Johann Christoph was an older cousin of Johann Sebastian Bach who would later describe him in his Genealogy (Ursprung, 1735) as "the profound composer", suggesting a solid reputation not only within the family but also in wider musical society.

[1] Johann Christoph was born at Arnstadt, the son of Heinrich Bach and a first cousin of J.S.

Johann Christoph Bach was organist of St George's church at Eisenach, the capital of the Dukes of Saxe-Eisenach.

Perhaps his best known works are: the cantata Meine Freundin, du bist schön, based on the Song of Solomon; the 4-part chorale prelude "An Wasserflüssen Babylon", and; Lamento: Ach, daß ich Wassers g'nug hätte, a church cantata for alto and strings.

[4] Despite Johann Christoph's steady employment as a musician he was heavily in debt when he died at Eisenach.