John Vincent Mcknight

John Vincent McKnight, born March 21, 1965 was also known as Johnny Mac, Jonesy, MIGHTY, and one half of the Quarter Ton Rhythm Section. I suspect he was known by many names as he meant many things to each of us in different phases of his life. John is survived by his wonderful mom Annie McKnight, whom he loved dearly. His forever girl and wife of 14 years, BehtAnn Gerring , or B.A.; her parents Diana and Glenn Vondra, her brother Rick Moore and Stepbrother Matt Vondra. His favorite uncles who would fight over him and their wives, Danny & Sue and Dean & Nancy McKnight, a stepmother Debbie McKnight, his uncles Donnie and Glenn McKnight, his niece Katie McKnight and Cousin Becky McKnight and his Mom’s friend Gary Pike. The lists of McKnight’s are extensive; I kept it to those we interacted with regularly. John is also survived by a massive network of close friends and music lovers he considered extended family. To list all of John’s accomplishments would be a futile undertaking. You can check out his bio on reverbnation for the stats and name dropping. I will attempt to list what he was most proud of. Born in Altoona, PA to Dewayne and Annie McKnight, he found a love of drums at an early age. (6 years old) He banged away tirelessly, while other kids were out playing. When Rush released their album, he locked himself away and wouldn’t come out until he had Neil Peart’s parts down, a massive undertaking for a kid his age. He started taking gigs at 16 and if you asked him, his first musical brother from another mother appeared in Felix Kos. Nothing beats playing gigs and hitting a Meadows Creamery. One road trip they made a pact to stop at every ice-cream joint on their way to their gig. John passed up full scholarships and a chance to play for the army’s “Pershing’s Own” band to start gigging on the road full time. Outgrowing the PA music scene and with big dreams and stars in his eyes, in 1998 he headed to Atlanta, GA. where he hoped to conquer an even bigger music scene. This is when he would meet up with Jon Schwenke and they would become Atlanta’s biggest, baddest, tightest rhythm section known as “The Quarter Ton Rhythm Section”. John & Jon, it was love at first note and Schwenke would become an instrumental and lifelong friend. During his time in Atlanta John played on over 85 CD’s. He was very proud of his extensive discography that spanned many genres of music. (Again, check his reverbnation bio) He also toured the country as well as the world with several groups and played on stages with countless well established musicians, who loved and respected his abilities and humor. He had countless musical stories and milestones. I couldn’t possibly write about them all. I know meeting B.B. King had a ginormous effect on him. I know touring in Japan, Poland and gigging on the Lynyrd Skynyrd & Kid Rock Cruises gave him great pride. He gathered musical brother’s and sisters all during this time and kept in touch with them as much as time would allow. If you would ask John, I think he would say his greatest achievement in life was sobriety. Schwenke and Mike Martin, another musical brother and lifelong friend, and some others had an intervention. They set John down and said it’s the booze or it’s us. A very long discussion later, John chose them. He went to rehab and came out, only to do 90 in 90. That means 90 AA meetings in 90 days. For anyone looking to get sober, he would always reply, you gotta start with 90 in 90. Why MIGHTY? Just shy of a year sober, I gave in and had my first “friend” date with him. He wasn’t ever letting go after that; so many great stories and wonderful adventures, too many to recount here. What I do want you to know is; he loved me totally and unconditionally. He instinctively loved the parts of me that I didn’t even like about myself, it was uncanny how he did that. He was my biggest supporter and a fan of whatever I did. There is a part of me that feels like I didn’t deserve him. I know he felt the same way. Both of us damaged, coming together to make something really beautiful; sharing, nurturing, loving and being partners through the hard times and rejoicing in the best of times. We both knew what we had was rare. I nicknamed him MIGHTY because not only was he the most talented drummer in Atlanta (some say the country) but he gave up drugs, alcohol and cigarettes all at once and still continued to play nightly in bars. I thought him worthy of such a name and it stuck. In his sobriety he conquered many fears and learned new things about himself. He moved from recovery to leading a joyful life. If it was even possible, his playing improved and his singing leveled up. I don’t know how he did it but his heart got bigger too and folks just loved being around him even more. He became an ordained minister and had the honor of marrying friends; a position that brought him great joy. No matter how busy his schedule was he always made time to make a joyful noise at Midway United Methodist, as their drummer. Covid hit and band gigs disappeared. A versatile musician with an incredible voice, he picked up his guitar and started booking solo acoustic gigs. Many people may be surprised to know, he also played piano. John quickly became a fan favorite due to his eclectic set list. He always said, "I like to play songs that move me." His song choices moved others too and you could hear them singing along in the crowd. Lastly and I am only saying this for him; his last great achievement that I will list is, telling a good joke! I have to say, as his wife I am not on board with all of his jokes. I can say however, his love and ability to make people laugh could be found at every gig, at every meet up , in every phone call and as I am finding out, even in texts too. He loved you all so very much and I know in my heart he wishes he could take back what he did. As a grieving wife I am imploring you to check the side effects of your medications and be vigilant. Make a pact with your loved ones to honor their observations when taking said medications. John took his life on February. 14,2024. He would not want us to cry, he would want us to set him free. “No Words, Just Play.” John McKnight ** His personal wishes were no viewing, no service and no memorial. An official celebration of life will be determined at a later time.