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John Ford Coley (born John Edward Colley; October 13, 1948) is an American singer, classically trained pianist, guitarist, actor, and author most known for his partnership in the musical duo England Dan & John Ford Coley. Their first break came in 1972 with the song "Simone". It became a No. 1 hit in Japan and was popular in France. However, "Simone" did not fare as well in the United States, and they were released from their contract with A&M after three albums. Coley is a cousin of Grand Ole Opry comedian Minnie Pearl (Sarah Ophelia Colley Cannon).
Signing to Atlantic Records
Two years later, they signed a record deal with Atlantic Records subsidiary Big Tree Records and released the song "I'd Really Love to See You Tonight". Overall they had four top 10 hits and two top 20 hits. They were nominated for a Grammy Award, received triple-platinum and gold records, and released eight albums. Other recordings were released abroad. The duo disbanded in 1980.
After the 1980s
Coley formed another group which released an album on A&M Records: Leslie, Kelly and John Ford Coley (featuring sisters Leslie and Kelly Bulkin). He continues to perform internationally.
On August 11, 1997, a handyman in Long Island, New York was arrested for impersonating Coley.
Discography
Albums
- Smell of Incense - Southwest F.O.B., 1969
- England Dan & John Ford Coley - England Dan and John Ford Coley, 1971
- Fables - England Dan and John Ford Coley, 1972
- I Hear Music - England Dan and John Ford Coley, 1976
- Nights Are Forever - England Dan and John Ford Coley, 1976
- Dowdy Ferry Road - England Dan and John Ford Coley, 1977
- Some Things Don't Come Easy - England Dan and John Ford Coley, 1978
- Dr. Heckle and Mr. Jive - England Dan and John Ford Coley, 1979
- Just Tell Me You Love Me - England Dan and John Ford Coley, 1980
- Leslie, Kelly and John Ford Coley - Leslie, Kelly and John Ford Coley, 1980 (A&M Records)
- The Best of England Dan and John Ford Coley - England Dan and John Ford Coley, 1980
- Live from the Philippines - John Ford Coley, 2009
- Eclectic - John Ford Coley, 2016
- Long Way Home (Live in Israel & L.A.) - John Ford Coley, 2020