John Jeter, Handlebar founder, dies at 66

John Jeter, founder of Greenville, South Carolina’s Handlebar music venue, has died at 66. He opened the club in 1994 with his wife and brother, helping shape the local music scene by booking artists including Edwin McCain, John Mayer, Zac Brown Band, Brandi Carlile and Joan Baez, some early in their careers. The Handlebar operated at two locations before closing in 2014, but Jeter remained involved in Greenville’s music community. A journalist and author as well as a venue entrepreneur, he also taught at Converse University and the University of South Carolina Upstate. Friends and colleagues remembered his generosity and the warm welcome he gave performers and patrons.