25th March 2004 John C. King

Sheila our club organiser was particularly looking forward to this evening's show  as she had aquired the services of one of her favourite country singers, John C. King.

 John first started singing at the age of eleven in his native Ireland, but moved to Scotland 28 years ago, and ultimately came south to Norfolk 16 years later, where he is still domiciled.

He has spent many years with his family band but for the last three years has performed as a solo act.

 He is a man of very few words when on the stage, he lets his singing do the talking, and what a good entertainer he is.He has a deep, rich, baritone voice which allows him to deliver his songs in a powerful but pleasant manner.

All his songs had an authentic country sound, enhanced occasionally by his selective use of the harmonica.

His programme was a good mix of popular country standards from Merle Haggard,  Waylon Jennings, Hank Williams and Johnny Cash and lesser known songs, usually about the plight of the hobo, boxcars and railroads.

Worthy of a mention are Boxcar Willie's' The Lord Made a Hobo out of Me' and Cold Windy Chicago. Jim Reeve's I'm Gonna Change Everything and Alabama's Jukebox in my Mind, both the dancers and listeners were well catered for throughout the evening by a provider of genuine country music.                                                               

Cyril Insley. Top