John Guerin (October 31, 1939 – January 5, 2004) worked as a drummer, percussionist, and recording artist worldwide.
Guerin was born in Hawaii and raised in San Diego. As a young drummer he began performing with Buddy DeFranco in 1960. In the late 1960s he moved to Los Angeles where his talented drum work was utilised by artists including Frank Sinatra, George Harrison, Frank Zappa, Joni Mitchell, The Byrds, Thelonious Monk, Lou Rawls, Ray Conniff, George Shearing, Peggy Lee, Ella Fitzgerald, Linda Ronstadt, Nelson Riddle and countless others. Guerin was a leading exponent of the jazz-rock style, and toured the world with the band LA Express, of which he was co-leader. The LA Express served as Joni Mitchell's touring band during the mid- to late-'70s.
In jazz and pop, he is one of the most recorded drummers of all time. Among his many contributions to motion picture and television scores, John's most celebrated work was on the soundtrack for Clint Eastwood's 1988 film biography of Charlie Parker, titled Bird. He also played on the original title tune for the television series Hawaii Five-O.
In more recent years Guerin worked with Tyrell, Oscar Peterson, John Faddis, Jimmy Heath, Ray Charles, Sonny Rollins, Justin Morell, Andreas Pettersson, David Basse, David Garfield, Gary Lemel, and Mike Melvoin.
Guerin died on January 5, 2004 in West Hills, California due to complications from the flu. He was known for his love of horses which he continued to own and ride until his death.