Started playing guitar and piano at age 8,  and started violin lessons around this same time. Later at age 12, started playing the C flute. Played with various bands throughout his teenage years.

Started studying Laurindo Almeidas arrangements for Classical Guitar at the age of 16, and started writing and arranging with friend and musician David Cassetti.

At 17 he became a classical guitar instructor, and performed for the Cosmonauts during the Apollo/Soyuz Space Mission.  Played several USO shows, events and clubs throughout Europe and the Virgin Islands in 1978 and 1979. Won a talent contest in Palermo Sicily in 1979 playing classical guitar.

In Tunisia, John played at the Center for Arts, and at the residence of the American Ambassador to United States.

Played primarily in studios during the 80's.

Joined up with guitarist Larry S. Baker in 1995. Together they did club and studio work in the San Francisco Bay Area. John and Larry played as a front-band for Elvin Bishop, John Mayal, The Marshall Tucker Band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, The Joanna Conners Band, Roy Rogers and the Dixie Rhythm Kings, Savoy Brown and others. Charlie Modlin, John’s Dad, played piano in New Orleans from time to time.

John started JazzyGirl Records and JazzyGirl Publishing companies, (named affectionately after his Irish Setter "Seacrest Dreamgirl Jazz". JazzyGirl Publishing is a registered ASCAP label.

Mason Williams, the Maestro who invented "Classical Gas" and many other great guitar instrumental pieces, has included John in his Biography. Mason Williams official biography

Graduated with a B.A. in Spanish from EKU in 2008, he is currently writing, arranging, performing, doing studio recordings, promoting the release of EXTRATERRESTRIAL, and starting work on Album #4.

Lead Break at Gwinn Island 2008

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