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'Gentleman' promoter of country music Jimmy Johnston dies

Irish country music promoter, the late Jimmy Johnston
Irish country music promoter, the late Jimmy Johnston Irish country music promoter, the late Jimmy Johnston

LEADING Irish country musicians have spoken of their sadness at the death of "gentleman" promoter Jimmy Johnston.

The 77-year-old, from Comber, Co Down, died yesterday morning at the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald following an illness.

A former manager of the Seagoe Hotel in Portadown, he played in and managed his own band, the Jimmy Johnston Showband, in the 1960s and early 1970s.

He was also involved in putting on dances in hotels across the north including the Mourne Country Hotel in Newry and the Tullyglass House Hotel in Ballymena.

Business partner John Campbell said he was at the centre of the Irish country music scene and helped revive interest in recent years with business partner Trevor Kane, who brought The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to the north.

"He was a major player in the revival of country dancing and gave great encouragement to any bands trying to get a foot on the ladder," Mr Campbell said.

Brian Jordan from Rising PR, who manage singers Lisa McHugh and Derek Ryan, also said Mr Johnston was "instrumental in keeping the Irish country scene going for many years, running regular weekly dances in many establishments".

"He was a very fair, honest and decent man as well as having a warm personality," he said.

Singer Nathan Carter said Mr Johnston had helped him break into the industry.

"Very sad to hear of the passing of Jimmy Johnston a man who believed in me & gave me gigs all over Northern Ireland for many years," he wrote on Facebook.

"Today is a sad loss to the music industry! RIP Jimmy".

Ms McHugh also extended her sympathies to Mr Johnston's family.

"So saddened to hear of the death of Jimmy Johnston today, he was one of the best promoters in Ireland and a true gentleman!" she wrote on Facebook.