JOHNNY Roadhouse, who has run a music shop on Oxford Road for more than half a century, 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 him with a Manchester Lifetime Achievement Award in honour of his service to the city at a special afternoon tea reception in the Lord Mayor’s Apartments on Thursday, July 14.

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.

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.”

Tweet