John Shanks

John Matthew Shanks (born December 18, 1964) is an American writer of modern rock music and a Grammy Award–winning producer.

Early life and education

Born in New York City on December 18, 1964, Shanks moved to Los Angeles when he was 17 years old.

Career

Shanks began playing in Melissa Etheridge's band in 1988 and toured with her for several years. Shanks enjoyed his first writing success in the early 1990s by getting cuts with Bonnie Raitt, Joe Cocker and Tuck & Patti. He also landed his first publishing deal.

Shanks reunited with Etheridge in 1995 when he collaborated with her on songs for Your Little Secret. He worked with her for several years and co-produced her subsequent album, Breakdown, in 1999. Breakdown received four Grammy nominations, including Best Rock Song and Best Rock Album.

In 2001, Shanks produced several tracks for the Stevie Nicks album, Trouble in Shangri-La and co-wrote the first single, "Every Day", with Damon Johnson.

In January 2001, Shanks began working with Michelle Branch. Together, they wrote four songs for the hit album The Spirit Room, including the first single, "Everywhere". He also produced the album. In the fall of the same year, Shanks co-wrote Sheryl Crow’s single, "Steve McQueen".