Dan Seals, born on February 8, 1950, in McCamey, Texas, was immersed in music from a young age. His father, E.W. “Waylon” Seals, was not only an oil pipe fitter but also a skilled guitarist and bassist who had played with country music legends Ernest Tubb and Bob Wills. Music ran deep in the Seals family; Dan’s older brother, Jim Seals, achieved fame as part of The Champs (“Tequila”) and later as half of the successful duo Seals & Crofts. Further extending the family’s musical legacy, Dan’s brothers Eddie Seals (of Eddie and Joe) and cousins Chuck Seals (“Crazy Arms”), Troy Seals, Brady Seals (Little Texas), and country singer Johnny Duncan all made their marks in the music industry. Growing up in this rich musical environment, Dan learned to play the upright bass at just four years old and quickly joined the family band.
John Colley, born on October 13, 1951, brought a different yet complementary musical background to the duo. A classically trained pianist, Colley’s formal training provided a strong foundation in music theory and composition. When Seals and Colley met in high school, they discovered a shared passion for music and began playing together in local cover bands such as the Playboys Five and Theze Few. Their early collaborations led them to Nashville, where they recorded demos as The Shimmerers. However, tragedy struck when their producer passed away before securing a recording contract, halting their initial momentum.
Their breakthrough came as members of Southwest F.O.B. (Freight On Board). This band, featuring Colley on keyboards and Seals on saxophone and vocals, performed a blend of Rock and R&B that resonated in the Dallas music scene. Signed to Hip Records, a subsidiary of Stax/Volt, Southwest F.O.B. released the album “Smell of Incense” in 1968. The title track became a minor hit, reaching #56 on the charts. During their time with Southwest F.O.B., Seals and Colley began to recognize their evolving musical tastes. They found themselves drawn to a softer, more melodic sound, influenced by artists like Paul Simon, in contrast to the harder rock of Jimi Hendrix. They started performing acoustic sets as a duo, showcasing their burgeoning harmony vocals as an opening act for Southwest F.O.B., captivating audiences before the full band took the stage. By 1969, their musical direction was clear, and Seals and Colley decided to leave Southwest F.O.B. and head to California to pursue a record deal as a duo.
Initially calling themselves Colley and Wayland (Wayland being Seals’ middle name), they realized the moniker lacked a certain spark. It was Jim Seals who suggested incorporating Dan’s childhood nickname, “England Dan.” This nickname originated from Dan’s youthful fascination with The Beatles and a brief, playful adoption of an English accent. “Ford” was added to John Colley’s name, and his last name was intentionally shortened to “Coley” to ensure correct pronunciation. “England Dan & John Ford Coley” was not only catchy but also unique, grabbing attention from radio programmers, reviewers, and the public, even before anyone had heard their music. The name itself became a part of their early appeal.
In 1970, England Dan & John Ford Coley signed with A&M Records. Guitarist Louis Shelton, who had previously played with Jim Seals in The Dawnbreakers and later joined Seals & Crofts’ band, played a crucial role, bringing their demo to Herb Alpert at A&M. Their A&M years resulted in two albums, a self-titled debut and “Fables,” both produced by Shelton. These albums, while not major commercial successes, offered a glimpse into their developing sound. The song “New Jersey” reached #103 on the charts, and “Simone” became a #1 hit in Japan, indicating their international appeal. These early recordings featured a slightly less polished sound compared to their later hits, and involved renowned Los Angeles session musicians such as Larry Knechtel, Tommy Morgan, and Hal Blaine, along with string arrangements by Marty Paich.
Despite their efforts, A&M Records dropped them in 1972 when their contract expired. Undeterred, England Dan & John Ford Coley continued performing, and Coley even contributed to a couple of Seals And Crofts albums during this period. The turning point came in 1976 when their manager heard a demo of “I’d Really Love To See You Tonight,” a song penned by Mississippi songwriter Parker McGee. The duo recorded their own demo and began shopping it to record labels. Ironically, after Atlantic Records turned it down, Doug Morris of Big Tree Records heard the demo through the wall of his office and offered them a contract. Teaming up with producer Kyle Lehning, who had also produced McGee’s demo, proved to be a winning combination. “I’d Really Love To See You Tonight” became a massive #2 Pop single in the spring of 1976, eventually selling two million copies and catapulting England Dan & John Ford Coley into mainstream success.
Their debut album for Big Tree, “Nights Are Forever,” released in July 1976 and also produced by Lehning, capitalized on their newfound fame. Their second single, another Parker McGee composition, “Nights Are Forever Without You,” further solidified their place in the charts, also reaching the Billboard Top 10. In 1977, they released their second Big Tree album, “Dowdy Ferry Road,” which spawned the hit singles “It’s Sad To Belong (To Someone Else)” (#20) and “Gone Too Far” (#23). While these songs enjoyed success, the record label began to pressure the duo to record songs by other writers that could propel them back into the Top 10.
This shift in focus created tension for England Dan & John Ford Coley. They had dedicated years to honing a distinctive sound and songwriting partnership that allowed them to explore musical ideas important to them. However, they felt the personal and creative aspects of their work were being sidelined in favor of commercially driven material. Their third LP, “Some Things Don’t Come Easy,” released in 1978, seemed to reflect this sentiment in its title. The album did produce a #9 hit, “We’ll Never Have To Say Goodbye Again,” but it was written by Jeffrey Comanor, not Seals or Coley. Adding to the sense of change, the album was mixed in New York, breaking from their previous recordings at Lee Hazen’s studio in Hendersonville, Tennessee, signaling a push for a different sonic direction.
By the late 1970s, the music landscape was evolving rapidly. The rise of disco and the emergence of punk rock created a perception that the harmony-based, melodic pop-rock of England Dan & John Ford Coley was becoming outdated. Despite these pressures, they persevered, even through challenging recording sessions in Los Angeles. They managed to salvage one song, “Love Is The Answer,” written by Todd Rundgren, which became their final Top 10 hit. However, subsequent singles like “Don’t Ever Want To Lose Ya,” “What Can I Do With This Broken Heart,” and “In It For Love” achieved diminishing chart success. Their last singles, “Why Is It Me” and “Part of Me Part of You” (from the movie Just Tell Me You Love Me) also failed to reignite their earlier momentum. Following the release of a “Best Of” compilation in 1980, England Dan & John Ford Coley decided to go their separate ways.
Dan Seals initially continued in pop-rock as England Dan Seals on Atlantic Records, reaching #82 with “Late At Night” in 1980. However, personal financial difficulties arose when the IRS initiated action against Seals, leading to the seizure of his assets. He then reinvented himself as a country artist, still working with producer Kyle Lehning, and experienced a remarkable resurgence. Under his new moniker, Dan Seals, he achieved country chart success with “Everybody’s Dream Girl,” “After You,” and “You Really Go For The Heart.” This marked the beginning of an impressive run of hits, including nine #1 country singles in a row and numerous Country Music Association awards. His duet with Marie Osmond, “Meet Me in Montana,” topped the charts in 1985 and earned them a CMA Award for Best Vocal Duo. Although his softer country sound waned in popularity in the 1990s, Dan Seals continued to tour and released his final studio album, “Make It Home,” in 2002.
John Ford Coley initially withdrew from performing after the breakup, although he briefly returned to A&M Records in 1981 to record an album, “Leslie, Kelly & John Ford Coley,” with singers Leslie and Kelly Bulkin, featuring backing vocals from Dash Crofts. In the early to mid-1990s, he re-emerged as a solo artist in Southern California. Coley also explored acting, appearing in the film Dream A Little Dream with Corey Feldman and Corey Haim, as well as Scenes From A Goldmine. He even took on a villainous role in an episode of America’s Most Wanted.
In 1996, Rhino Records released “The Very Best of England Dan And John Ford Coley,” a 16-song compilation, underscoring the enduring appeal of their music. Despite their individual paths and evolving musical landscapes, England Dan & John Ford Coley remain synonymous with a gentler, more innocent era, their music providing a soundtrack of warmth and nostalgia for many.
Dan Seals sadly passed away on March 25, 2009, at the age of 61, after battling mantle cell lymphoma. John Ford Coley has continued to remain active, lecturing on Christianity, publishing a memoir titled Back Stage Pass, and touring across the United States, keeping the music and memories of England Dan & John Ford Coley alive for generations of fans.
Be sure to read Gary James’ Interview With John Ford Coley for further insights into his career and reflections on England Dan & John Ford Coley.
