John began his musical journey in New York at the young age of 6, playing guitar under the guidance of his father (John Peña Sr.). By the age of 17 while residing in Puerto Rico he was sought after as a bassist which jump started his professional career. He's well versed in all types of music and his versatility ranges anywhere from rock, jazz, r&b, blues,latin, gospel and everything in between. He's performed and or recorded with artists such as:
the late Celia Cruz(Queen of Salsa),
Carlos Santana,Julio Iglesias,Justo Almario,Sergio Mendez,Tania Maria,Natalie Cole,The Crusaders,Herb Alpert,Chaka Khan,Take 6,the late Jerry Garcia,
Chick Correa,Steve Vai,Diana Ross,Tolu,Aretha Franklin,Ricky Martin,Barry Manilow,Larry Carlton,Michael McDonald,Joe Sample,Dave Koz,Arturo Sandoval,Los Lobotomys,
Dionne Warwick,Katherine McPhee(American Idol),Mickey Thomas (Jefferson Starship), John Cafferty,Glen Hughes (Deep Purple),Don Felder (Eagles), Alex Acuña & the Unkowns, Oscar Castro-Neves, Ivan Lins, David Garfield & the Cats, the late Michael Brecker,David Sanborn,Patti LaBelle,Vesta,Anne Nesby,Patti Austin,Kenny G,Tommy Walker,Andrae Crouch,Yolanda Adams,Oleta Adams,Walter Hawkins, Thelma Houston, Dionne Warwick, Keiko Matsui,Nina Simone, Engelbert HumperdinckJuan Gabriel, Laura Pausini, Luis Enrique, Ednita Nazario, Marco Antonio Solis, Eros Ramazzotti, Diego Verdaguer,
Mijares, Raphael,Marisela, and many more.
His TV and Movie Credits as a Musician,Composer,Programmer,and or Arranger include:
Rush Hour 3,Along Came Polly,Rush Hour,Men in Black2,Proof of Life,Mo Money,AMillion to Juan,Maximum Risk,Bringing Down the House,Original Sin, Access Hollywood,ET,Friends,Roundhouse,Oprah,Tyra Banks Show,Jerry Springer, Desperate HouseWives, and "What's Eating You" to name a few.
He co-wrote the theme song to "Balko" TV hit drama series in Germany.
He received the award for best music on "What's Eating You" (Sundance film festival).
Latin Grammy nomination for best latin jazz interpretation "El Bongo de Vangogh" Band-(Tolu).
Nominated for Cable Ace awards 3 years running in collaboration for best music, dance and variety for the Hit show (Roundhouse). The award was won in 93.
Played on the Grammy winning record "Discovery" with artist Larry Carlton.
JP has been writing, arranging,programming,engineering and producing in association with Csmwordsandmusic in the areas of Pop, Dance, R&B, Jazz and Rock. He also is doing the same work in the Gospel and Latin Gospel arena.
John is working with Ultimate Source Music & Music Supervisor (Music for Tv and Film):UltimateSourceMusic.ComMusic Supervisor
He is also working with M.G.P. Entertainment (Future development for Tv and Film).
