John Beland

John Edward Beland (born July 24, 1949) is an American songwriter, session guitarist, recording artist, producer and author.

Beland's career as guitarist started out in Los Angeles in the late 1960s, playing sessions and local live gigs with Kris Kristofferson, as well as future Eagles members, Glenn Frey and Bernie Leadon.

Beland's life changed in 1967 when his father secured a new job, meaning the family would be moving to Los Angeles.

They took a 3-day train journey from Chicago to California.

They ended up living an hour outside Los Angeles, in the town of La Puente.

As a solo artist, Beland recorded for Ranwood Records, scoring a chart hit in 1969 called "Baby You Come Rollin' 'Cross My Mind".

Beland's first major break came in 1970, when he played lead guitar for a young Linda Ronstadt.

He helped Ronstadt put together her first serious solo band, Swampwater.

Along with bandmates Gib Guilbeau, Thad Maxwell and Stan Pratt, Swampwater toured the country with Ronstadt, appearing with her on many notable television shows including The Johnny Cash Show.

Swampwater recorded two landmark country-rock albums for Starday-King and RCA Records.

The group was one of the first Los Angeles bands to record in Nashville, known for their smooth harmonies and Cajun rock style.

After working with Ronstadt, Beland became a much in-demand guitarist, engaged by such high-profile artists as Arlo Guthrie, Johnny Tillotson, Kris Kristofferson, The Bellamy Brothers, Mac Davis, Dolly Parton and The Flying Burrito Brothers.

Beland was also instrumental in the comeback of Rick Nelson in the late 1970s, arranging and playing on Nelson's last hit single "Dream Lover", as well as Nelson's album, The Memphis Sessions.

Beland also became the last artist to sign with The Beatles' record company Apple Records in 1973.

As a session guitarist, Beland recorded with many musicians in the United States and internationally.

For over 20 years, he was the creative force behind the pioneering country rock band from California, Burrito Brothers.

He also toured and appeared with him on Saturday Night Live in 1979.

Beland has received awards from the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) during his career.

As an award-winning songwriter, Beland's songs have been recorded by a wide variety of recording artists from various genres.

They have included artists from pop, folk, gospel to country music.

Beland was born and raised in Hometown, Illinois, and was the eldest son of Clarence and Celine Beland.

While growing up, he listened to a number of well-known American music artists.

This included Buddy Holly, the Everly Brothers and Ricky Nelson.

He was inspired by the music from a young age and began to play the guitar, predominantly rock and roll.

At six years old, he received a toy Davy Crocket model guitar, but wouldn't own a guitar until he was seventeen.

During high school, Beland played with local bands, performing in small venues and at private parties.

He practiced on his own at home, while listening to Dick Biondi on WLS radio.

In an interview, Beland recalled the influence The Beatles had on his life as a young musician.

He stated that he had never heard music like it and inspired him as a guitarist.

Beland became more involved in local music over the coming years as a teenager.

He took little interest in school, instead, he focused on practicing blues and jazz tracks that were popular at the time, including Mose Allison, Ramsey Lewis and Bo Diddley.

He was also strongly influenced by the Rolling Stones.

He formed a small jazz trio in his hometown and regularly played small gigs.

They would take pop songs and, as Beland described it, "jazz them up".

Performing these musical blends further influenced Beland's youth.

As his tastes and performances matured, Beland began to have a passion for jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi's music.

His biggest inspiration as a teenager was The Byrds.

He recalled hearing The Byrds single Mr. Tambourine Man for the first time and being instantly connected and inspired by the Bob Dylan written track.

As Beland performed more regularly, his music began to take on The Byrds' sound, showing how they had influenced him as a young musician.

Through his leadership, the group achieved nine hit country singles for Curb Records in the early 1980s.