John Keith first began playing music in 1978. He began learning guitar in the fourth grade and then banjo while in his early teens. In 1987 he began playing mandolin and performing with several local bands.
He first rose to national prominence in 1990 as a member of the legendary band, “The Goins Brothers” and for nearly eight years he traveled the U.S. and Canada with them. His powerful, traditional mandolin style can be heard on the four projects he recorded with them prior to his departure in Feb. Of 1997.

The next five years were spent with Hart Brothers playing guitar and singing lead and harmony vocals. In Nov. of 2003 the demands on his time were such  that it was necessary for him to step down. Now, after a three year hiatus, John is back with the band.

“The ‘Harts’ have always been household names for me. My dad worked as a union millwright, so did Arman and Sam Hart, Pete and Tib’s dad and older brother. Pete worked in the trade for while also, so I’ve always known them. Rick and I have become great friends over the past twenty or so years so it seems like I’m back in the fold”.

John currently lives in Newport, Ohio with his wife Tina and his daughter Ashley.