MUSIC Glenamoy’s Johnny Garvin a rising country star

Glenamoy’s Johnny Garvin a rising country star


Henry McGlade

Johnny Garvin and his band will make their first appearance at the Halfway House, Islandeady, this Saturday, January 18.
Born and raised in Glenamoy in north Mayo, Johnny (22) is Ireland’s newest country singer making a name for himself in the dance scene. From a young age Johnny showed a keen interest in country music – at the age of ten he started playing guitar with the assistance  of his friend and tutor, Tommy Maloney. By the age of 14, Johnny began performing with a friend as a two piece in the local pubs and at functions locally. After five years playing together they called it a day mainly because the second member emigrated.
During a visit to Donegal Johnny was introduced to Brian Cunningham, Jim Corbett and Paul Johnson and his dream of getting established on the Irish country music scene became a reality, and he began recording at Bounce Studio.
Johnny’s  debut single, ‘In God’s Care’, was given to him by Irish Country legend Margo O’Donnell. It is an original song written by Margo and Joe McShane. Released in August 2013, it received considerable airplay on local, national and internet radio stations.
As a follow up, Johnny released a three-track CD, which included an original song entitled ‘Losing Feeling’ written by Jim Corbett and Paul Johnson, as well as covers of ‘My Darling Kathleen’, written by Mayo singer/songwriter Michael S Togher, and the Lorrie Morgan hit, ‘Except for Mondays’.
On Saturday, November 9, Johnny launched his seven-piece band to a capacity crowd in Healy’s Hall in his home village of Glenamoy. This was followed by very successful gigs in the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris, and the Allingham Arms Hotel, Bundoran, Co Donegal.
Johnny is now working on his debut album, and he plans to release it during the first half of  2014. Fans won’t have to wait too long for new material though, as he plans to release another single in early February – and no doubt they’ll be heading to the Halfway House this weekend too.