1983: John arrives in St Louis to attend Webster University Jazz Studies program, studies with Paul DeMarinis & Tim Meyers. Meets Dave Simon, plays in Blank Space. Awarded the Graduate Assistantship for Jazz, continues at Webster into 1989.
1989: Covelli's association with Simon leads to joining The Unconscious; increased popularity results in travel, performances at CBGB's, Tippitina's, First Avenue, as well ad regular dates at The Bottleneck in Lawrence KS, Columbia's Bluenote.
1991: with the forming of El Caribe Tropical, begins a 20-year stint in St Louis' first and best Latin band led by Mateo Mulcahy, playing alongside various up-and-coming players and veterans including Willie Akins, Rob Block, Steve Kirby, Kasimu Taylor, Russell Gunn, Anthony Wiggins.
2002: Covelli teaches lessons in private trombone and improvisation full time, performs in Swing Set, El Caribe Tropical; Meets Dave Stone, co-starts Dave Simon, starts up Dave Simon's Rock School, the first rock n roll music school for kids.
2006: Named in Dennis Owsley's City Of Gabriels trombone honor roll. Continues to play as sideman in many groups.
2017: Forms Hard Bop Messengers to spotlight the music of Horace Silver, as well as other Hard Bop legends