John White (13)

Folk singer from St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada.
February 3, 1930 - May 31, 1998

John White was born on February 3, 1930 on Flower Hill in St. John’s, the son of Irene and Daniel White; the first of 17 children, he grew up on Water Street and later moved to Patrick Street where he lived for most of his life.

In 1958 John received his first big break; a meeting with Joe Butler Sr. at VOCM studios on McBride’s Hill in St. John’s landed him on a weekly broadcast show titled ‘Shillelagh Showtime’ featuring Wilf Doyle And His Orchestra, leading to his debut album: VOCM's John White* With Wilf Doyle And His Orchestra - Irish Folk Songs.

In 1960, John moved to ‘Saturday Night Jamboree’ where he performed regularly for ten years; in 1964 he landed the leading role for CBC Television’s variety show ‘All around the Circle.’ From 1975 to 1998, John performed across Canada and North America.

Mr. White passed away on May 31, 1998 at the age of 68; he has one daughter, Debbie (Green) who resides in St. John’s; at his request, he sang at his own funeral with the songs Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art, being played over a sound system at St. Patrick’s Church in St. John’s.

J. White, VOCM's John White