JOHN HARVEY
Spanish Music.com
BIO Y MAS
EARLY YEARS
John first played the guitar and then the 3-row accordion at 6 years. By 8, he formed a group and played at ranches and local dances. Age 12, he started to write songs in Spanish and English. At 16, he made his first recording and started to play the
5-row accordion and formed a group in Laredo. At age 18, he joined a group in San Antonio and they recorded and released "La Chachalaca". The polka was so poplular that a radio station in Laredo used it as a lead-in song for one of the music programs.
ONE MAN BAND
Due to the popularity of the polka, "La Chachalaca", John started his first record label, naming it La Chachalaca. He recorded as a "One Man Band", playing all the instruments. He recorded 5 albums and many singles during this time.
Peerless released an album and an extended play album of John's music. In 1973, John signed a contract with CBS and recorded at the CBS Studios in Mexico City. They released JOHNNY GONZALEZ - LA SENSACION NORTENA and many singles.
ENCINAL YEARS
During 1978 - 1985, John wrote and recorded hundreds of his songs and many old Spanish/Mexican traditional songs. He also recorded many local musicians in Encinal in his home studio. During this time, the recording equipment he used was a reel to reel and two cassette decks. He creatively bounced the music back and forth, adding more tracks. He became the Mayor and Municipal Judge of his hometown that he loved so much.
LATER YEARS
Even though John did not continue to perform, he did continue to write and record throughout his life. He was involved in his music for over 50 years. His recorded collection is expansive. In addition to featuring the accordion, John added more sounds using a Roland Workstation and a multi-track recording equipment. Although John was proficient at playing the guitar (acoustic and electric), bass, bajo, keyboards and percussion, his main love throughout his life was the 5-row accordion. He said it was the most logical instrument to play.
