+ by Kim Van Dyke
John’s love for music and art started when he was young. He received his first guitar when he was 11 years old and began his craft through lessons and practice. While attending Glen Burnie High School, John met David Glaser, and their future as a musical duo was formed. In 1976, they played their first gig at Papillon’s, on Annapolis’ City Dock. Many bands followed, including Kite, Daylight Band, and Telluride. In 1988, the Van Dyke and Glaser band started playing at Middleton Tavern and the infamous “Tuesday Night Club” was established. In the meantime, John continued his studies and received a BA in classical guitar from George Mason University.
His work has been recorded on three CDs: Live at Middletons (1990) and Rain Dance (1992), both featuring John Van Dyke and David Glaser, and Ongo Bongo (1999) with Herbie Wheatley as D’Vibe and Conga. John played many solo gigs with an extensive song list. He also performed as a classical guitarist. He continued to write songs, and in his last year, he recorded an album of original songs with the help of Jimmy Jacobs, Tom Fridrich, and friends—it will be released in the near future.
John started creating art at the young age of eight, after being inspired by his grandmother, an artist who attended the Art Institute of Chicago in the 1920s. In 1974, he attended the Maryland Institute College of Art on a full art scholarship. He continued his art throughout his life, concentrating on oils and landscapes. His work was sold at local venues, including the Annapolis Marine Art Gallery and 49 West Coffeehouse, Winebar & Gallery, and he also made many commissioned pieces.
John married the love of his life, Kim in 1992, and has two children, Madeline and Brandon, both musically and artistically inclined. He was also an avid lover of animals, especially dogs, and shared his life with Stella, Calvert, Rita, Gretchen, Woody, Leia, and Birdie.
