John Shilby Whispers in the Reeds
A harmonica can fit in a pocket, but for John Shilby, it opened the door to a lifetime in music. He first picked one up in 1971 as a high school student, teaching himself by ear while listening to songs like “Long Train Runnin’” by The Doobie Brothers and “Heart of Gold” by Neil Young.
“I didn’t have lessons,” Shilby recalls. “I just played along with records until it felt right.”
That instinct carried him forward. While attending William Paterson College from 1974 to 1978, Shilby performed in New York’s Greenwich Village, often playing for tips. “Those nights taught me everything,” he says. “You learn quickly how to hold a crowd.”
His time in college also placed him behind the scenes of major concerts. As a member of the concert committee and a photographer for the school newspaper, he covered performances by Peter Frampton at Madison Square Garden, along with Jackson Browne, Billy Joel, Steve Miller, and Fleetwood Mac. “Being that close to those shows changed how I saw live music,” he says. “You notice every detail.”
Shilby also spent time learning from blues legend John Mayall. “He showed me the roots of the music and where it comes from,” Shilby says. “That stayed with me.”
Based in Jacksonville, he performs at clubs, private events, and community gatherings. His playing moves easily from traditional blues to modern melodies, shaped by decades of experience.
“The best part is watching people enjoy themselves,” he says. “They could be anywhere, but they’re right there in the moment with you.”
For many people, his story may sound familiar, like a reminder that music can remain a steady companion throughout one’s life. “You don’t stop playing because of age,” Shilby says. “You play because it’s part of who you are.”
John Shilby will perform with Ronnie Gainey at Mudville Grille at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 25. He can be reached by at jshilby2012@gmail.com for information on upcoming gigs and bookings.
