John Goodwin, a name synonymous with authentic artistry and heartfelt expression, is a creative force whose talents span music, art, and poetry. A long-time musical collaborator and friend of Jeff Bridges since their fourth-grade days, Goodwin infuses his country-tinged songs with a deep soulfulness, mirroring his fresh and insightful approach to artwork and writing. This Nashville-based artist captures the essence of life’s fleeting moments, transforming them into resonant pieces that speak to the human experience.
John Goodwin portrait, showcasing his thoughtful and artistic demeanor
When asked about his inspirations, John Goodwin’s answer is simply, “everything.” He finds wonder in the spontaneous moments of life – a passing glance, the echo of laughter – and skillfully translates these observations into harmonious blends of song, art, and poetry. This holistic approach to creation reveals an artist deeply connected to his surroundings and emotions, imbuing his work with a unique and relatable honesty.
Goodwin’s artistic philosophy centers on creating pieces that hold personal significance. He believes in the power of truth in art, asserting that authenticity resonates deeply with audiences. While celebrated for his songwriting, Goodwin’s artistic passions extend to poetry, painting, and ceramics. He views hands-on creation like painting as a form of escape and rejuvenation, a counterpoint to his writing, which itself is richly visual. John Goodwin’s ability to see the world in vivid detail translates into his songs and poems, giving them extraordinary depth and texture.
His songwriting process is as intuitive as his sources of inspiration. Goodwin crafts melodies and lyrics anywhere and everywhere, even using his car dashboard to capture a tune. Remarkably, he can conceive entire song compositions in his mind, without needing an instrument. For this soulful country artist, music and lyrics emerge simultaneously, a unified expression of feeling and thought. This belief in the spontaneous flow of creativity is central to his artistic identity.
This conviction and artistic beauty permeate all facets of John Goodwin’s work. It is palpable in the music he creates with Jeff Bridges, his long-time friend and collaborator. Beyond his work with Bridges, John Goodwin’s songwriting prowess is recognized across the music industry. He has penned songs for notable artists such as Michael McDonald, Brad Paisley, and Judy Collins. His contributions to the soundtrack of “Crazy Heart,” the film that earned Jeff Bridges an Oscar, are particularly noteworthy. Goodwin co-wrote the movie’s opening theme with T Bone Burnett, showcasing the deep creative synergy between him and Bridges. These collaborations underline John Goodwin’s established presence and influence in the music world.
Whether through his Nashville-inspired paintings, handcrafted ceramics, evocative spoken word poetry, or heartfelt songwriting, John Goodwin’s art offers an intimate glimpse into an artist deeply connected to the pulse of life. Engaging with his creations is an experience of encountering love and life, explored and understood through the perceptive eyes and soulful heart of John Goodwin.
Malookis music video screenshot, representing John Goodwin's musical collaborations
Explore the Music of John Goodwin
Discover previews of John Goodwin’s captivating music below and immerse yourself in his soulful soundscapes.
Song Credits
- She Lay Her Whip Down – Written by John Goodwin, Sung by Jeff Bridges & The Abiders
- Wall Came Down – Written and sung by John Goodwin
- Love Is Never-Ending – Written by John Goodwin & Bobby Terry, Sung by Bobby Terry
- Sometimes the Moon Don’t Shine – Written by John Goodwin & Lisa Shaffer, Sung by Lisa Shaffer
- Miracle River – Written by John Goodwin, Amy Holland, Bernie Chiaravalle, Sung by Judy Collins (featuring Michael McDonald)
Jeff Bridges Performs John Goodwin Songs
