Shawn Persinger is among the most innovative and eclectic composers, guitarists, singer/songwriters performing today. He's been called a cross between The Violent Femmes and Leo Kottke; Stravinsky composed for AC/DC; a mix of Ani DiFranco and John McLaughlin; Michael Hedges plays The Minutemen; but what he really is, is what countless critics have written, "A true original." Drawing on a wealth of influences Shawn has combined the best of rock, jazz, folk, concert, world music and the avant-garde to develop a sound that is uniquely his own.

From his work with the groundbreaking avant-rock band, Boud Deun, to his solo guitar music; his aggressive folksinger style to his pieces for the “concert” music world; Shawn has proven that his musical sensibility is unlimited. Shawn has released three solo CDs in the past four years: “Peerless,” “Reasonable Horse,” and his most recently released record, “The Art of Modern/Primitive Guitar,” all of which have earned him international popular and critical acclaim.

Praise for his playing ability and composition style by publications as far reaching as Rolling Stone, Guitar World, The Washington Post, The Village Voice and countless others, has helped Shawn sell thousands of CDs worldwide. With continuos national airplay, an endorsement from Elixir Guitar Strings and support from Taylor Guitars’ “Discover the Indies” program Shawn is continuing to develop a wide and diverse following throughout the world.

Starting his solo career in 1999 Shawn spent that Spring on tour in Europe, performing in Madrid, Paris, Prague, Stockholm, Copenhagen and London. He returned home to tour the U.S. during 2000 before embarking on an extensive tour of Asia, which included stops in Thailand, China, Nepal and India. He is currently touring the states once again and is continuing to develop sounds that, like Tom Mulhern of Guitar Shop said, “Will have your fingers wondering if they can do that.”

THE END

As far as PRESTER JOHN goes...

Prester John may or may not have been a Priest/King who lived in what is now Kashmir or Ethiopia during the twelfth century. Why is Shawn Persinger Prester John? Marketing.

This is one of the best of the brief links I've found concerning the legend:
PRESTER JOHN

FACTS CONCERNING SHAWN PERSINGER

Date of Birth:
September 10th 1971
Morgantown, West Virginia U.S.A.

Live Performances:
More than 600 Live Performance over the last 7 years
In 30 States and 16 Countries

Musical Recognition:

- Guitar Player Magazine Contributing writer, “Keep Your Ears Open”, March 2005
- Recipient of Fundacion Valparaiso residency: Almeria, Spain 2003
- American Composers Forum Recipient of A.C.F. Community Partners Grant: May 2002
- Washington Area Music Awards Nominee, Best Contemporary Folk Instrumentalist: 2001
- Faculty Member of The National Guitar Workshop: New Milford, CT: Summer 2001 - Present
- Award Recipient of ASCAP Popular Awards Panel: 2001, 2002, 2003
- Endorser of Taylor Guitars: 2000 - Present
- Endorser of Elixir Guitar Strings: 2000 - Present
- Finalist in ASCAP Foundation Young Composers Competition: 1993

F.A.Q.s

How long have you been playing?

I recieved my first guitar (an inexpensive Epiphone) for my 13th birthday (1984) but I didn't learn to play anything, ANYTHING, for about ten months. Basically I jumped around my room with the guitar for a year pretending I was Angus Young of AC/DC. Finally a friend showed me the first thing I learned, the bass line from the DIO song, "We Rock". The first guitar part I learned was, "Rock You Like a Hurricane" by The Scorpions.

Who are your influences?

Check out the recommended listening list on this site. Besides being influnced by guitar players and other musicians, I am also highly influenced by films, the visual arts and literature.

What is the first record you ever bought?

I'm not sure exactly of the first 45. It would be one of these three:

1. Kiss, "Rock and Roll All Night" b/w "Shout it Out Loud"
2. Glen Campell, "Like a Rhinstone Cowboy"
3. A King Kong parody record with clips from many different songs popular in the 1970's. (I've been told this was done by a popular DJ in California).

The first LP I bought was KISS, "Love Gun".

The first two songs I really remember hearing and liking as a kid (probably 4 years old) are Linda Ronstadt's version of Buddy Holly's "That'll be the Day" and Cliff Richard's "Devil Woman".

That's all for now.