John Tesh Biography

John Frank Tesh Jr. was born on July 9, 1952, in Long Island, New York. Displaying a prodigious talent for music at a young age, he began playing the piano at just six years old. Throughout his teenage years, Tesh performed with various rock bands, and after graduating from North Carolina State University, he shifted his career trajectory toward television. He quickly rose through the ranks in the news industry, eventually becoming an anchor at a CBS affiliate.

In the early 1980s, Tesh's career took off as he earned multiple Emmy Awards for his outstanding sports coverage. This success opened doors for him, leading to his iconic role as co-host of Entertainment Tonight, where he became a household name. Despite his television success, Tesh had always nurtured a passion for music. During this period, he began writing and recording tracks for his debut album, which marked the beginning of a parallel musical journey.

Tesh's debut album, Tour de France, was released in 1988. Although critics initially approached his new age style with skepticism, audiences embraced his music wholeheartedly. He further expanded his fan base with the follow-up album Garden City in 1989, and in 1992, he released Romantic Christmas on his own record label, GTS. The 1990s proved to be a prolific decade for Tesh, with successful albums including Monterey Nights (1993), Sax by the Fire (1994), and the live recording Live at Red Rocks (1995). Music soon became his full-time pursuit.

Following his departure from Entertainment Tonight, Tesh continued to produce hit albums such as Sax on the Beach (1996), Sax All Night (1997), and Grand Passion (1998). His mesmerizing works earned him acclaim, including a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Instrumental Album for Power of Love (2003). With over eight million records sold and four gold albums to his credit, Tesh cemented his reputation as a leading figure in new age orchestral and instrumental music.

In addition to his musical achievements, Tesh has succeeded in television as well. Alongside his wife, actress Connie Sellecca, he co-hosts the syndicated series Intelligence for Your Life, which offers practical advice on various life challenges, from health and wellness to finance and family matters. The show is broadcast on nearly two hundred stations and complements Tesh’s book, Intelligence for Your Life: Powerful Lessons for Personal Growth.

Tesh has accumulated numerous accolades throughout his career, including six Emmy Awards and an Associated Press award for investigative journalism. His live concerts have notably raised over $7 million for PBS, showcasing his commitment to philanthropic efforts. In 2018, Tesh's contributions to music were recognized with his induction into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. Today, he continues to perform, record, and inspire through music, all while sharing valuable insights on his television and radio platforms.