was," Gregory admits. It is that spirit, unquestionably one or rock ‘n’ roll’s primary tenets, that propels John Gregory’s music. It’s a celebration and return to what has always mattered most: a great song, a great voice, a great band, and the intangible that those things form together. Because that’s something that will never go out of style.