John Grenell, a New Zealand country singer and composer, died recently at the age of 78. Grenell’s ex-wife, Deirdre Lusby, made a statement saying,
“John, 78, died quietly yesterday night following a heart attack. The family requests privacy and want to bid John goodbye in private. A public farewell with a musical celebration of his life will take place at a later date.”
Fans quickly flocked to Twitter to pay respect to the artist, whose music had impacted many people’s lives:
All about John Grenell
John Grenell, born on July 19, 1944, was reared on his family farm and ultimately fell in love with the country, notably the animals. Following the death of his father in 1956, his family relocated to Ranfurly, where he attended Otago Boys High School.
Grenell and his pals used to sing and play guitars in their spare time, and his sisters created a trio named Three H’s with him. John later joined a folk group named the Jasons in 1960, and they won numerous local contests. Grenell dropped out of school to work as a roustabout for a shearing crew and at Glenrowan Station in Kyeburn. He soon acquired an interest in country and western music and competed in several talent shows.
Career
Grenell signed with 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 issued with the label until 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 the following year by “Showtime Spectacular.” In 1965, he published his second album, Encore John Hore, and Jim Healy presented him with a Silver Disc.
In 1965, he published My World, followed by two more in 1966, Country Gentlemen and Hit The Trail. He returned to Australia, but this time he served in the New Zealand Army as Private John Hore for six months. Grenell returned to the United States after finishing his military duty and played at 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 Country and the Western Show in 1967 and produced two additional albums that year, My Kind of Songs and Country Style. In 1968, he issued just one album, New Zealand Songs, and he decreased public appearances to concentrate on his company in Queenstown, arranging trail rides for visitors. During the 1960s and 1970s, he worked with several musicians and published a few albums. Silver was his third album to be published, followed by Welcome to Our World in 1990.
Twitter users pay tribute
Over the last several decades, John Grenell has become well-known for his successful songs and albums. When word of his death spread, Twitter was inundated with tributes.
Best voice and best human. RIP John. Every kiwi loved you. https://t.co/Wc76TVHSEq
— Dave Denize (@tematuku) July 28, 2022
New Zealand 🇳🇿
COUNTRY MUSICJohn Grenell
1944 – July 27, 2022
welcome to our world pic.twitter.com/U0yTXHMuUW— dzm (@country88888) July 28, 2022
