John Jorgenson

Southern California native John Jorgenson, a three-time winner of the Academy of Country Music award for Guitarist of the Year, was destined to be a part of the music business from an early age. Classically trained as a child, his father conducted for Benny Goodman. John, who idolized Goodman, played with his hero while his father was leading the way. Later, he went on to work for eight years as a member of the jazz and bluegrass group at Disneyland. While employed at the "happiest place on earth," John contributed his skills on a number of instruments, including mandolin, saxophone, guitar, and clarinet. At another point in his career he was the featured bassoonist for the L.A. Camerata. Still, it was Jorgenson's expertise as a guitarist that brought him fame and respect as he recorded with the groundbreaking Byrds as well as Rose Maddox, Roy Orbison, Bob Dylan, John Prine, Bonnie Raitt, Dan Fogelberg, and even Michael Nesmith. In 1986 Jorgenson joined forces with some of the biggest guns on the West Coast in order to form a truly traditional country-rock outfit called the Desert Rose Band. With former Byrd Chris Hillman singing lead and assistance from Herb Pedersen, Bill Bryson, Steve Duncan, and steel player Jay Dee Maness, the Desert Rose Band came out of the gate full force. Jorgenson's power-driven 12-string was one of the reasons. Their first single was a remake of the classic Johnnie & Jack hit "Ashes of Love" from their self-titled debut album. With the release of their second project in 1988, Running, they were named the Academy of Country Music's Touring Band of the Year. This honor was repeated in 1989 and 1990. Also, in 1989 and 1990 they were nominated for the Country Music Association's Best Vocal Group award. In spite of the number one hits, the classic...