Its always best to start strongly - JR's may not have been the best or trendiest music shop but it goes down in history as the longest lasting - possibly having done more for the music scene in Manchester than any other store. 

Not that it always intended to but if the stories are to be believed it was a constant source of "cheap" gear in the early sixties.

Memories

"I was in a band when I was about 15, can't remember the name but it was the first time I was in a band with a Sax. The bass player was a guy called Freddy D.  He looked a bit like a white Sammy Davis jnr. He ordered a Fender Precision Bass and Vox AC30 Bass from Johnny Roadhouse.

They rang him to say the kit had arrived and he went in on Xmas eve to pick it up. As you will no doubt remember in those days everything was on HP. He asked where he had to sign, but they were that "pissed" they told him to come back after Christmas and fill the HP forms out. Obviously he didn't and they must have been that arseholed they forgot and he got the gear for free."

Music Legend, Johnny Roadhouse is recognised for his contribution to Manchester's entertainment industry

Johnny Roadhouse, a name familiar to generations of music-loving Mancunians, is to be honoured by the Lord Mayor of Manchester for his contribution to the worlds of music and entertainment in the city.

The Lord Mayor, Councillor Mohammed Afzal Khan, will present Johnny with a Manchester Lifetime Achievement Award in honour of his service to the city on Thursday July 14 at a special afternoon tea reception in the Lord Mayor's Apartments.

In the words of his close friend Stephen Garner, a producer of BBC Radio Entertainment: "Johnny is 84 years of age, still playing saxophone and working in his shop. Performing for everyone from wartime audiences to Royal Command performances, Johnny Roadhouse has been involved with music for 65 years, where he has played at various venues to lift people's spirits during the Second World War. He was a founder member of the BBC Northern Variety Orchestra and BBC Northern Dance Orchestra and played a major role in the history of television and radio entertainment in Manchester."

Johnny Roadhouse has also played with some of the greatest bands and orchestras in the world and has backed artists including the late Bob Hope and Sir Elton John.

He has run the music shop on Oxford Road for more than half a century, remaining loyal to the area. He has played a major role in musical education as well as supporting amateur musicians.

Family and friends, including some well-known faces from the entertainment industry will join Johnny to celebrate his success on Thursday afternoon, when he will share memories and receive his award from the Lord Mayor.

"It is an honour to present this award to a man who has achieved so much and who continues to play a vital role in our great city," said the Lord Mayor.

"Johnny's dedication to music is well acknowledged not only in the community, but in the entertainment industry and his relentless enthusiasm has to be admired. I can only congratulate him and hope that this award shows our gratitude and recognition of his achievement."

"I remember as Bobby and the Blue Diamonds, going into Johnny Roadhouses on many occasions on Saturday and Mr X (name removed to protect the innocent!) would lend us gear for gigs, usually a tvm as I recall. It was about twenty watts.

We had to have it back Monday before Johnny got in. It was a close shave on many occasions. Thanks a lot Mr X.

I think that most bands are in debt to Johnny Roadhouse for turning a blind eye and I thank all concerned. I went on to join several bands, including The Mixture and Savoury Duck. I still do some recording.

Best of luck, in the words of my pal Pete Maclaine "KEEP ROCKIN"

Bob Harrison

Just a touch of trivia maybe but in 1957/58 I and a friend went to Mr Roadhouses shop to make an advert for T.V.

It was for Ozone bleach, of course Mr Roadhouse accompanied us both on the piano and it was shown several times.

It was a very memorable experience of which I will never forget. It also led to me having singing lessons with  Mr Roadhouse and the odd baby sitting job for him.

Eileen Clarke nee Dickinson