John bayless stroke

John Bayless was born in the small oil town of Borger, Texas. He started to play piano by ear at age four and at age 13 was the youngest church organist in the State of Texas. When he was 15, he won a scholarship to the Aspen School of Music where he met and first studied with the legendary Adele Marcus. At 17, he was off to New York City to attend the Juilliard School of Music.

John was invited to participate as a composer in the inaugural class of New York University’s Musical Theater Masters Degree Program where he studied with Leonard Bernstein, Julie Styne, Arthur Laurents, Betty Comden and Adolph Green. Maestro Bernstein was particularly intrigued with John’s talent at improvisation and composition and a lifelong friendship ensued. John was artist in residence for the London Symphony Orchestra’s Leonard Bernstein Festival, performing at a gala for Queen Elizabeth II.

A concert pianist, composer and recording artist, he has appeared at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center’s Avery John bayless.