I met John at a summer camp in the mountains of South Carolina when I was 15 years old. In subsequent summers we worked together as camp counselors and, on our days off, I was lucky enough to get to set cross-legged on a stage in a screened-in pavilion and listen to my friend as he wrote songs, played his guitar & harmonica, and sang for me. John's music, whether he's singing and playing his own songs or his version of others, is magic. Decades later, those are still some of my favorite memories.
As was typical for kids of our age, and maybe even more so as ours was a leadership focused camp, conversation centered around what were we going to do with our lives. John was struggling with that decision - to pursue his passion - music - or study something "more practical" (his Dad, I believe, was an actual rocket scientist). Over the multiple summers at camp, I'd watched John lead discussions and navigate difficult debates. He's one of the smartest and most caring people I've ever met. He could have succeeded at anything he chose. I'm glad he chose himself, his passion; I'm glad he chose music.
John has been a successful full-time professional musician, singer, and songwriter for over four decades now. He's based out of the Florida Keys and, in addition to recording, performs regular live shows. You can find his music on most streaming services. Since the pandemic started, John has also been doing a Facebook Live concert every Friday night so we can all stay just a little bit more connected and continue to enjoy live music. He's currently working on a new CD.
John and I, along with our respective significant others, were able to quarantine together in a Georgia cabin for a weekend this past summer. Even though he was on vacation, John still streamed his Friday Social Distancing Concert. John was gracious enough to let me photograph him performing; these photos are from that concert.
Oh, and speaking of being able to do anything he chooses, John has also been a mayor, vice-mayor, and city counsel member for multiple terms in Marathon Key, is a founder of a newspaper, a newspaper columnist, a radio personality, a media producer, a philanthropist, and a magazine publisher. He's also one hell of a musician.
In addition to iTunes and other streaming services, you can check out John's music on:
* Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/john.bartus * YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/JohnBartus/featured * Official Website:
https://johnbartus.com/
© Regina Austin Photography
