John Tucker and David Gerkin

John

Some of John Tucker's fondest memories of childhood revolve around listening to records on his parents' stereo. Their varied tastes ran from big band, to Broadway musicals, to easy listening, and later, to folk, jazz and rock and roll. One of John's "best" gifts ever was a red transistor radio, which he would hold to his ear every night listening to KXOK, the local pop music station. Although he took piano lessons for several years, John didn't become serious about playing an instrument until high school, when he took up the guitar. 

Guitar playing helped him overcome a difficult time in his life. In fact, he experienced the healing power of music, which inspired him to go to school to become a registered music therapist so he could tap into that power to help others. He worked as a music therapist for eight years, primarily with developmentally disabled children.

He felt a pull in another direction and changed careers, but he still believes in the healing power of music and feels grateful for all that it's done to enrich his life. Playing bass, guitar and singing with David Gerkin has helped him rediscover the joy that comes from making music with others.

His taste in music is all over the board, but he's particularly fond of the Beatles, James Taylor, Alison Krauss and Union Station, Marvin Gaye, the Temptations, and jazz guitarist Pat Metheny.

David

Like many of his generation, David Gerkin was bitten by the music bug after seeing the Beatles make their tidal-wave-size splash on the Ed Sullivan show in 1964. David and his brothers, also bitten, fashioned brooms into pretend guitars and emulated the Fab Four’s stage moves. Not long after, the brothers acquired a beat-up guitar and fought to take turns on it. Eventually, they saved up to buy their own instruments: guitars, a bass and drums, and formed a band. 

Musical talent doesn’t just run in the Gerkin family; it sprints. David’s father played music professionally and made a name for himself as an accomplished jazz guitarist. David and two of his brothers, Don and Jim, began playing gigs around Phoenix and eventually took their show on the road, touring the Midwest and taking up residence as the “house band” at a Nevada casino. They covered a variety of music ranging from rock to pop, to R&B and disco. David alternated between playing guitar and drums. 

His keen sense of rhythm can be heard in his guitar playing today. He’s firmly in the groove whether he’s strumming up a storm or shredding on lead guitar. His axe of choice is a Fender Stratocaster, which he wields with authority and grace. David also is a gifted tunesmith who composes hook-laden, well-crafted songs, some of which he now performs with John Tucker.

He cites the Beatles, Beach Boys, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, the Doobie Brothers and Earth, Wind and Fire as influences.