John Tesh

Although John Tesh earned widespread recognition through his broadcasting role as co-host of the syndicated entertainment news program Entertainment Tonight, his work as a composer and instrumentalist received scant attention for quite some time. Early forays into recording drew sharp dismissal and mockery from reviewers, yet he ultimately silenced those critics by emerging as one of the most prominent figures in new age instrumental music.

Born on July 9, 1952, in Long Island, New York, Tesh started studying piano when he turned six. During his teenage years he also performed on organ and trombone alongside local rock ensembles. Following his graduation from North Carolina State University, where he earned a degree in music and communications, Tesh held successive positions at television outlets across the southeastern United States before advancing to anchor duties at the CBS network’s New York City affiliate. He joined CBS Sports as a commentator in 1981 and later received Emmy Awards for his Pan American Games theme and the theme composed for the Tour de France.

Tesh departed CBS in 1986 to serve as host of Entertainment Tonight alongside co-anchor Mary Hart. Even while television remained his central occupation, he persisted in composing and performing, releasing his debut album, Tour de France, in 1988. Reviewers dismissed his melodramatic, orchestral approach to new age music, yet the reception accorded to subsequent releases such as 1989’s Garden City demonstrated that an expanding listenership appreciated his style. In 1991 Tesh secured another pair of Emmys for the music accompanying NBC Sports’ broadcasts of the World Track and Field Championships. One year afterward he established his independent label GTSP and issued Romantic Christmas, then his most successful recording to date.

Subsequent chart successes included 1993’s Monterey Nights and 1994’s Sax by the Fire. The 1995 PBS special and accompanying album Live at Red Rocks generated considerable attention, prompting Tesh to resign from Entertainment Tonight and devote himself entirely to music. He continued to register strong sales with 1996’s Sax on the Beach and its 1997 successor, Sax All Night. Grand Passion appeared in early 1998, followed a year later by One World and John Tesh & Friends. Pure Hymns reached stores in fall 2000, while Pure Orchestra and Pure Gospel both arrived in early 2001. Later that spring Classical Music for Babies (And Their Moms), Vol. 2 was released.