| John "JC" Curulewski | |
| Background: | solo_singer |
| Birth Place: | Chicago, Illinois, US |
| Birth Date: | 3 October 1950 |
| Death Place: | Midlothian, Illinois, US |
| Occupation: | Musician |
| Years Active: | 1968–1975 |
| Label: | Wooden Nickel, A&M |
| Past Member Of: | Styx, Spread Eagle, Arctic Fox |
John J. Curulewski (October 3, 1950 – February 13, 1988) was an American musician who was one of the original members of Styx.
In 1969, Curulewski joined the Chicago-based band TW4, featuring college friends Dennis DeYoung, Chuck Panozzo, and John Panozzo. The group evolved into Styx by 1972.[1] Curulewski played guitar and sang occasional lead vocals on the band's first five studio albums, released from 1972 to 1975.[2] Just after the recording of the album Equinox in 1975, Curulewski left Styx to spend more time with his family, and was replaced by Tommy Shaw.[3]
After his career with Styx, Curulewski became a guitar teacher in the Chicago area and played occasionally in local bands. He died at his home in Midlothian, Illinois on February 13, 1988, from a brain aneurysm, and was buried at St. Benedict Catholic Cemetery in Crestwood. He was survived by his wife and their son.[4] [5]