About Johnny

Born in Birmingham on June 10th 1947, Johnny has been playing music since about 10 years old. He started playing piano in social clubs during the late sixties. This also involved playing for cabaret artists, usually along with a drummer.

At this time he also became Organist and Choirmaster at a local church, playing regularly for services on a Two Manual Pipe Organ, for a number of years. He played other pipe organs from time to time.

Most social clubs were buying Electronic Organs and Johnny became hooked on Hammond Organs. Taking engagements at many venues, he had the opportunity and privilege to play and gain experience on a wide range of makes and models. These included:- Hammond, Wurlitzer, Lowrey, Baldwin, Conn, Technics, Yamaha etc. He also gave tuition.

Johnny says:-

"Although I liked organs such as the Hammond C3 and the large "Concert" models like the Concorde, I was particularly fond of the Hammond T. In 1970 I bought a T200 to have at home and still have it to this day.

I have fond memories of playing during visits to family in the U.S.A  in the seventies and early eighties. I had the opportunity to see and play models that had not yet been seen in the U.K. It also gave me the chance to play music with my Uncle Jim, who was a very talented guitarist and a big inspiration to me."

Since his marriage to Nida in 1985 Johnny has been playing mainly for dancing, for a number of years using a Yamaha EL25 Organ and producing his first C.D.recording.

Johnny says:-

"Nida gives me tremendous support and in 1999 she persuaded me to buy a single keyboard, the Yamaha PSR8000, together with a Roland PK5 Pedalboard. This worked out very well and I produced another C.D. called "Dance With Me Vol 2" featuring this keyboard, which is still available.

Nowadays, we use a Tyros1 with a PK5 Pedalboard, which I am very happy with. The sound system consists of a Stage Monitor and a pair of JBL 515 Speakers. They give a nice sound from the Tyros and the're good for vocals too.

Nida and I invite you to take the link and visit our website. Hope you will find it interesting and that you will visit us from time to time."

Johnny's Photo Gallery

Johnny's Concert Diary