John Neff is an American musician based in Athens, Georgia. He is most known for playing guitar and pedal steel guitar.
Background
Neff is originally from Columbus, Ohio and moved to Savannah, Georgia, when he was 11. He moved to Athens in his early twenties, at which time he started playing pedal steel guitar, for which he is best known.[1][2] He received his first guitar at age 9 and began learning how to play, and began his music career when he arrived in Athens.[3] Some of his influences include BJ Cole, Buddy Emmons, David Lindley, and Lloyd Green.[4]
Musical history
Some of Neff's earlier bands include the Chasers, Lona, Redneck Greece Deluxe, Star Room Boys, Barbara Cue, and Japancakes,[4] operating out of Athens. Japancakes is still active, releasing their most recent album Japancakes in May 2016.
Neff is currently involved in a Concerto for Rock Band with Strings with R.E.M. bass player Mike Mills featuring violinist Robert McDuffie that will perform in places such as Toronto and Rome[10] with an upcoming tour of the US. The Concerto expanded to include Chuck Leavell playing a set of covers called "A Night of Georgia Music"[11] The tour resumed in 2022.[12]
Neff is also currently playing with Athens country-rock band The Pink Stones. He recorded pedal steel on their most recent release, Jimmy & Jesus, and is also featured on every song of their upcoming LP, recorded at Chase Park Transduction with Henry Barbe. He is also a member of the band's live lineup.[13]
