Condolence: John had a profound affect on my life which makes the news of his passing even more difficult. ( I recently googled to see what he was up to ) I studied guitar with John from age 12-19. He taught me virtually everything I know about playing the guitar. I didn’t immediately become a guitar performer and teacher, but I have been the last 20 years. (which have been the happiest of my life. ) I am sad that I didn’t get to tell John personally how much he meant to me in my life’s journey, but I’m happy to share with his family, especially his wife Susan who I remember hanging out in the loft of an apartment on Gorham street ? While I took lessons from John. RIP my friend.

Condolence: So Sad, The world needs more people like John...
John took me under his musical wing and introduced me to Jeff Beck and George Benson at the ripe age of 15. He showed me how guitar is the coolest instrument ever, and has led me to a life long love of music and guitars... Getting him and his band Snowblind booked at my high school for a dance, to seeing the John Northrop Jazz Rangers at the Park Motor Inn... My heart is broken for you Susan... I still have a live recording of John and Clyde Stubblefield that was broadcast on WIBA... It still gets played on a regular basis... I am a better person for knowing John and Susan, and always appreciate the time they spent with this kid of 59 years...

Condolence: Sending light and love to you, Susan. The band in heaven just got better.

Condolence: My thoughts go out to Susan, Ryan, Erin and John's extended family. Very unexpected I have so many wonderful musical and personal memories of John from BBQ Bob & the Beefcakes, The Tonix, the Duchin Room, Whiskey's, Slavey's....too many to enumerate. Finest guitar player I ever met and a great, extremely intelligent guy. Hopefully I'll play with you again one day, bro!

Condolence: My deepest sympathy to John's family and friends on his untimely passing.

I took music lessons from John, as did so many people in Idaho. He was always warm, funny, and helpful.

John was a master guitarist, and the first honest to goodness pro level jazz musician I studied with. I was amazed by the depth of his knowledge and skill, and the lessons I took from John really moved me forward. I still have pages of his hand written notes, made during our lessons. I remember he showed me 21 different ways to play an F7 chord, at least 15 of which were new to me!

I'm going to go home tonight and play Freight Trane, a song John taught to me one summer day, and remember him.

Jonathan Byrd
Portland, OR

Condolence: Truly a great friend and master musician. He will be missed.