John Ware was born on May 2, 1944, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
He graduated from Pomona College with a degree in art and attended Yale Summer School of Music and Art. Ware moved back to Southern California to earn a master's degree.
While in California, Ware began his music career. As a drummer, he played for Linda Ronstadt in the Stone Poneys, for Michael Nesmith in the First National Band, and for Emmylou Harris in the Hot Band. Later in his career, he transitioned to producing music videos. His clients included Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams Jr., George Jones, and Crystal Gayle. In addition to videos, he worked on the production of the Jack Crowe Show for the University of Arkansas football program.
