History of John Tesh in Timeline
John Tesh is an American musician and radio/television presenter, best known for composing the iconic "Roundball Rock" theme for NBA on NBC. He currently hosts the "Intelligence for Your Life" radio program and its television counterpart with his wife, Connie Sellecca. Tesh's career encompasses both musical composition and media hosting, solidifying his presence in both entertainment and broadcasting.
July 9, 1952: John Tesh's Birth
On July 9, 1952, John Frank Tesh Jr. was born. He would become an American musician, radio and television presenter.
1970: Graduation from Garden City High School
In 1970, John Tesh graduated from Garden City High School.
1974: News Reading at WKIX (AM) Raleigh
In 1974, John Tesh worked part-time, reading the news for Rick Dees at WKIX (AM) Raleigh, starting his career in radio.
1976: Gymnastics Performance by Nadia Comaneci
In August 1994, during John Tesh's first Live at Red Rocks concert, Nadia Comaneci, a 1976 Olympic gold medalist, performed gymnastic routines to Tesh's music.
1982: Marriage to Julie Wright
In 1982, John Tesh married actress Julie Wright.
1983: Anchoring Tour de France
In 1983, John Tesh began anchoring the Tour de France bicycle race for CBS, marking the first American broadcast of the event.
1984: Gymnastics Performance by Bart Conner
In August 1994, during John Tesh's first Live at Red Rocks concert, Bart Conner, a 1984 Olympic gold medalist, performed gymnastic routines to Tesh's music.
1986: Co-hosting Entertainment Tonight
In 1986, John Tesh began co-hosting the television show Entertainment Tonight.
1986: Anchoring Tour de France
In 1986, John Tesh continued anchoring the Tour de France bicycle race.
1987: Appearance in Santa Barbara
In 1987, John Tesh appeared as himself in an episode of the daytime serial Santa Barbara.
1987: Joining Yanni's Touring Band
In 1987, John Tesh joined Yanni's touring band as a keyboardist to gain live performance experience.
1988: Participation in "1988 Concert Series"
In 1988, John Tesh participated in the "1988 Concert Series" with Yanni, playing in approximately twelve shows.
1991: Hosting One on One with John Tesh
In 1991, John Tesh hosted the short-lived talk show One on One with John Tesh on NBC daytime.
1992: Marriage to Connie Sellecca
In 1992, John Tesh married actress Connie Sellecca.
1992: Anchoring Gymnastics at the Summer Olympics
In 1992, John Tesh served as a sportscaster for NBC, anchoring gymnastics at the Summer Olympics.
1993: Co-hosting John & Leeza from Hollywood
From 1993 to 1994, John Tesh co-hosted the show John & Leeza from Hollywood with Leeza Gibbons on NBC daytime.
August 1994: First Live at Red Rocks Concert
In August 1994, John Tesh performed at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado, for his first Live at Red Rocks concert with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra.
1994: Co-hosting John & Leeza from Hollywood
From 1993 to 1994, John Tesh co-hosted the show John & Leeza from Hollywood with Leeza Gibbons on NBC daytime.
1996: Focus on Keyboardist Career
After leaving Entertainment Tonight in 1996, John Tesh focused on his career as a contemporary keyboardist.
1996: Leaving Entertainment Tonight
In 1996, John Tesh concluded his role as co-host of Entertainment Tonight.
1996: Anchoring Gymnastics at the Summer Olympics
In 1996, John Tesh served as a sportscaster for NBC, anchoring gymnastics at the Summer Olympics.
1997: Electric Guitar Spinoff on NBC's WNBA telecasts
From 1997 to 2002, an electric guitar-driven spinoff of "Roundball Rock" was used on NBC's WNBA telecasts.
2000: Weekend Show on KKDJ-FM/Bakersfield
In 2000, John Tesh's show started as a weekend show on Clear Channel's KKDJ-FM/Bakersfield.
2001: Theme Usage Before NBA Broadcast End
In 2001, "Roundball Rock" was used for the NBA on NBC before the network stopped carrying NBA games following the 2001-02 season.
2002: Electric Guitar Spinoff on NBC's WNBA telecasts
From 1997 to 2002, an electric guitar-driven spinoff of "Roundball Rock" was used on NBC's WNBA telecasts.
2003: Starting The John Tesh Radio Show
In 2003, John Tesh started The John Tesh Radio Show.
2003: Grammy Nomination for Power of Love
In 2003, John Tesh was nominated for the Grammy for "Best Pop Instrumental Album" for Power of Love.
2003: Expansion to Daily Version
In 2003, The John Tesh Radio Show expanded to a daily version.
2007: Syndicated Personality/Show of the Year Award
In 2007, John Tesh won the Syndicated Personality/Show of the Year award by Radio & Records magazine for his radio show.
2008: Publication of Intelligence for Your Life
In 2008, John Tesh authored the book Intelligence for Your Life: Powerful Lessons for Personal Growth.
2008: Revival of NBA Theme During Summer Olympics
In 2008, NBC revived the "Roundball Rock" theme for its basketball coverage during the Summer Olympics.
2010: Launch of "Intelligence for Your Health"
In 2010, the three-hour weekend show "Intelligence for Your Health" was launched, hosted by Connie Sellecca.
2012: Reprint of Intelligence for Your Life
In 2012, John Tesh's book Intelligence for Your Life: Powerful Lessons for Personal Growth, was reprinted.
2014: Returning to Syndicated Television
In 2014, John Tesh returned to syndicated television with Intelligence for Your Life TV, based on his radio show.
2014: Hosting Intelligence for Your Life TV
In 2014, John Tesh started hosting Intelligence for Your Life TV alongside his wife, Connie Sellecca.
April 2016: Intelligence for Your Life TV Airing on 174 Stations
In April 2016, the TV program Intelligence for Your Life TV was seen on 174 stations.
September 2016: Partnership Renewal with Westwood One
In September 2016, John Tesh renewed his partnership with Westwood One in a multi-year agreement.
2018: Inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame
In 2018, John Tesh was inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to music.
2019: Inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame
In 2019, John Tesh was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame.
2022: Partnership with Compass Media Networks
As of 2022, John Tesh's programs are distributed through a partnership with Compass Media Networks.
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