Knoxville TN, October 20, 2025
News Summary
Knoxvillian musician John Myers is set to celebrate his 90th birthday with a public event at the Laurel Theatre. The celebration will feature birthday cake, family, friends, and a performance by John and his band, highlighting his impressive musical journey over the decades.
Knoxville – Renowned Knoxvillian musician John Myers will celebrate his 90th birthday this Monday with a special event on Saturday at the Laurel Theatre. The celebration is scheduled from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and is open to the public. Attendees can expect a festive atmosphere, complete with birthday cake, friends, family, and a performance by John’s band.
John Myers’ musical journey has spanned an impressive 90 years. Born in Kingsport, he grew up in a large family with six siblings, including a twin named James. Despite challenging financial circumstances, his childhood was filled with music and harmony. The family eventually settled in Knoxville, where John attended Green School through eighth grade. He actively participated in school choirs and formed a musical group called The Five Pennies with his brothers.
John’s passion for music deepened after a successful performance at school, prompting him to pursue a professional music career. His break came through a connection made while working at a shoeshine stand owned by Fred Logan, which helped launch their music career. His early performances took place at various venues, including the Gem Theatre and local juke joints, where he and his group gained recognition by winning talent competitions.
One of the highlights of John’s early career was their first recorded song, “Mr. Moon,” which became a hit thanks to a connection with Amos Milburn, who facilitated a record deal. The group also gained national exposure by performing on the Merv Griffin Show. However, they faced significant challenges after losing their lead singer, which had a considerable impact on their trajectory.
During the 1970s, John’s group, known as The Hearts of Stone, recorded two albums for Motown Records, with only one album achieving successful promotion. In the 1980s, John left the band to return to Knoxville and establish a business, but his love for music never waned. He continued to write songs and perform whenever possible. Despite stepping away from the spotlight, he released an album titled “I Ain’t Going Nowhere” in 2010, marking his return to music after a lengthy hiatus.
Today, John remains involved in music and still receives occasional royalties from singles recorded with Motown. He maintains a positive outlook on life and believes in the power of positive thinking. As he approaches this milestone birthday, John is excited to perform one of his favorite songs, “Don’t You Know I Love You,” during his birthday celebration.
This weekend’s event is not just a birthday party; it is a celebration of John Myers and his illustrious musical legacy, inviting both long-time fans and new admirers to honor his contributions to Knoxville’s music scene.
FAQ
What is John Myers celebrating?
John Myers is celebrating his 90th birthday.
When is the birthday celebration taking place?
The birthday celebration will take place on Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Where is the celebration being held?
The celebration will be held at the Laurel Theatre.
Is the event open to the public?
Yes, the event is open to the public and will include birthday cake, friends, family, and a performance by John’s band.
What notable performances has John Myers had throughout his career?
John Myers has performed on the Merv Griffin Show and recorded music with Motown Records in the 1970s.
What song does John plan to perform at his birthday celebration?
John plans to perform his favorite song, “Don’t You Know I Love You,” at the event.
Key Features of John Myers’ Birthday Celebration
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Celebration Type | 90th Birthday |
| Date | Saturday |
| Time | 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. |
| Location | Laurel Theatre |
| Open to Public | Yes |
| Activities | Birthday cake, friends, family, performance by John’s band |
| Notable Song Performance | “Don’t You Know I Love You” |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Inside of Knoxville: John Myers Birthday Interview
- Knox News: Sundown in the City
- Dignity Memorial: Wayne Estes Obituary
- Whiskey Riff: Zach Bryan and John Mayer
- Inside of Knoxville: Big Ears Festival 2025
- Wikipedia: Music in Knoxville
- Google Search: John Myers Knoxville music
- Google Scholar: John Myers music career
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Music History
- Google News: John Myers 90th birthday
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
