John Wallace

Who is John Wallace?

"Big" John Wallace is a bassist and singer who became known as a backup for singer-songwriter Harry Chapin. John gained membership to Harry's band by responding to an ad placed in the Village Voice in 1971. Other responders to the ad include cellist Tim Scott and guitarist Ron Palmer.

When Harry Chapin and his brothers went on tour in 1971, Harry asked Wallace to continue with his backing band as bass guitarist and backup vocalist. John Wallace performed with Harry for ten years - throughout the 1970s, until Harry's death in 1981. In live concerts, Wallace would sing very high head tones on songs such as "Taxi". However, John displayed a remarkable vocal range, as he also sang the baritone parts in "Mr. Tanner" and "30,000 Pounds of Bananas".

Wallace also sang the role of "Bluto" on the soundtrack album for Robert Altman's 1980 film Popeye, starring Robin Williams. Actor Paul L. Smith acted the role with Wallace providing the singing voice.