YACHT ROCK SYMPHONY

YACHT ROCK SYMPHONY
ARTIST BIOS

Ambrosia

In 1970, four young musicians from the South Bay of Los Angeles came together to create Ambrosia. Current original members Joe Puerta, Christopher North, and Burleigh Drummond produced a sound that was immediately recognized and immensely popular. Always exploring the possibilities of progressive, classical and world influences–with tangled roots of soul, rhythm and blues–Ambrosia is continuing to entertain their original fans while engaging younger audiences. Originally labeled as America’s answer to the progressive invasion of English acts Yes and King Crimson, the group quickly flourished. Their musical style attracted collaborations with Leonard Bernstein, Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Alan Parsons, Bruce Hornsby, Michael McDonald, Edgar Winter, Dave Mason, Gary Wright, Al Stewart and many others. Ambrosia garnered 5 Grammy Nominations, received international radio airplay—in addition to their sold-out concerts. Ambrosia achieved five Top 40 Billboard Hit singles including “How Much I Feel,” “Biggest Part of Me,” “You’re the Only Woman,” “Holding On To Yesterday,” and “Nice, Nice, Very Nice.”

John Ford Coley

John Ford Coley is most revered as half of the Grammy nominated duo England Dan and John Ford Coley and he helped make famous such hit songs as “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight,” “We’ll Never Have to Say Goodbye Again,” “Nights Are Forever Without You,” and “Love Is The Answer” altogether equaling four Top 10 and two Top 20 Hits. Born in Dallas, TX, John grew up listening to the Grand Ole Opry and early rock and roll music on AM radio. Later, he and schoolmate Dan Seals became England Dan and John Ford Coley and released the hit song “I’d Really Love To See You Tonight.” Nominated for multiple Grammy Awards they received massive radio play. John has shared the stage with Elton John, Foreigner, Christopher Cross, Poco, Stephen Bishop, Al Stewart, Edgar Winter and many others.

Peter Beckett (The Voice Of Player)

Peter was born in postwar Liverpool, England. Although under-age, he would occasionally sneak into The Cavern to listen to the local bands. In 1962 during one such visit he witnessed a lunchtime performance by The Beatles and it changed his life. Finding his way to America, he and his new band Player recorded “Baby Come Back” becoming an international superstar with his first ever Billboard #1 Hit song for over 14 weeks. “This Time I’m In It for Love” a #10 hit song followed, and this self-titled album went platinum. Peter has toured extensively with Boz Scaggs, Eric Clapton, Heart, Kenny Logins and many others.

Elliot Lurie

Elliot was born in Brooklyn, New York. In 1969, he co-founded the rock band Looking Glass. Renowned for their 1972 hit “Brandy (You’re A Fine Girl)”, he captivated audiences with his vocals and guitar. The song soared to the top of the charts—remaining timeless and covered by artists like Kenny Chesney and also featured in many iconic films. Today, he is a successful Music Supervisor for TV and Film.

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