Banister was the son of one of the waits (municipal musicians) of the parish of Saint Giles-in-the-Fields, and that profession he at first followed. His father was his first instructor, and he arrived at such proficiency on the violin that Charles II became interested in him and sent him for further education to France.
On his return, Charles appointed him to the post of leader of his own band, vacated by the death of Thomas Baltzar in 1663. About 1666–1667 he is said to have been dismissed by the king for an impertinent remark concerning the appointment of French musicians to the royal band. This seems to be referred to in Pepys"s Diary, dated 20 February 1666 – 1667, although Banister"s name occurs in a list of the King"s Chapel in 1668.
On 30 December 1672, he inaugurated a series of concerts at his own house, which are remarkable as being the first lucrative concerts given in London.
One peculiarity of the arrangements was that the audience, on payment of one shilling, were entitled to demand what music they wished to be performed. These entertainments continued to be given by him, as we learn from advertisements in the London Gazette of the period, until within a short time of his death, which took place on 3 October 1679.
He was buried in the cloisters of Westminster Abbey. C. He performed under Charles II, James II, William and Mary, and Anne.
When the first Italian operas were given in England at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, he played the first violin.
He died in 1735. There is a portrait of John in the National Portrait Gallery in London.
