Country gentleman outsold Beatles
Jsinger b July 19, 1944 d July 27, 2022
ohn Denver Grenell, who began a long and successful musical career as John Hore, is remembered for his rich, velvet voice and humble personality.
He grew up on the family farm in Kyeburn in Central Otago and attended Otago Boys’ High School in Dunedin. He was a self-taught guitarist and singer and, after his mates threw him on stage at a local talent quest, he caught the attention of Dunedin promoter Joe Brown.
He placed third in the national television talent series Have a Shot and was signed to Joe Brown Records in 1964. By the age of 19, he had sold 100,000 records and became the biggest-selling New Zealand act of the decade, even outselling The Beatles in this country. Over the years he recorded more than 20 best-selling 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, changed back to his family name of Grenell.
He sang in the United States, Australia, Canada, England and South Africa, and on many TV shows, at special events and 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. 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 visitors around the campfire.
He was married to Deirdre Bruton for 24 years and they lived on a small farm in the Canterbury foothills, raising four children, breeding Appaloosa horses and running the Whitecliffs Family Music Festivals.
Bruton recalls Grenell 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 outdoors, particularly the high country tussock land, and many of his songs reflected this passion.
Singer Suzanne Prentice, who worked with Grenell over the years, said he was a humble, shy and sincere man. ‘‘He was 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.’’
Son Oakley spoke about his father at the John Grenell Memorial Concert held at the James Hay Theatre in Christchurch on August 2. ‘‘We welcome you to celebrate the life of a true country gentleman, the voice of one of the South Island’s real cowboys, and country music legend,’’ he said.
‘‘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, Grenell developed dementia and spent the last few years in care, still enjoying singing along with his guitar and visiting the farm.
He is survived by children Denver, Oakley, Redford and Amiria, three grandchildren, three sisters and a brother.