Smilin' Johnnie

Born September 2, 1924, near Wroxton, Saskatchewan, Canada. Died June 5, 2010, at Kamsack, Saskatchewan, Canada. Johnnie hosted a morning show at CJGX radio in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. He and his friends started a band that performed at dances and, in 1946, the group became Smilin' Johnnie And His Prairie Pals. Eventually, they started playing concerts. In 1963, he was the first entertainer to play north of the Arctic Circle. In later years, Johnnie hosted Jamboree events at his farm near Wroxton, from 1988 to 1999. He is the grandfather of country and folk artist [a2851402].