Gold & Platinum Music Producer John McCracken: A long Time Luminary in the Music Industry

Trusted by iconic artists and recognized for driving cultural impact through high-quality, technically sound productions, John is adept in end-to-end project management, cross-functional team leadership, and creative innovation across studio and live environments.

A visionary music producer and media executive with a proven track record leading award-winning music, film, and digital productions across major labels, independent artists, and global education platforms, John’s talents span numerous categories beyond music production. A highly respected guitarist/arranger in his own right, John’s expertise includes:

• Music Production & Direction

• Project & Studio Management

• Audio Engineering (Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Cubase)

• Artist Development & A&R

• Video Production & Editing (Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere)

• Strategic Consulting & Contract Negotiation

• Soundtrack Production for Film & TV

• Budgeting, Licensing & Union Compliance (AFM, SAG-AFTRA)

From left to right: Beledo, Allan Holdsworth, John McCracken and Leonardo Pavkovic.

John has produced a wide variety of MUSIC FOR some of the most notable talent in the music industry including:

Linda Eder
Marcus Miller
Mark King
Michael Crawford
Moya Brennan
Nathan East
Nicky Moroch
Paula Cole
Robert Musso
Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal
Ron Carter
Ronald Shannon Jackson
Ronn Huff
12 Girls Band (Shanghai, China)
Sammy Hagar
Sarah Brightman
Scott Henderson
Shawn Pelton
Steve Vai
Steven Curtis Chapman
Steven Mercurio
T-Bone Wolk
Tony Levin
Twila Paris
Virgil Donati

Alex Ligertwood
Alex Lifeson
Allan Holdsworth
Anoushka Shankar
Bill Frisell
Billy Sheehan
Bob Belden
Cadette Glee Club
of West Point
Carl Tanner
Carmine Appice
Chester Thompson
Daniel Rodriguez
David Sancious
Diana Ross
Eric Johnson
Gary Husband
Geddy Lee
Georgia Fumanti
Greg Bissonette
Ian MacDonald
Jeff Berlin
Jimmy Haslip
Jimmy Johnson
Karsh Kale
Keith Carlock
Lea Salonga

John McCracken with Broadway legend, Michael Crawford in Dublin, Ireland.

John has also produced over 100 recordings for major and independent labels as well as TV and film. His stellar credits include nearly every musical genre, from jazz, rock and progressive rock to opera, orchestral and choral recordings. He received a platinum and gold record as producer for Broadway legend Michael Crawford’s (Phantom of the Opera) On Eagle’s Wings on Atlantic Records.

His orchestral work includes:

  • The Irish Film Orchestra

  • The Orchestra of St. Luke’s

  • The Seattle Symphony as well as groups composed of members of the New York Philharmonic.

He has worked extensively at major recording studios throughout the US and abroad including:

  • Sony Music Studios

  • The Hit Factory

  • Oceanway

  • Windmill Lane Studio

  • Capitol Studios

  • Power Station/Avatar, Right Track

  • Electric Ladyland as well as a host of other top tier studios.

John McCracken with Legendary Bassist, Jeff Berlin.

As producer, John has worked with an illustrious group of engineers including:

  • Mick Guzowski

  • Neil Dorfsman

  • Bob Clearmountain

  • Richard King

  • Roy Hendrickson

  • Terry Christian

As executive producer/project manager, John has overseen music campaigns for stellar artists including:

  • Allan Holdsworth

  • Jeff Berlin

  • David Sancious

  • Steven Curtis Chapman

  • Twila Paris

  • Gong Expresso

  • Soften the Glare

John McCracken with acclaimed television actress,/singer/songwriter, Jane Norman & drummer, Sim Cain at Kaleidoscope Sound in Union City, New Jersey.

John McCracken with Paula Cole, in NYC, New York.

John McCracken with John Newcott of WBGO Jazz Radio, Newark, New Jersey.

John McCracken with Tom Hemby, Jeff Berlin and Ron Hemby in Nashville.

John McCracken with his band, The Fusionaires

John McCracken with Twila Paris & Ronn Huff at Warner Brother’s Studios in Nashville.

John McCracken with legendary Keyboardist, David Sancious.

John McCracken at Windmill Lane
Recording Studios in Dublin, Ireland.

production work & video interviews

Take a peek behind the scenes of John McCracken’s fantastic interview with British musician and YouTuber Andy Edwards, known for his insightful video-casts on various aspects of the music industry. Andy, a brilliant musician with a profound knowledge of prog rock and music overall, delves deep into musicians, bands, and the music business of the late 20th Century.

In this interview, John shares his experiences from the last years of his time with guitar legend Allan Holdsworth (2014-2017), reflecting on the challenges faced by true geniuses and innovators who prioritize artistic integrity over commercial success. It's a narrative as old as time, highlighting the struggles and aftermath of such decisions.

John’s encounter with Allan was a lifelong dream fulfilled, and despite the unfortunate backlash and false accusations he faced after Allan’s passing, his intention was always to support and uplift Allan. Together with his manager Leonardo Pavkovic, John endeavored to provide stability in Allan's life, enabling him to share his unreleased music with the world through a successful PledgeMusic campaign, albeit releasing only one track, "Earth," penned by his drummer Virgil Donati.

Allan's unparalleled artistry, akin to Picasso's impact, transcends boundaries and leaves an indelible mark on all who witness it. His legacy stands tall among the greats like Mozart, Shakespeare, and Beethoven, embodying a historical significance that cannot be overlooked.

JOHN MCCRACKEN, ENGINEER & PRODUCER: Talented guitarist, Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal plays an alternate guitar solo for the track "Theme From an Imaginary Western" on Jeff Berlin's tribute album to the legendary Jack Bruce. ("Jack Songs.")

JOHN MCCRACKEN talks about Music Production and A&R as a staff teacher at Showbiz Bootcamp.

JOHN MCCRACKEN, CO-PRODUCER: Legendary bassist, Jeff Berlin and Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal (Guns N' Roses)

JOHN MCCRACKEN, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Allan Holdsworth Sessions (Tales from the Vault).

JOHN MCCRACKEN, PRODUCER/ENGINEER: Langelo Misterioso from Jack Songs by Jeff Berlin. Featuring Sammy Hagar.

JOHN MCCRACKEN, CO-PRODUCER: Legendary bassist, Jeff Berlin and Argentinian pianist, Mariano Agustoni.

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