He was born on Saint Helena Island off the coast of South Carolina. His mother is of the Gullah people and John grew up with the old ways all around him. He began playing professional at the age of five, playing church music and often out-seating musicians ten times his age! He was a featured entertainer on the Low Country Sing on Charleston TV, and appearing with his three sisters (The Ferguson Sisters---a gospel trio). He was also featured on stage every morning at school where the principal found that live music kept the students civilized before the start of class. In high school he learned how to play every instrument in the band room, where the teacher taught him music theory. In tenth grade he formed his first band, the Soul Connection, playing rhythm and blues. In the eleventh grade he formed an integrated band venturing into psychedelic pop music and began to play in clubs. Throughout this time John played guitar and piano at a wide array of church gigs. He traveled with Reverend Ike and set up shop at the United House of Prayer in Beaufort, where he spent his growing up days. He graduated from high school as president of the student council, then formed a band with his high school music mentor to form the Earl Davis Trio where he played jazz guitar.

Cool John Ferguson is the Director of Creative Development for the Music Maker Relief Foundation. He helps artists develop their material so when they go out to perform they have an excellent show to present.
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