Page created by: Kimberly Van Dyke

John Van Dyke 1956-2024

John’s love for music and art started when he was young. He received his first guitar when he was 11 and began his craft through lessons and practice. While attending Glen Burnie High School he met David Glaser and their future as a musical duo was formed. In 1976, John and David played their first gig at Papillon’s on the city dock of Annapolis. Many bands followed including Kite, Daylight Band and Telluride. In 1988 the Van Dyke and Glaser band started playing at Middleton Tavern and the infamous “Tuesday Night Club” was established. In the meantime John continued his studies and received a BA in classical guitar from George Mason University.

John’s work has been recorded on three CDs, “Live at Middleton’s” (1990) and “Rain Dance” (1992) with the Van Dyke and Glaser band and “Ongo Bongo” (1999) with Herbie Wheatley as D’Vibe and Conga. John played many solo gigs with an extensive song list and also performed as a classical guitarist. He continued to write songs and in his last year he recorded an album of original songs with the help of Jimmy Jacobs, Tom Fridrich and friends. Look for it to be released in the near future.

John started creating art at the young age of 8 after being inspired by his grandmother, an artist who attended the Art Institute of Chicago in the 1920s. In 1974 he attended the Maryland Institute of Art on a full art scholarship. He continued his art throughout his life concentrating on oils and landscapes. His work was sold at various local venues, including the Marine Art Gallery and 49 West, as well as many commissioned pieces. John married the love of his life Kim, in 1992, and has two children Madeline and Brandon, both musically and artistically talented. He was also an avid lover of animals, especially dogs, and shared his life with Stella, Calvert, Rita, Gretchen, Woody, Leia and Birdie.