The neighborhoods of East Flatbush and West Harlem in New York City provided ample musical inspiration for John from an early age. At 10, John began playing drums in African drum and dance ensembles. Studying and performing with Babatunde Olatunji's Center for African Culture in Harlem and performing in school bands, John gained notoriety, winning awards along the way. John's studies came to include tutelage with drum set luminaries Alan Nelson and Anthony Williams. In 1986 he began his professional career performing and recording as a session player in Honolulu, Hawaii. He has worked with many artists since, among them Thievery Corporation, Poi Dog Pondering, Victor Krummenacher, Federico Aubele, Penelope Houston, and Benny Rietveld.

 Well developed skills as a congerro/ bongolerro in the finest Afro-Cuban traditions as well as solid skills as a drumset player have earned el john a solid reputation as a reliable professional.