Rock the Dock Tour kicks off Potter Center season with Ambrosia, John Ford Coley & Peter Beckett
September 24, 2024
Get ready to relive the smooth sounds of the 1970s and ‘80s! Ambrosia, John Ford Coley and Peter Beckett (the voice of Player) come together for a magical night performing their hits of past and present with the Ambrosia Rock the Dock Tour, happening Sunday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. at Jackson College’s Potter Center!
Ambrosia, the band known and loved by a multitude of fans since forming in the 1970s, is now more alive and compelling than ever. Always exploring the possibilities of progressive, classical and world influences – with tangled roots of soul, rhythm and blues – Ambrosia is continuing to entertain their original fans while still engaging newer audiences. During Ambrosia’s early recording history, they garnered five Grammy nominations, received frequent radio airplay, and gained the admiration and respect of the musical community – in addition to their sold-out concerts around the world. Ambrosia achieved five Top 40 hit singles on Warner Bros. Records, released between 1975 and 1980, including “How Much I Feel” and “Biggest Part of Me.” In 2015 the group released a new single, “Hopes and Dreams.” The new Ambrosia material keeps coming.
John Ford Coley is most revered as half of the Grammy-nominated duo England Dan and John Ford Coley, known for: “Love Is the Answer,” “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight,” “We’ll Never Have to Say Goodbye Again,” “Nights Are Forever Without You,” and “Sad to Belong.”
Born in Dallas, Texas, John grew up listening to the Grand Ole Opry and early rock ‘n’ roll. He also grew up singing church hymns and learning to play classical piano. When he was just 16 years old, he and schoolmate Dan Seals joined the group Theze Few. Later, the band became Southwest F.O.B. and toured the Texas music scene. Later, becoming England Dan & John Ford Coley, the duo was signed by A&M Records, and their first break came in 1972 with the song “Simone.” They were released only to acquire another record deal from Big Tree Records. They released the song “I’d Really Love to See You Tonight” with four top-10 hits and two top-20 hits. Nominated for a Grammy Award, they received triple-platinum and gold records and released eight albums before disbanding in 1980. As part of the growing appreciation for smooth yacht rock music, John Ford Coley brings his Grammy-winning style to the scene with love.
Peter Beckett is the original lead singer and songwriter for the band Player. The group gained international fame in 1978 with their No. 1 hit “Baby Come Back,” and was voted Best New Single Artist by Billboard Magazine. Their follow-up hit, “This Time I’m In It for Love,” also enjoyed chart success.
Born in Liverpool, England, Beckett was influenced by The Beatles after sneaking into lunchtime sessions at The Cavern, taught himself to play guitar and began touring at age 17. After moving to London and experiencing success, he relocated to the U.S. Player’s debut album went platinum, and they toured extensively, opening for artists like Boz Scaggs, Eric Clapton, Heart, and Kenny Loggins. Beckett has written hits for artists such as Heart, Olivia Newton-John, and Janet Jackson, and he was a member of Little River Band from 1989-1997. In 1998, he revived Player with an all-star lineup, and in 2013, the band released Too Many Reasons. Beckett now performs solo while working on new music.
Tickets are on sale now for the Ambrosia Rock the Dock Tour, starting at just $25! Call the Potter Center Box Office at 517.796.8600 or visit online at www.jccmi.edu/pottercenter.
###
