John was born into a household of musical royalty.  Both of his parents were world-famous opera singers.  His dad, Jerome Hines, sang basso profundo for forty-three years with the Metropolitan Opera of New York.  That record length of service remains unbroken.  John’s mom, Lucia Evangelista, sang soprano at Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy.  John’s musical training began with the violin while he was in fourth grade. Piano lessons soon followed.  John became good enough on piano to accompany his Mother in performance.  John and his brothers were awash in the highest quality of classical music.  But, John’s musical orientation took a radical turn after he saw the film Urban Cowboy.  The music in the film demonstrated the power and universality of the fiddle to him.  His attention shifted away from the classical violin and onto the fiddle.  Eventually the dobro guitar and the mandolin entered his musical life.  Today John’s musicianship is central in the performances of five bands.  Salts is one of those fortunate five bands.