John W. Ujlaky

John W. Ujlaky is a Michiganian who has been on the music and entertainment scene for over 40 years. John has played in garage bands, dynamic duos and as a solo performer. His performances feature original compositions along with well-known songs in a range of styles: oldies, rock, soft rock, folk and folk-rock. John’s musical influences include Gordon Lightfoot, Eric Burden, Bob Dylan, Donovan, Neil Diamond, the Rolling Stones and the Canadian group, Blue Rodeo.

Mr. Ujlaky founded his first 5-piece band in tiny Owosso in 1966. A few years later he was the moving force behind another new local band, The Flower Company. These bands played dates that included the Owosso Armory and the Lansing Civic Center, and they shared billings with the Mad Hatters and the Woolies. John went on to join Robbie and the All-Stars.

In the 1970’s Jim Metzger joined John to play the college scene as a duo. They were known throughout central Michigan from their appearances at the H & H Lounge, at Martha’s and at The Country Inn. Gradually John’s focus began to shift from performance to song writing, and he teamed up with singer-songwriter Clifford Williams.

In the 1980’s John returned to the stage as a solo performer. His most recent appearances include the London Arms Pub in St. Catharines, Ontario, the London Grill in Kalamazoo and the Horizon Hydroponics in Grand Rapids. The Flower Company, founded by Jay Overman and John 40 years ago, recently re-united as headliners for a one-night only performance at the legendary ZCBJ Hall in Owosso, where Roy Orbison once performed.

As a member of the theatrical company, Mudge’s Follies, John has been a regular on the home-town stage for many years. He has sung in trios and in small groups, performed in comedies, sung in the chorus as well as written and acted in skits.