John Grenell, New Zealand country singer and songwriter, died recently at the age of 78. Grenell’s ex-wife, Deirdre Lusby, issued a statement saying:
“John, 78, died quietly yesterday evening after suffering a heart attack. The family requests privacy and wishes to say goodbye to John in private. A public funeral with a musical celebration of his life will be held at a later date.”
Fans quickly flocked to Twitter to pay tribute to the artist whose music has touched so many people’s lives:
All about John Grenell
John Grenell, born July 19, 1944, grew up on his family farm and eventually fell in love with the land, especially the animals. After his father’s death in 1956, his family moved to Ranfurly, where he attended Otago Boys High School.
Grenell and his friends sang and played guitar in their free time, and his sisters formed a trio with him called the Three H’s. John later joined the folk group Jasons in 1960 and they won a number of local competitions. Grenell dropped out of school to work as an assistant on a shearing crew and at Glenrowan Station in Kyeburn. He soon became interested in country and western music and competed in several talent shows.
Career
Grenell signed to Joe Brown Records and released Mary Ann Regrets as his debut single, followed by Big Man In A Big House, Streets of Laredo, Mr. In-Between and others. He had 24 singles released with the label by 1973, and his first album, Introducing John Hore, was released in 1964. He appeared on stage with Marty Robbins, Freddie Paris, Dinah Lee and other musicians that year. In 1964, John traveled to Australia to perform in nightclubs, hotels and on television. He returned to New Zealand and toured with the Bobby Breen Show, followed by the Showtime Spectacular the following year. In 1965, he released his second album, Encore John Hore, and Jim Healy presented him with a Silver Disc.
In 1965 he released My World, followed by two more in 1966, Country Gentlemen and Hit The Trail. He returned to Australia, but this time served six months in the New Zealand Army as Private John Hore. After completing his military service, Grenell returned to the USA and played in several clubs and hotels in Nashville, as well as appearing on radio and television. The Town and Country Sound of John Hore USA was his next CD.
Grenell toured New Zealand with Joe Brown’s Country and the Western Show in 1967 and produced two additional albums that year, My Kind of Songs and Country Style. In 1968 he released just one album, New Zealand Songs, and cut back on public appearances to concentrate on his Queenstown business, organizing trail rides for visitors. During the 1960s and 1970s, he worked with several musicians and released several albums. Silver was his third album to release, followed by Welcome to Our World in 1990.
Twitter users pay tribute
Over the last few decades, John Grenell has become known for his successful songs and albums. When news of his death spread, Twitter was flooded with tributes.
The best voice and the best man. RIP John. Every Kiwi loved you. https://t.co/Wc76TVHSEq
— Dave Denize (@tematuku) July 28, 2022
New Zealand 🇳🇿 COUNTRY MUSIC
John Grenell 1944 – July 27, 2022 welcome to our world pic.twitter.com/U0yTXHMuUW
— dzm (@country88888) July 28, 2022
Categories: Entertaintment
Source: HIS Education