History

The Journey of Johnny Doe: A Passion for Country Music

Johnny Doe is the alter ego of Mike Greatrex, a Cardiff-based enthusiast of classic songs by artists like Bing Crosby and Al Jolson. Mike’s passion for music began early, and on his 21st birthday, he received a radiogram along with a collection of secondhand 45s, featuring artists such as Shirley Bassey, Cliff Richard, and The Beatles. Among them, he discovered a song by an artist he had never heard of before: Marty Robbins’ “El Paso,” a million-seller worldwide in 1959. Instantly captivated, Mike exclaimed to his father, “Come listen to this, it’s like a western movie in song.”

Over the next year, Mike focused on collecting LPs by three great singers: Marty Robbins, Jim Reeves, and Slim Whitman. This passion for country music opened up a new world of fantastic songs, many of which had not been hits in the UK. Mike collected these songs, learned them word for word, and now boasts an encyclopedic knowledge of country music, especially songs over 40 years old.

Mike listened to country music programmes on the radio, joined the British Country Music Association (BCMA), and travelled to Nashville to attend the annual Country Music Awards show. Arriving in Nashville at around 3 o’clock in the morning, he couldn’t wait to visit the Grand Ole Opry at the Ryman Auditorium. In his excitement, he even kissed the steps of the ‘Mother Church’ of country music, much like the Pope. The next morning, he returned with a camera, climbed the same stairs, and found his way inside during rehearsals for that night’s awards show. This allowed him to meet and photograph legends such as Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Roy Rogers, Marty Robbins, Loretta Lynn, and Lynn Anderson.

Upon returning from Nashville, Mike started the Cardiff Country Music Club, booking UK country music artists on a weekly basis. A few years later, he began presenting country music radio programmes in Swansea and later in Cardiff. During this period, he fronted various country music bands and spent time at the Hank Thompson School of Country Music in Claremore, Oklahoma, where he wrote a song celebrating Claremore.

Mike’s journey into country music began with the inspiration from Marty Robbins’ “El Paso,” and grew into a profound appreciation for classic country hits. This passion led him to become a significant figure in the country music scene, particularly in the UK.

In 1984, Mike’s dedication led him to participate in a group exchange visit to Memphis and Atlanta, where his radio experience earned him an interview with Sam Phillips of Sun Records, who was voted the most influential person in the history of popular music in the 20th Century. While in Atlanta, he was made an honorary Georgia citizen for his services to country music. Mike’s deep involvement in country music continued through his radio programmes, his membership with the British Country Music Association, and his memorable visit to Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry.

Mike Greatrex, as Johnny Doe, remains a cornerstone of the UK country music scene, having founded the Cardiff Country Music Club and hosted influential radio shows in Swansea and Cardiff, solidifying his legacy in the world of country music.