John Sheridan (January 20, 1946 – August 24, 2021) was an American jazz pianist and arranger born in Columbus, Ohio, perhaps best known for his work with the Jim Cullum Jazz Band.

Biography

John showed interest in piano at an early age, i.e. three or four, and regularly watched and enjoyed a pianist on television in Columbus. Later he enjoyed watching Peter Nero, Victor Borge,  and Liberace He studied piano with Mrs. McCullagh for about five years, 1958 – 1963. Later he studied under Mr. Les Susi at Whetstone High School where he played in Whetstone High School orchestra and Jazz Band, and performed as a clarinetist in the marching band 1964 – 1969 During summers he worked as a rehearsal pianist for Kenley Players  of Warren, Ohio when they performed in Columbus. There he met many well known celebrates. He frequently enjoyed watching Billy Maxted with his parents, John Willard Sheridan and Katherine Timm Sheridan, when he performed in Columbus. He graduated from Capital University in Bexley, Ohio where he studied music focusing on jazz. After college he  joined the Navy, and played in the Navy Band. There he played aboard the Presidential Yacht, and met many dignitaries, including Sen. Everett Dirksen. In 1977, Sheridan received a Master of Music degree from the North Texas State University, and two years later joined the Jim Cullum Jazz Band as an arranger and performer. In 2002, Sheridan left the band and did freelance work, also recording for the Arbors Records jazz record label. In 2011, he returned to the Jim Cullum Jazz Band.

Discography

As sideman

With Jim Cullum Jr. With others