Iconic guitar guru John DeFoore, Jr. passed away Sunday. Funeral arrangements are a private family graveside service in Sidon, Miss. later this week. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date and will be held in or around his old stomping grounds in East Texas. When plans have been arranged, everyone who has been a part of Defore’s legacy will be invited to attend. 

DeFoore was the proprietor of DeFoore Music Institute in Mineola for many years. Students have ranged from country music stars Miranda Lambert and Kasey Musgraves to indie rock performer Michelle Shocked.

DeFoore was a performer and song writer whose greatest passion was teaching others how to write songs and play the guitar. He always believed his legacy was in those he taught.

According to a post from a Musgrave’s interview, she stated that DeFoore pushed her to write a new song every week during the time she was taking lessons from him. Musgraves had stated her time with DeFoore was one of the most important things that ever happened to her. She added that even though she thought some of those early songs were pretty bad, the discipline she gained about writing and working with DeFoore was life-changing.

DeFoore was a leader in bringing acoustic and Texas Music back to East Texas. He was the owner of Piney Woods Pickin’ Parlor which started in a storefront across from the Select Theater. The parlor was moved to the old ballroom at the top floor of the Beckham Hotel where names such as Ray Wylie Hubbard and Billy Joe Shaver put on sold-out concerts over the years.

DeFoore has been an icon in the Texas Music world for three decades and has taught and encouraged many young performers with their efforts on the guitar and in writing their own songs. 

The late songwriter Hank Riddle of Hainesville said DeFoore’s magic was in his ability to get the best out of his students. Riddle once stated, ”There is no one better than John DeFoore to carry on the legacy of songwriting and performing in East Texas. He has been an inspiration in my writing and performing.” 

Riddle and DeFoore were neighbors in the Hainesville area for several years in the 1980s. Riddle had a number one song “Until I Met You” in 1986 performed by Judy Rodman. Riddle and DeFoore worked on songwriting and performance together for several years.

There are plans to celebrate the life of DeFoore, but no definite dates or site has been set. There is hope to possibly have a memorial and roundtable of musicians and performers to get together at Mineola Nature Preserve at a future date.

DeFoore was 75 years old at the time of his death.