John Gosling (The Kinks musician)

John Gosling was born in Paignton, Devon, on 6 February 1948. As a child his first musical instrument was a harmonium, which he received as a Christmas present. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music, and was appointed organist of St Andrew's Church in Stoke Newington. He also attended Luton Sixth Form College. == Career ==

Gosling's first band, the Challengers, was formed after he and a friend heard the Kinks performing "Long Tall Sally" on the BBC radio show Saturday Club. He also played in a local band called Hard Rain, a Bob Dylan–inspired group that he formed at the Royal Academy of Music. John played the baby grand piano on the song. His first performance with them was in Minneapolis, USA, on 22 May 1970. He was called "The Baptist" because of his likeness to popular images of John the Baptist. == Personal life and death ==

Gosling opened a music shop in Berkhamsted, then became a music teacher. John Gosling died on 4 August 2023, at the age of 75. ==References==