​Council to Honour John White in Bannerman Park

Tuesday, June 06, 2017 - 2:00 PM
John White

The public are invited to attend a plaque dedication and celebration of the life of musician and entertainer John White on Sunday, June 25, 2017 in Bannerman Park. The plaque recognizes Mr. White’s contribution to the St. John’s music scene and will be located at the bandstand.

John White was a pioneer of Newfoundland music, bringing national attention to the province as a radio host, stage entertainer, recording artist and television performer. Following a career that spanned over 40 years, he passed away May 31, 1998, aged 68 years.

The ceremony begins at 2 p.m.; members of the public are encouraged to attend.

John White Biography

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.’

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.