John Forte

John Forté is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and producer from Brooklyn, New York. A graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy, Forté is a classically-trained violinist who is known for his work with the multi-platinum group “The Fugees”. On November 24, 2008, Forté was granted a commutation by President George W. Bush after having served more than seven years of a fourteen-year federal prison sentence for a first-time non-violent drug offense. Those who campaigned on his behalf include famed singer/songwriter Carly Simon and Senator Orrin Hatch (R) of Utah.



Prior to his incarceration Forté released two solo albums, PolySci (Columbia) and I, John (Transparent). On December 22, 2008, Forté walked out of Fort Dix Correctional Institution to resume his life and tell his story through music, film and prose. In addition to working on his album, Forté is a contributor to The Daily Beast and is working with at-risk youth through organizations such as “In Arms’ Reach,” a community-based arts, counseling and mentoring program for the children of incarcerated parents.