Legendary songs inspired by love of the land
JOHN Hore Grenell, one of New Zealand’s bestknown country singers who outsold The Beatles in this country at one stage, was a ‘‘true country gentleman’’ with a love of animals and passion for the land.
Born John Denver Grenell on July 19, 1944, he grew up on the Central Otago family farm in Kyeburn and attended Otago Boys’ High School. A selftaught guitarist and singer, his mates threw him on stage at a local talent quest, at which he caught the attention of Dunedin promoter, Joe Brown.
He was placed third in the national television talent series Have a Shot and was signed to
Joe Brown Records in 1963.
He began his long and successful musical career as John Hore and by the age of 20 he had sold 100,000 records and became the biggestselling Kiwi act of the decade, even outselling The Beatles in New Zealand. Over the years John recorded more than 20 bestselling albums and singles.
He originally sang as John Hore, his stepfather’s name, but after visiting the Chatham Islands and learning more of his family history, he changed back to his family name of Grenell.
John sang in the United States, Australia, Canada, England and South Africa, and appeared on many television shows, special events and even a Royal Command performance. He was the New Zealand representative to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, Tennessee in 1966 and 1974.
Best remembered for songs such as My Voice Keeps Changing on Me, I’ve Been Everywhere and
Welcome to Our World, he received many awards, including Male Vocalist of the year, Gold Tribute award, Best Country Single and Country Record of the Year, and in 1990 he received a Scroll of Honour for his contribution to New Zealand entertainment.
In 1968 he became a director of Moonlight Stables in Queenstown and guided trail rides as well as entertaining many visitors around the campfire in the evenings.
He was married to Deirdre
Bruton for 24 years from 1971 and they lived on a small farm in the Canterbury foothills, raising four children, breeding Appaloosa horses and running the Whitecliffs Family Music Festivals.
Deirdre recalls John as being a gentle and caring father, enjoying nothing more than switching the footlights for family life on the farm and caring for his children and animals. He loved the outdoor environment, particularly the high country tussock land and many of his songs reflected his passion.
He died on July 27 at the age of 78 and is remembered for his rich, velvet voice and humble personality.
Singer Suzanne Prentice, who worked with John over the years, described him as: ‘‘A humble, shy, sincere man, totally devoid of any pretensions, ego or arrogance, a man of integrity who could step in and out of the celebrity world, remaining true to himself. His voice was more than great; it was smooth, effortless and pure magic. He was a good man with a good soul.’’
Welcoming the audience at the John Grenell Memorial Concert at the James Hay Theatre in the Christchurch Town Hall on August 3, his son Oakley said: ‘‘We welcome you to celebrate the life of a true country gentleman, the voice of one of the South Island’s real cowboys and a country music legend.
‘‘We share all the emotions with you: sadness because he is gone, happiness because you knew his quirky personality and quick wit, joy because of all the good times his music and concerts have brought you and, finally, comfort because you can always put on some John Hore Grenell music and be taken right back to the memories.’’
After suffering several strokes, John developed dementia and spent the last few years in care, still enjoying singing along with his guitar and visiting the farm when possible.
He died from a heart attack. Grenell is survived by his children, Denver, Oakley, Redford and Amiria, three grandchildren, sisters Ainslie, Christine and Liz and brother Paul — Supplied