Jeff’s frequent musical collaborator (and friend since the 4th grade), John Goodwin is a free spirit who blends country with a lot of soul in his songs, and brings a fresh outlook to his artwork and writing.
Ask John Goodwin, “What moves you?” and his answer is, “everything.” He’s inspired by the most spontaneous of things—a woman’s glance, the sound of distant laughter—and breathes life into that moment through song, art and poetry in perfect harmony (pun definitely intended).
This Nashville based musician brings an honesty to all of his art that resonates. Goodwin creates pieces that are important to him and believes that when you do that, there is a truth that comes through. While the music writing is what he’s most known for, his passion spills over to his poetry, painting and ceramics. To him, painting and creating with his hands is a vacation of sorts, a respite, but even his writing has a visual bent. What John sees comes to life and is heard in each song and poem, imbuing it with extraordinary depth.
The way John writes his music is just as inspired and holistic. He writes wherever he is, even banging on his dashboard to get the tune down. He doesn’t need an instrument to create a song, which he can hear in his head as a complete composition. There is no music then lyrics or vice-versa. They reveal themselves as one for this soulful country singer who believes wholeheartedly that if you feel it, it will come.
That belief and beauty comes through in his art, as well, and it is something you can hear when listening to the songs he’s created with his old friend, Jeff. Having also written songs for the likes of Michael McDonald, Brad Paisley and Judy Collins, John has established himself as a force with which to be reckoned in the music industry. His contributions to the music that defined Bridges’ Oscar turn as Bad Blake in the film, CRAZY HEART — including the film’s opening tune in collaboration with T Bone Burnett — reflect how well John and Jeff know and understand each other.
From Nashville-based John’s paintings and ceramics, to his spoken word poetry and songwriting, what you experience when you engage in any of his art is the feeling this artist knows love and life. And he knows them well.
Some Tunes From John
Listen to previews of John's music below
Song Credits
She Lay Her Whip Down
Written by John Goodwin
Sung by Jeff Bridges & The Abiders
Wall Came Down
Written and sung by John Goodwin
Love Is Never-Ending
Written by John Goodwin & Bobby Terry
Sung by Bobby Terry
Sometimes the Moon Don't Shine
Written by John Goodwin & Lisa Shaffer
Sung by Lisa Shaffer
Miracle River
Written by John Goodwin, Amy Holland, Bernie Chiaravalle
Sung by Judy Collins ( featuring Michael McDonald )
Malookis