John Henry Kurtz (October 24, 1945 – March 8, 2008) was an American singer-songwriter and actor best known for recording an early version of the song "Drift Away", which was later popularized by Dobie Gray.
Biography John Henry Kurtz was born on October 24, 1945, in Havertown, Pennsylvania. He released his first and only studio album, Reunion, in 1972. The album contains "Drift Away", which was written by Mentor Williams. Though many sources cite Kurtz's version as the original, it was actually first recorded by English singer and actor Mike Berry two months earlier, appearing on his 1972 debut album of the same name.
While Kurtz's musical career was unsuccessful, he later turned to acting. He lived most of his life in Vail, Colorado, and moved to New York City in 1981. He also served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era. A resident of Cape May, New Jersey, Kurtz died of cancer at Cape Regional Medical Center in Cape May, New Jersey on March 8, 2008."Former Vail resident, John Henry Kurtz, 1945-2008", Vail Daily, March 19, 2008. Accessed December 21, 2023. "John Henry Kurtz, 62, a Vail resident from 1973 to 1981 who lived in Cape May, N.J., passed away peacefully at Cape May Regional Medical Center in Cape May Court House, N.J., on March 8."
Filmography
Film YearTitleRoleNote1994The Cosby MysteriesMr. PoppyTV movie2006ExiledNewscaster2009Frame of MindMan on the phonePosthumous role
Television YearTitleRoleNote1986–1994Saturday Night LiveAnnouncer; The Global Warming Christmas Special Announcer; Colon Blow announcer; Dan Quayle: President narrator; Announcer: Pork commercials (voice)5 episodes1990H.E.L.P.Calwin1 episode1991Law & OrderPelletier1 episode1994The Cosby MysteriesMr. Poppy1 episode19963rd Rock from the SunVoice Announcer1 episode2000–2004Little BillTV Announcer; Newscaster; Baseball Announcer3 episodes2001100 Centre StreetHostage1 episode2007Power, Privilege & JusticeNarrator1 episode
References
External links