John Platania

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John Platania is a well-known session musician, guitar player, and record producer.

Platania was born in New York’s Mid-Hudson Valley, in Ulster County, near Woodstock.

He is most known for his work with Van Morrison, beginning on Moondance, to 1997's The Philosohper’s Stone, on which he co-wrote two songs. On September 15, 2006 he played in Van Morrison's band at the Austin City Limits Music Festival. He also appeared with Van in the Austin City Limits film that was made for television and shown in November, 2006.

He also played on several albums for Chip Taylor, songwriter of "Wild Thing" and "Angel of the Morning."

From 1974 through 1982, he recorded and or performed for Randy Newman, Bonnie Raitt, and Judy Collins.

In 1976, Platania formed a band in Los Angeles called The Giants. Its members included Ron Elliott, formerly of The Beau Brummels, with Karl Rucker from the post-Jim Morrison Doors, and Bruce Gary, drummer who went on to The Knack.

Platania began working with Don McLean in 1981 playing guitar on "Bye Bye, Miss American Pie," "Starry Starry Night," and "Crying", and toured with McLean.

In 1983, he produced and wrote the score for the Emmy winning musical revue None for the Road, a public service production to educate young people about the dangers of drinking, drugs and driving.

In 1997 he played guitar for Natalie Merchant on her summer tour.

In 2002, Platania released his solo debut Lucky Dog, featuring on guitar and vocals.

Platania has worked as a producer on three albums for Guy Davis. He also produced Davis’s "I Will Be Your Friend,” the title song for the Southern Poverty Law Center’s "anti-hate" compilation CD, as well as songs on tribute CDs to Charlie Patton and Nick Lowe.

He composed the music for Sail Production’s stage version of Harriet Taubman, which toured the U.S. during Black History Month.

In 2006, Platania again reunited with Van Morrison, touring on Morrison's "Pay The Devil" tour.