On June 22 John B’s wife, Nancy, threw a surprise birthday party for him at their home. It was a great party with catered Mediterranean food, live music and a uniquely designed cake that Nancy ordered for the 70-year-old guitarist and former classmate.

“SURPRISE!” Nancy, John and Cheryl (John accidentally locked the back gate)

Nancy & John

Elaine, Cheryl & Janice – Class of ’61

Walt, John & Burt – Class of ’61

 John’s awesome birthday cake

On this special day Nancy presented John with a Martin D-28 LTD edition “Elvis Presley” guitar #143 of 175 (many of us were born in 1943). What a lucky guy!

John in his studio with his birthday present from Nancy

Here’s a little history about the D-28 guitar: Elvis’ original  guitar was made in 1955 and a custom leather embosser made the leather jacket just for Elvis. In 2009 the Martin Guitar Co., in honor of Elvis Presley, made 175 LTDs with leather jackets and about 500 without. Lucky John played his new guitar for his lucky birthday guests. He also played his other favorite flat-top guitar, a Gibson SJ200 (in the ’60s musicians referred to them as the J200). Elvis and Rick Nelson both owned several J200s. John’s LTD J200 was built in 2009.

A little tidbit of info about our classmate– For over 20 years John made his living playing bass for several bands (including his own) in the Los Angeles area and Las Vegas. He now has his own recording studio and a collection of classic guitars, two basses and a fiddle. Besides playing his guitars John also volunteers his time as a DJ for various charity events– including our own class reunions.

To see more party photos click here