John Laughter

First performance with BBSC:  The Vie, Philadelphia 2012

Major musical influences: In the 50s: Bill Doggett’s 1956 hit record “Honky Tonk.”  Other inspirations included Little Richard, Fats Domino, King Curtis, Sam Butera, Billy Vaughn, Johhny & the Hurricanes, The Champs, 40s Swing Bands and Sil Austin.  Later: Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Cannonball Adderley, Maynard Ferguson, Stan Kenton, Paul Desmond, John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Jimmy Forrest. 

Favorite musical genres: Rock & Roll, Funk, Motown, Modern Big Band and Classical. 

My most prized instrument: Used to be a Selmer Mark VII tenor but now a P Mauriat 66RGL

Musical projects outside BBSC:  My enjoyment for Scottish military bagpipe bands led to a bagpipe teaching job in Dunedin, Fla in 1970 – 75 and two pipe band tours to the Scotland. In 1975 we won 1st place in our grade at the Worlds Competition. Played with the University of Tampa jazz band in three 1973 concerts backing Maynard Ferguson, Don Ellis, and Dizzy Gillespie. My 1969 45rpm record was reissued in England in 2021 and in Germany in 2026. Still performing with various local party bands, a community concert band and published five music books. Also won 1st place (combo division) in the Air Force talent show in 1966 in Evreux, France.

Favorite non-musical pursuits: Vacationing at the beach and to Nashville to visit my youngest daughter. 

What I love about BBSC: I feel very fortunate to have been invited to join this super band with so many talented musicians! It all started with a jazz jam session where I met a former drum student, Dr Jeff Jacobs which led to playing in his band, WOOSAH in South Beach, Florida which led to meeting Dr. Gil Wernovsky and Dr. Tom Karl which led to this invite. Awesome memories.