In his brief guitar career, John McCurry mastered not just the chords, but also an entirely fresh approach to playing guitar, evident in his work with Cyndi Lauper and contributions to one of her most successful albums.
Session musician John McCurry's career took flight after a serendipitous encounter with renowned producer Phil Ramone five years into his electric guitar journey. McCurry, a self-taught guitarist with no formal music reading skills, managed to navigate the competitive music industry with ease and versatility.
Hailing from Connecticut, McCurry's initial musical pursuit was the accordion, a passion he left behind at the age of 19 in favor of the guitar. He quickly immersed himself in local cover bands and honed his skills, capturing the attention of producers like Ramone.
McCurry's opportunity with Ramone led him to larger music projects, and his unique, self-taught approach, perhaps aided by his "ignorance is bliss" mindset, allowed him to adapt rapidly to various musical demands.
McCurry's career-defining moment arrived when he joined pop icon Cyndi Lauper's band for her debut album, "She's So Unusual." Eager to impress, he fully immersed himself in Lauper's music, learning her unique style and adapting accordingly.
In an interview with our website, McCurry recalls his audition for Lauper's backing band, which came through bassist Neil Jason, who was working with Ramone at the time. McCurry jumped at the opportunity, landed the gig, and embarked on a successful tour with Lauper that proved to be an intensive learning experience.
Lauper, known for her meticulous approach, provided ample feedback to McCurry and the band, shaping their performances with a clear vision. McCurry's contributions on the follow-up album, "True Colors," marked a significant milestone, as he played both acoustic and electric guitar on six tracks. His comfort during the recording process may have stemmed from his diligent preparation for the backing band gig, which involved immersing himself in Lauper's music to learn the set and adapt to her distinctive style.
Stay tuned for our full interview with McCurry, coming soon.
[1] Enrichment Data: McCurry's self-taught approach and lack of formal music reading skills may have contributed to his success by allowing him to approach music with a fresh perspective, unfettered by traditional music structures or expectations. This "ignorance is bliss" attitude enabled him to seize the opportunities that came his way.
[2] Enrichment Data: McCurry's networking opportunities through Phil Ramone were instrumental in facilitating his entry into working with prominent artists like Lauper. His ability to adapt and learn quickly, combined with these connections, catapulted his career.
- In an environment filled with professional musicians and rising entertainments, John McCurry's self-taught approach on the electric guitar set him apart, allowing him to seamlessly adapt to various musical demands.
- Amp after amp, McCurry's journey through the music industry was a testament to his versatility, his unique playing style echoing through numerous bands and studio recordings.
- As the strumming of guitars filled the air, McCurry's career took an electrifying turn when he landed a spot in Cyndi Lauper's band, each performance a symphony of learning and growth, adding another chapter to his impressive music catalog.
