Roots rocker John Gregory started writing songs as a teenager. After playing with a few different Los Angeles bands, he formed California with childhood friend Max M.. Their label fell apart in 2001 and so did the band, leaving Gregory to shop his songs in Nashville and L.A. His manager was lucky enough to get Atlantic Records co-president Ron Shapiro on the phone, and three days later Gregory was in New York City. The first sessions with one Grammy-winning producer felt sterile to the singer, and were soon scrapped. He hit it off with former Eagles and Alanis Morissette producer Rob Jacobs, and the two got to work on an album. One track ended up on the What a Girl Wants soundtrack in 2003, with the full-length Pictures From Home following in early 2004. ~ David Jeffries