John Hunter (singer)
John Hunter | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Chicago, Illinois |
| Genres | Pop, rock |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, Songwriter |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, Keyboards |
| Years active | 1970s - present |
| Labels | Private I, Epic Records |
John Hunter is an American singer and musician. He is best known for his 1984 single, "Tragedy", which peaked at No. 39 on the Billboard Hot 100 the following year.
Career[edit]
Inspired by artists such as Bob Dylan, Lennon and McCartney, Joni Mitchell, and others, Hunter sought to become a "rock poet," creating music that "could really move you with... lyrics and melodies". He earned a degree in English Literature from Northwestern University.[1]
Remaining in Chicago, Hunter soon became a founding member of 1970s band The Hounds, who recorded two albums on Columbia Records. Following a lack of commercial success with these albums, the group broke up at the end of the decade, with Hunter retreating into songwriting again. Although there were occasional Hounds reunions in the years that immediately followed, Hunter largely stayed out of the spotlight until deciding to pursue a solo career.[1] In 1984, he released his debut solo album, Famous at Night, which featured instrumental backing from former Hounds bandmates Glen Rupp (guitar) and Joe Cuttone (bass), along with former Heartsfield drummer Artie Baldacci. The album spawned the single, "Tragedy",[2] which would become his only top-40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 to date. His 1986 follow-up album More Than Meets the Eye, despite featuring the upbeat, synth-punctuated leadoff single, "Why Does It Have to Rain?", was less successful.
Following his entertainment career, he spent the next 25 years in the biotech industry. He currently lives on his ranches in Temecula, California with his family and his horses.[3]
Discography[edit]
Solo albums[edit]
- 1984: Famous at Night
- 1986: More Than Meets the Eye
Singles[edit]
- 1984: "Tragedy" (released December 1984; peaked at #39 on February 16, 1985)[4]
- 1984: "Horses"
- 1985: "Valentine"
- 1986: "Why Does It Have to Rain?"
- 1986: "High Feelings"
References[edit]
- ^ a b Van Matre, Lynn (1985). "'Tragedy' Hit Brings Perks to John Hunter." Chicago Tribune (02 May 1985). Retrieved October 24, 2021.
- ^ "John Hunter – Famous At Night (1984, Cassette)". Discogs.com. Retrieved 26 December 2021.
- ^ The Music of John Hunter / the Hounds @Facebook. Retrieved February 28, 2022.
- ^ Whitburn, Joel (2013). Joel Whitburn's Top Pop Singles, 14th Edition: 1955-2012. Record Research. p. 400.
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