John Sebastian
S4 / Episode 15
Follow John Sebastian: Spotify, Soundcloud
About this episode
John Sebastian is best known as the founder, frontman, and primary songwriter of the legendary 1960s band The Lovin’ Spoonful, and for his pioneering role in blending folk, rock, and pop into a uniquely American sound. The Lovin’ Spoonful were one of the first bands to bring the folk music ethos into the Top 40, scoring a string of era-defining hits including “Do You Believe in Magic,” “Daydream,” “Summer in the City,” “Did You Ever Have to Make Up Your Mind?” and “You Didn’t Have to Be So Nice.” John's sunny melodies and clever lyrics helped shape the sound of 1960s pop and inspired countless artists from The Mamas & The Papas to They Might Be Giants. In addition to his work with the Spoonful, John performed solo at Woodstock, wrote the theme song to Welcome Back, Kotter, and has enjoyed a long career as a solo artist and collaborator. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Lovin’ Spoonful in 2000, and into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2008.