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John Lee Sanders: A Musical Odyssey
Hailing from the heart of American roots music, John Lee Sanders' journey is as rich and diverse as the musical tapestry he weaves.
His early years in the Mississippi Delta, Alabama, Louisiana, and Texas immersed him in the soul of blues, jazz, and R&B. This deep-rooted foundation has allowed him to connect with audiences across the musical spectrum.
With blues as his bedrock, John Lee has crafted a unique sound, blending Americana, rock, gospel, pop, jazz, soul, country, and even classical influences.
His passion for New Orleans culture is evident in his music, which often pays homage to the city's rich musical heritage.
A formally trained musician, John Lee holds degrees in classical and jazz composition from the University of North Texas and the University of Louisiana, as well as a degree in film scoring from San Jose State University. His 15 CD releases since 1995 showcase his versatility and artistic growth. Under the tutelage of legendary producer Narada Michael Walden, John Lee honed his craft and developed a keen ear for production.
Born into a family of talented musicians, John Lee's lineage is deeply intertwined with the history of American music.
His mother's cousin worked with W.C. Handy, the "Father of the Blues," and his aunt lived near Elvis Presley. Growing up in Memphis, the birthplace of Aretha Franklin and a hotbed of soul music, John Lee was exposed to a wealth of musical influences.
As a teenager in Birmingham, Alabama, he was hailed as the "Little Stevie Wonder" of the South. After graduating, he joined the legendary Bay Area band Uncle Rainbow and embarked on a journey that would take him to Hollywood and beyond.
John Lee's career has been marked by collaborations with iconic musicians like Jimmy Page, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Wonder, and Chuck Berry. His life story, a testament to his talent, perseverance, and passion for music, is currently being penned into a captivating memoir.


John signed a major label recording contract t in 1980 with Rod Stewart’s Riva Records.
2024 Grammy nominee, best new artist, and best Americana CD
2014, Best blues CD, German Music Critics Award.
2004 Blues music Award Nomination for song of the year,
2007 Emmy nomination, song of the year,
3 Canadian Music Awards.

John Lee has shared the stage, opened for, recorded or toured with some of the legends last 50 years, including Jimmy Page, Stevie Wonder, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson, Starship, Bill Withers, Chuck Berry, Bonnie Raitt, Freddie King,
John Lee Hooker, Tower of Power,

His songs have been recorded by Eddie Kendricks of the Temptations,
an unreleased cut from Aretha Franklin, and Marsha Ball,
who received a Grammy nomination, for blues CD of the year, with the hit single from Sanders. He is a 2012 Canadian Maple Blues award nominee for Piano Player of the Year!
His voice and music are used in advertisements for clients such as Wal-Mart, Nissan, Apple Computer, CBS Television, The Sierra Club, and many more.

Grammy Producer of the Year, Narada Michael Walden,
Phil Ramone, 18-time Grammy Engineer Al Schmitt, Cherry Lane Music, Windham Hill Records, NARAS, and others.


John now lives in Palos ds La Frontera Spain, with his wife Maria, Where Christopher Columbus launched his legendary Voyage in 1492. He is touring the major citiies of Spain with his John Lee Sanders and the Gospel Messengers, in December 2021.
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