John(ny) Barker began his musical career in 1964 with The Catalinas from Charlotte, still managed and owned by his brother Gary Barker. Sixteen years later in 1980 he joined Raleigh's Embers and along with bassist/music director Gerald Davis, co-produced The Embers albums of the 1980s, including "Colours", "This One's For You", "Christmas Memories", "Live at the Landmark" and others . This version of the Embers, with Jackie Gore, Bobby Tomlinson, Johnny Hopkins, Gerald Davis, Craig Woolard, and John Barker set the standard for the genre forever. The 80s were truly a magical decade for The Embers. The traveling did however take it's toll so John joined former Catalinas band mate Earl Dawkins in 1991, where he was music director, keyboardist and vocalist with The Enterainers from Charlotte for the next 14 years. The Entertainers is still one of the most popular bands ever to come out of the Southeast. Any fan of the Carolina's favorite, "Beach Music", knows John's song that he penned and produced in 1975, the trend setting "Summertime's Callin Me" on Sugarbush records,(yes, a 45)recorded by The Catalinas. According to BMI, it is still played thousands of times a year on radio staions throughout the country and was listed in Rolling Stone magazine as the number 6 most popular beach music song at the time and has endured through the years. It is a song that was unlike any other and is credited for being partially responsible for a new style of "Carolina Beach Music" that followed. Complete production credits are far too many to mention, but a few include J.D. Cash's 2001 Cammy award winning album of the year "Summerplace",(#1 single for 19 weeks) as well as the latest  JD Cash CD, "Wish You Were Here". Be sure to check out the Discography page for a list the artists and songs he has been associated with as a producer/arranger/musician. John is also a member of the Beach Music Hall of Fame and recipient of the Beach Music Lifetime Achievement Award. Starting in August of 2007, John got together with some old friends from the legendary "80s" Embers and is now keyboardist/vocalist with the Legends of Beach. For schedule and other info, check out their sight at www.legendsofbeach.com. Joining John on stage are lead singer and composer of "I Love Beach Music", the "Godfather of Beach Music"...Jackie Gore, bassist/music director/organizer extroardinaire...Gerald Davis, drummer/vocalist...Glenn Edwards, guitarist/singer/sax player...Jeff Grimes, lead singer/sax player "the man"...Mark Black, horn section leader/arranger/trumpet player..."The Chief" Rusty Smith, trombonist..."slammin" Scott Bailey, sax player/vocalist Eddie Blair and sound engineer...Steve Davis...plus special guest artists such as Ammon Tharpe from time to time. It's a band that truly represents the very best of beach music!