Today we’d like to introduce you to John Fluker.
John, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was always interested in the piano because growing up there was always one in our home. My sister Sharyn played the piano, but stopped after high school. When I started piano around 7 years of age I only quit at the age of 13 because I got a weekly gig playing hymns in a very small church. It was my Father who told me that I wasn’t as good as I thought I was and that I should return to weekly piano lessons. The lessons paid off and I received a full music scholarship to the University of Arkansas At Pine Bluff, which was my Father’s Alma Mater and studied piano with Michael Bates.
After a successful year plus being homesick, I re-applied to the University of Michigan School of Music and graduated with a degree in Music Theory/Piano. Instead of focusing on the piano I had a strong desire to be an R&B/Pop singer. But I made most of my money accompanying other vocalists and that experience led me to the Gladys Knight gig through an extremely talented pianist, Herman Jackson. Playing in Gladys’ band for many years kept me in a safe, comfort zone as a side-musician. Though I became her main accompanist and later Musical Director, I felt I had more untapped expression in me. When my Father would come and visit me in California (by way of Michigan), he would sit on the couch and listen to me improvise and create songs. He encouraged me to make a CD, but I didn’t feel a need to because I was so busy as Gladys Knight’s accompanist. And I’ve had some incredible musical experiences with Gladys Knight. One in particular was accompanying Gladys on piano in Atlanta, GA at the funeral of Coretta Scott King. Such an honor and privilege to be a part of the service. When my Father passed I recorded my first CD in his honor “The Sound of Peace.” I had no idea that it would be on continuous airplay on stations like Music Choice, Sirius XM and Pandora! It was a blessing from God. I only regretted that I didn’t record a CD while my Father was alive. Today I continue to compose music for my Ambient Piano Line (The Sound of Peace, Hymns of Peace, Star Eyes and 11:11), teach, record, freelance and hold the position of musical Director for a Prebyterian Church.
In addition, I am blessed to travel and tour playing and singing gospel music in Japan with Akira Takimoto Ministries and All Japan Revival Mission through jazz saxophonist, Ron Brown.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I knew it wouldn’t be a smooth road at an early age. But what has kept me going, whatever type of struggle is my church upbringing and my faith in God.
When I was struggling paycheck to paycheck, living in a Jr. 1 bedroom apt., I asked God to get me over the hump. I just felt stuck and my career was at a standstill. It was a couple of months later I was asked to permanently join Gladys’ band which allowed me to save up and buy my first home.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Well, I can’t tell everything because that’s my company policy. But I will say that I really specialize in the arrangement of a song, being it instrumental or vocals. I think my versatility as a pianist and vocalist helps me to stand apart from most musicians. I also try to relate to everyone as a friend first and not a client.
What were you like growing up?
I was very active and high energy. I played “Peter, Peter Pumpkin Eater” so much and so fast in my Kindergarten class’ piano, my teacher banned me from playing it the rest of the year!
Thankfully, my Mother found a piano teacher, Mrs. Porter, and later Kristie Wiggert and drove me to piano lessons every week. My Mother was my biggest supporter and continually said “I’m so proud of you!” until her recent passing.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.johnfluker.com
- Email: johnfluker@icloud.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnfluker/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnfluker
- Other: https://www.pandora.com/artist/john-fluker/ARfqrdxtktnb26c
Image Credit:
Mykal Aubry
LW Wilson
Tony Maddox
Douglas Kearney
Terrell Moran
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