John Carl Van Haaren Jr

is an American singer-songwriter known for blending modern rock and country influences. Born on October 19, 1964, in Saginaw, Michigan, his passion for music sparked early- he began writing songs at age 12 and picked up the guitar in the sixth grade.

Despite being kicked out of band class for supposedly lacking talent, he persisted and played in numerous bands across Michigan starting at age 19. His journey included working on sound and lights for the AfterDark band and forming the Outburst band with musicians from Saginaw and Bay City.

Moved to Nashville Tennessee, in October 1989, where he met Johnny Cash and his producer, and even preformed live on a TV show in Murfreesboro.

Released his debut album FEEL MY HEARTBEAT in 2008, Followed by TAKE ME TO THE SKY in 2018.

Has published four albums and is currently working on his fifth, expected to release in fall of 2025.

he's played in over 10 bands across Michigan and beyond, influencing local musicians and helping shape the regional soundscape.

John stands out in the modern rock and country scene not by chasing mainstream fame, but by embracing a deeply personal and grassroots approach to music, blending blues, rock, and country.

His music is available worldwide, without relying on major label backing.

John's musical influences are his parents, His dad  played standup bass in a band, and would play the guitar while his mother played organ every friday night at home in the livingroom, singing old country and rock songs, like Elvis, The Everly Brothers, Fats Domino, Johnny Cash, and many more.

John's live shows offer an intimate and engaging experience as a seasoned singer-songwriter and guitarist with deep ties to Michigan and Nashville's music scenes. Given his catalog of heartfelt, soulful songs and covers like "Hurt So Good", his performances tend to blend emotional storytelling with skilled musicianship, creating a connection with audiences through both lyrics and melody.

John also played at many jamborees, With His band Outburst he hosted A jamboree in Flint Michigan with fellow artists like Mark Farner From Grand Funk Railroad,  In his band Stony Creek they played in A jamboree with some of the band members from "? And The Mysterians".  John later met up with one of the band members and was asked if he'd be interested in joining the band . The Mysterians member told John they could rename the band  "JC and The Mysterians" .

When John Went to Nashville and met Johnny Cash And his producer, He played three songs that he wrote. Jack told him he has a good voice, nice songs, And he said his family, friends and girlfriend probably like the songs a lot. But he told John he needs to think more about what the public would relate to.

He later went down stairs where Johnny Cash and his daughter was recording in the studio. 

When John came down the stairs Johnny Cash met him at the Bottom Step. John was so overwhelmed with the fact he's face to face with the legend all he could say was "Hi Johnny" 

Jack did all the talking. He told Johnny : This is John Carl Van Haaren Jr From Saginaw Michigan He's a song writer and A huge fan of Yours.

John was invited to stay and hangout while Johnny and his daughter was recording in the studio,  But he was anxious about being an inconvenience.

John Lived in Old Hickory Tnn. On Brian Street. He worked at Rand Mcnally Publishers, after work he would go downtown Nashville and check out the music scene. He'd stop at the Broken Spoke bar in the Ramada inn. He never sang there he just enjoyed the local talent. John played mainly on the outskirts of Nashville. At a bar off Dickerson Pike He sat in with a band that backed him with his original songs for the hole first set. 

The crowed loved him and he was offered a recording contract.

The producer clamed he produce for Clint Black and many more famous singers.  John Didn't want a recording deal he just wanted to feel out the crowd. 

John played solo at the bar across from the Dupont Plant on Sunday's . with just him and his 12 string guitar he'd play newer country music and some originals. It was more of a fun time because the crowd would try to stump John by requesting songs they thought he wouldn't know because of his age.  Every song they threw at him he would play and sing.

this was when Billy Ray Cyrus just came out, because it was so new they thought he wouldn't know the words to "WERE AM I GONA LIVE"

One man out of the crowed shouted He bet John didn't know the words to that song and he bet him a beer.

When John started singing the song he added that he  drinks Budweiser beer, Long neck bottles. By the time John was done with the song there was about 12 long neck bottles of Budweiser on his table.

John left Nashville on Christmas Eve 1992, 

Back in Michigan,

Some of the bands John Played in and sat in are, The After Dark Band he worked sound and lights for. They Also let him sitin with the band , The first song he did with them was "Wounderfull Tonight By Eric Clapton"   They mainly play around the St.Charles and Chessning area. The lead guitarist and singer of the band was Mitch Martin, He also lived across the street from where John grew up. Some of the other band members were, Earl The Pearl on Saxophone and Vocals , Denny on Key's Mark On Drums.

The Outburst Band he formed with  Jim McGivern on Guitar and vocals, Chico on bass guitar and vocals, and Raul on drums and vocals, Then later Perry Martin replaced Chico on Bass guitar and vocals. John played Guitar and Keys and vocals. The Outburst Band played at many bars across Michigan from Detroit to Tawas, Saginaw, Flint, Bay City, Midland, Gladwin, Omer, John Said when they first formed the band they only practiced for three weeks and never practiced again for 4 years, They played every weekend and when they had a new song they would just do it live on stage with no practice.  The band was formed in 1993 ended around 2000, John quit the band around 1999.

John joined The Stony Creek Band From Bridgeport Michigan. With Fred and Rose DeGroat. and Jerry Childs on Drums. and many others that sat in. It was mainly a country band but John sang   some  Rock .

They played around the Bridgeport area , Caro Michigan, Bay City, and many Eagles Clubs around Michigan.

John and fellow musicians formed the band "Magnum"  around 2001. With Leroy On lead vocals and acoustic guitar, Wyett on drums, Carl on bass guitar, John Played Guitar and keys. John quit the band around 2002 For personal family matters.

After the death of Johns Brother and Father he Quit Playing for about 5 years, Then he remembered the promise he made his brother about doing something more with his songs.

Thats when he decided to get back into writing and recording again.

Some of John's top songs are,

 What Are You Waiting For,

 If Your Leaving,

 Shine, 

Stay With Me, 

Our Love, 

Your Thrill,

 Let's Talk About Love,

 Ten Years,

 Love Is Lazy,

 Feel My Heartbeat,

 Baby I Love You,

 If I Don't Wake Up Tomorrow,

 Take Me To The Sky, 

Buttercup,

 Let Me Be The One,

 Let's Be Crazy Together, 

Just Walk Away.

John's New album "BLIND FAITH" will be out  November 1st. 2025

Find all John's Music on ,

Spotify, 

Apple Music,

 Amazon Music, 

Youtube Music,

 and many more.

SoundTrampEntertainment (2025)