This gift was first discovered when as a child he often sang at family gatherings and social events attended by his dominantly Irish family. His singing ability was also picked up at his school, which developed into a scholarship at the school of music. As a youth John followed the path of the many, talented youngsters of working class origin, by forming a band with his mates. They played the youth clubs and family social clubs. In those days work was plentiful in and around Manchester and John made the most of his time spent within this environment, gaining a fine reputation along the way.
Natural progression saw him joining the Irish Showband circuit as a bass guitar player and harmony vocalist, which in turn led to session work.
