The Coachmen:

John Lane

Tenor, vocals & Guitar

John Lane joined the Coachmen show band in 1968 and is the original tenor singer for the group. John continues to provide the high-end vocals that are key to the quartet's original sound today. Additionally, John is the primary guitarist for the quartet and arranges many of the group's vocal harmonies.

Subsequent to joining the original Coachmen show band in 1968, John was drafted into the Army in February of 1971. Upon returning home from his military duties, John rejoined the Coachmen show for a brief period. After taking some time off from music to focus on his career and family, John reentered the local music scene as "playing music" was in his blood. It was not long before he started playing with other bands in the Shenandoah Valley region. These bands included The Stauntonians in the late 1970's, The Hayseeders in the early 1980's and The New Southern Crescent in the late 1980's. After a brief retirement from music, John reunited with the Coachmen show band in 1994 for a two-year reunion. This reunion not only included the original cast, but a second generation of children, including John's son, John Lane III, a lead guitarist and vocalist in the Shenandoah Valley music scene. Subsequent to the conclusion of the reunion show, John remained on with the two other original vocalists and a second-generation pianist to form the Coachmen gospel quartet as it is known today.

John credits his musical ability to several individuals. First, to George Sergeant, his high school choir director (Wilson Memorial High school), under which John was a member of the first traveling school choir in Virginia (The Singing Sergeant's). Secondly, to Paul Gilbert, a long-time choir member at Annex United Methodist Church, and a vital influence on John's vocal technique. And finally to the late Clyde Wills, John's father-in-law, who was a fiddle and mandolin player, and a cornerstone in the bluegrass and country music scene in the Shenandoah Valley. Mr. Wills was not only a critical influence for John, but was also the individual who introduced the Coachmen to Mac Wiseman, the President of the Wheeling Jamboree, in their early days.

In 1971, John married his high-school sweetheart, Linda Wills. The couple has one son; John Lane III (John L.); a daughter-in-law, Molly; and two grandsons, Max and Jeremiah. John and his wife reside in Annex, VA, a suburb of Staunton. John is employed by Wilson Trucking Corporation as a Fleet Maintenance Director. John's hobbies include directing the choir at Annex United Methodist Church where he has been an active member all of his life, and singing for weddings and funerals. Additionally, John is an avid carpenter and enjoys making clocks, kitchen cabinets, and numerous other projects in his woodworking shop. John is particularly proud of a grandfather clock that he made with his grandfather in 1990.

Other Coachmen:

Bob Campbell • Pete Campbell • Chris Campbell • About The Group