John Paris was born in Trenton, New Jersey, into a musically inclined family. His mother was a musician and jazz singer, and his father was a big band leader and singer. Paris began playing drums at a young age. During his early teens, he relocated to San Francisco and later to Oakland, California, where he became involved in the local music scene.
In 2001, John Paris joined Earth, Wind & Fire as their drummer. His drumming has become a key element of the band's distinctive sound, contributing to their continued success. Paris has appeared on the albums The Promise and Now, Then & Forever, and has been an integral part of their extensive world tours.
John Paris is also a member of the American music duo B2B, which he formed with Eddie Mininfield. B2B blends smooth jazz, soul, R&B, and, pop reflecting their diverse musical backgrounds.