John Klemmer is an American instrumental pop saxophonist, composer, song writer and arranger. He was born on July 3, 1946 in Chicago, Illinois. He began playing guitar at age 5. His other early interests & ambitions were in graphics and visual art, writing, dance, puppetry, painting, sculpting and poetry. He studied at schools that include The Chicago Institute of Art. He began alto sax at age 11 touring with various local midwest "ghost big bands" [Les Elgart, Woody Herman] big bands & local jazz & rock small groups. Switching to tenor sax in high school he participated in the active small groups jazz scene as well as commercial small group & big band work while leading his own groups in the Chicago area & touring.
He had extensive studies, choosing private lessons in piano, conducting, harmony, theory, composition, arranging, clarinet, flute & classical & jazz saxophone that continued through college. He studied saxophone & jazz improvisation with noted Chicago saxophonist and teacher Joe Daly. He attended the prestigious Interlochen's National Music Camp. Within the same year as graduating from high school, Klemmer was signed by Producer Esmond.