Very sad to hear of the passing of legendary John Onderlinde, better known as the man behind Johnny O and the Classic Dogs of Love.
Johnny O passed away on January 14, 2025 after a 4 year-long battle with metastatic throat cancer.
Philadelphia native Johnny O was a legend built on decades of stellar performances with his party horn band, The Classic Dogs of Love.
Audiences far and wide followed this band and helped build their reputation as the #1 band of this type to break out of from Philadelphia.
Johnny O cut his teeth with stints with some of America’s most popular bands including, the original Village People, a gold record member of Bunny Sigler’s Instant Funk, and then with the Ritchie Family.
In 2018, Johnny reunited the band. The Hard Rock Casino immediately hired them.
Johnny O and The Classic Dogs of Love.
This Band leader along with his legendary and successful history making band which survived the test of time.
His passing left a hole in my friends heart that will last a life time, but appeased with fond memories of their lifted Music.
There goes a wonderful part of my past that I am truly saddened by. He will be missed!!
Rest in peace my friend Johnny O I’ll have tons of memories hanging out every Saturday at the lighthouse point in wildwood and all the rocking for the cure gigs your were a great front man entertainer
This Man was The BEST !! … Entertainer .. Musician and genuine Human Being !!
May he be remembered as such …
One of Philly’s top entertainers!