When keyboardist John Ginty was 18, he made a fateful switch. The Morristown, New Jersey native started as a drummer in school bands, then learned vibraphone and piano. In 1991, he brought home his first Hammond B-3 organ, continuing a line tracing back to his professional organist grandmother. The first song he learned was “Dreams” by The Allman Brothers Band; 20 years later he was called in to sub for Gregg Allman during the Brothers’ annual Beacon Theatre residency in New York City.
So, if anyone, outside of the second generation progeny, seemed destined to join The Allman Betts Band it was Ginty. A founding member of Robert Randolph’s Family Band, Ginty rode a quick rise to stardom; first as an ace session player with Ryan Adams’ Whiskeytown, then as a touring member with Jewel. Most recently, Ginty showcased his exceptional work as a keyboardist on a world tour in 2016-17 with the Dixie Chicks.
Dozens of album appearances, both as a musician and producer, mark Ginty’s 30-year career, including with notable artists such as Santana and Citizen Cope; his efforts behind the boards informed by experiences with producers Jim Scott and Ben Elliot, among others. His time with Randolph garnered two Grammy nominations, while backing The Blind Boys of Alabama’s Grammy-winning effort, Higher Ground.
In 2006, he formed his John Ginty Band, subsequently releasing four albums over the next decade, including Bad News Travels, with guests Warren Haynes and Neal Casal, and the latest,2016’s Rockers, earning a Top 10 spot on Billboard’s Blues chart.