Member Profile

John Pennell

John was born in rural, east central Illinois, about two hours south of Chicago.

He has lived in Nashville, TN  since 1996 and was the original bass player of Union Station with Alison Krauss. He teaches music at two schools, Family Christian Academy and Overbrook school and teaches privately in his home studio. Lessons are offered in guitar, upright/electric bass, piano, trumpet, cello, violin and music theory and composition. John composed several of Alison Krauss’ earlier songs, including "Too Late To Cry". "Foolish Heart", Dark Skies" and "Every Time You Say Goodbye" He also has had songs covered by Alan Jackson("Meat And Potato Man", "As Lovely As You"), Dan Tyminski("Carry Me Across The Mountain"), The Infamous Stringdusters("Fork In The Road" [IBMA Song Of The Year, 2007], "I Wonder"),Eva Cassidy("If I Give My Heart") Alecia Nugent("You've Still Got It") and Sam Bush("Ridin' That Bluegrass Train", "Bless His Heart" and "The Wizard of Oz"). "The Wizard Of Oz" (a tribute to Hall Of Fame Cardinal shortstop Ozzie Smith)was featured on Bob Dylan's 'Theme Time'  XM radio show as part of a segment devoted to baseball.  In 2007 Alison recorded and released "Jacob's Dream"(co-written with Julie Lee). The song has been described by Alison as the saddest song ever written. And, he has also played bass professionally with Harley Allen, Chris Jones, Jimmy Bowen, Vassar Clements, Charlie Sizemore.