English, Jon A. (1942-1996) | University of Illinois Archives

John A. English was born in Kankakee Illinois, March 22, 1942, and died September 25, 1996. He attended Burcham Elementary School and Bradley High School in Kankakee. In 1960, he attended the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. English graduated with a degree in music in 1965. During his undergraduate education, he was part of the Harry Partch Ensemble, Concert Band, Jazz Band, Trombone Choir and Contemporary Chamber Players. As a student, he also met and married Myra Williams. Following their divorce, he married Candace N. English, who helped him write his autobiography.

His professional career as a musician started in his early 20s. He played the trombone, bass trombone, bass, and various percussion instruments. English was a part of recording at least 4 albums: "Contemporary Music From the University of Iowa" by Salvatore Martirano, "Gay American Composers" by Robert Helps, "Heiss/Brün/Yttrehus: Chamber Works" by Rolv Yttrehus, and "Philip Niblock - YPGPN" by Phill Niblock. English played throughout Europe between 1970 and 1984. Following this tour of Europe, he taught at Sonoma State University and UC Santa Cruz and directed the Bay Area Jazz Composer's Orchestra.

MEMORYspace by Jon A. English and Candance N. English

Memorial program