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About John Racina Music
John began his musical career as the lead singer of Johnny and The Criterions with the Sicilia Record label. His fellow vocalists included T. P. West, who went on to produce Jim Croce, and Tim Houser, founder and leader of the Manhattan Transfer. John also recorded for Patco Records, appearing at many record hops, club dates and radio/TV programs on the East Coast. During this busy time, Uncle Sam called and John joined the United States Air Force, first in base supply, then as a saxophonist. After discharge in 1968, he moved on to study music at the University of North Texas during the Leon Breeden years and received his Bachelor of Music in Music Education. He performed with the Two O' Clock Lab Band and appeared as vocalist with the One O' Clock Lab Band while leading his own band, which quickly became a very popular group. Over the years, band members have included many of today's outstanding musicians: Lyle Mays, currently with the Pat Metheny Group; Dave Hungate, formerly with Toto; Marc Johnson, bassist with the late Bill Evans Trio, Stan Getz and Woody Herman; Mike Baker, drummer, who played with Clark Terry and Whitney Houston and others; Lou Carfa, who recorded with Maynard Ferguson; Matthew Nicholl, presently teaching at Berklee College of Music; Steve Houghton, formerly with the late Woody Herman Band; Mike Steinel, Associate Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas; Neil Slater, Director of the One O'Clock Band and Chair of the Division of Jazz Studies at the University of North Texas, and the list goes on! John, a native of Point Pleasant, New Jersey, lives in Texas, where he and his wife raised two children. He continues to play, sing, teach and write at his home in Denton, Texas. John is also on staff at Liberty Christian School in Argyle, Texas teaching Elementary Music. He is also the Woodwind Instructor for the Lower and Upper Schools at Liberty. 		0 0 0

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