John Bunch was born in Tipton, Indiana on December 1, 1921, and began studying piano when he was eleven. By the age twelve he was already playing in local clubs, eager to be part of the jazz scene. Early influences include Fats Waller, Bud Powell and Teddy Wilson. During World War II he served in the United States Army Air Corps and wrote his first musical arrangement while playing in a band as a prisoner-of-war. Upon returning home, he enrolled in the University of Indiana, under the G. I. Bill, completing a degree in Speech in 1950. Music was a strong avocation during this decade, occupying weekend gigs with local players.

His musical career truly began in the late 1950’s, as he played with the big bands of Georgie Auld, Woody Herman, Benny Goodman, and Maynard Ferguson. As a member of these groups he remained an anonymous presence. These early associations would later lead to recognition, responsibility, and world travel.

A move to New York City in the late 1950’s, caused him to broaden his talents. He focused on the intimate club scene, playing in trios and quartets with Urbie Green, Buddy Rich, Al Cohn, and Zoot Sims, and Wild Bill Davidson. He also began recording with various performers and with the Buddy Rich Orchestra.

In 1962, Benny Goodman invited John to the USSR, as part of a diplomatic tour organized by the State Department. The famous clarinetist also asked Bunch to join his orchestra on tours of Mexico and Europe.

Tony Bennett needed a music director in 1966. In this position Bunch played and directed at such notable venues as Carnegie Hall and the White House. Performances in Japan, Australia, England, and other parts of Europe were also part of this period. In the 1990’s Bunch formed his own trio, New York Swing, which included Bucky Pizzarelli on guitar and Jay Leonhart on bass. They played at many New York Clubs and on the S. S. Norway Cruise Line.

He died on March 30, 2010 in New York City, survived by his wife, Cecily “Chips” Gemmell.