"Father John" has been playing classical piano since he was six years old, Rock & Roll from 16 to 19, and Jazz since he was 17. When "Father John" was 19 he made the decision to enter St. Charles Seminary, placing his jazz career on hold. He continued his love of music at St. Charles by conducting and arranging for the Borromeans Chorus, and by playing the part of Howard Hill in the Seminary's production of "The Music Man". While he was a practicing priest he renewed his studies in jazz piano. A career decision had to be made. "Father John", at the age of 29, traded in his pulpit for a piano. Since then, "Father John" has performed with major Jazz Greats: Lionel Hamptom, vocalist Etta Jones, bassist Charles Fambrough, and saxophonists, Jimmy Oliver, Bootsie Barnes, and Lou Tobakin, and percussionists Doc Gibbs. The great drummer, "Philly Joe" Jones, was a featured member of The "Father John" D'Amico Trio

            The Trio has performed at the West End Cafe, and the Village Gate in New York City, and all of the well known clubs and major hotels of Philadelphia and the surrounding area. "Father John" D'Amico has been featured as a solo performer, as well as with his Trio, on the major Philadelphia Television Stations' morning and Sunday shows, and Public Television.

            He performed for "Spotlight", produced by Public Television, featuring a medley of music written by Philadelphian, Joe Burke. "Father John" has performed and composed for several independent films and documentaries produced by local film makers, and production companies. Shirley Road Productions', "Waterfront Philadelphia" WHYY was aired January 4, 1994 with original compositions by Father John, and used a new compositions Voyaging Home in a new documentary "Aid to Friends".

            He has also had numerous concerts broadcast live on radio stations WRTI, WHYY, and WPEN. He has participated in several Philadelphia area based Jazz Vespers, including Old Pine, and Haddonfield Presbyterian and the Philadelphia Art Museum's Wednesday evening series. He is no stranger to the Presidential Jazz Weekend (PECO Jazz Weekend) or the Mellon Jazz Festivals.

            Father John has been the subject for many newspaper articles in the tri state area in the last fifteen years. Nels Nelson interviewed him in a 1985 two page Sunday Inquire feature. The most recent being "Winery's jazz strike's mellow note, The former priest on the keys hadn't strayed that far from his roots." Anne Bernard, The Inquirer, Sept. 3 1996, and "One of Us" the Daily News September 1993.

            In 1993 the Father John D'Amico Trio was the first group outside the classical venue to perform at the highly acclaimed Woodmere Art Museum series "Music at an Exhibition".  The concert was such a success that they were immediately asked to return in April 1994.

            In 1975 the Painted Bride Art Center commissioned a Jazz Mass, which "Father John" composed and performed with his trio and Father MacNamee. Since then the Painted Bride Art Center has hosted numerous concerts for "Father John", which always debuted his original compositions. So it was only natural to record his debut album "Live at the Painted Bride," The second recording, "Street Blues," a CD, is a compilation of Concerts performed at the Painted Bride and Tyler School of Art. Several of his songs have been recorded by local singers of note, "Carino", (Barbara Montgomery, "Barbara Montgomery", 1994-Mr. Bean Bumpy Music, Inc.) "Daniel's Song" and "Josephine," (Ella Csircsu, "Rare Breed", 1995-Csircsu Productions)

            As a priest, and even today as a social worker and a probation officer "Father John" has been involved with the Latin Community. He speaks fluent Spanish and loves the Latin Culture.  One of his endeavors reflects the Latin influence on his music. (His Latin Jazz Orchestra.) WRTI Live at the Nite Owl Broadcast, 1990.