John's Biography

JOHN FORSTER is an award-winning songwriter, humorist and record producer whose work encompasses the worlds of musical theater, satire and children’s entertainment. His musicals includes the regional theater favorite Eleanor-An American Love Story (www.eleanorthemusical.com) as well as Into The Light on Broadway and the Off Broadway revues Pretzels and A Good Swift Kick. His latest is Mariel, an Afro-Cuban immigration story commissioned by the Cincinnati Playhouse in 2007. His scores for young audiences include the perennial How To Eat Like A Child, one of the most widely produced children’s shows in the country (licensed through Samuel French, Inc.), as well as book and lyrics for Freaky Friday with composer Mary Rodgers..

As a recording artist John’s 1994 debut album Entering Marion won an Indie Award (the independent record labels’ Grammy) for Best Comedy Album. Many of his witty topical songs have been featured on NPR’s “Morning Edition.” He has written material for everyone from Dr. Ruth Westheimer to the Olsen Twins, his work being included in Dr. Demento’s “50 Greatest Novelty Songs Of All Time.”

As a writer and producer of bright, sassy music for children John has been nominated for four Grammy Awards, most recently for the Tom Chapin album Some Assembly Required. Other children’s albums include Family Tree, This Pretty Planet and a dozen more. His studio work has included collaborations with Judy Collins, Rosanne Cash, Christine Lavin and the late Dave Van Ronk, among many others. John’s song “Sing Me The Story Of Your Day” was sung by Faith Hill on the 2006 Grammy-winning Thanks & Giving.