Johnny Mooring
From Glengarryceltic
The sudden passing of John Henry Mooring, 46, at the Ottawa Civic Hospital on Thursday afternoon, March 28th, came as a shock to his relatives and many friends, as well as to his host of musical fans.
“Johnny” Mooring, as he was affectionately known to the many thousands of fans who idolized him, was born in Springhill on May 17th, 1927, the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Henry Mooring. He was educated in the Springhill schools. While growing to manhood, Johnny helped his blacksmith father and sold produce. Then he became a car salesman. But through all those years (in fact, starting at the age of seven) his greatest interest was music...making music...on several instruments, but mostly on the beloved violin.
By the age of twelve, he was sufficiently accomplished to play for house dances.
On June 9, 1951, he married Jean Patriquin of Greenville Station, N.S., and they had two daughters, Sandra Lee and Sharon Ann.
Johnny’s main interest in life was his love of music and in being able to share his musical talents. In his hometown, Johnny was so well-known that he was taken for granted, and, although known mainly as a fiddler and vocal soloist, he was also gifted on the piano, accordion, electric organ, saxophone, clarinet and “a bit of trumpet” – all in all, a good, all-around musician. He went further: venturing into the field of composition, he created many instrumental selections and songs. In the last few years, he “made” a number of popular records. And through it all, who would guess he could hardly read a note of music? It was simply in him to become a fine musician.
Before his days of being idolized by young and old alike, Johnny and his orchestra played, whenever and wherever and orchestra was needed for the public pleasure. He was never known to refuse to play in a local concert, or for the sick or shut-ins, and was among the first entertainers who performed at the origin of The Wednesday Club; or for the benefit of good causes, or for literally anyone who enjoyed his music. He also made guest appearances on the Don Messer Show, and on radio programs, as well as lounges and entertainment centres. He did all these things to please people, while he was working to earn a living.
When John finally decided to become a full-time musician, he played the whole Ottawa Valley, in Quebec and Ontario and achieved the honour of being the first fiddler to win the North American Championship at Shelburne, Ontario, for three successive years, 1964, 1965 and 1966. He also played for Her Majesty The Queen. For years, he toured Canada and the United States, playing with many notable personalities, such as The Rhythm Pals, Tommy Hunter, Eddie Arnold and many others.
To us, Johnny was a warm-hearted fellow who loved a good time and enjoyed himself during every dance or concert, keeping things lively with his witty repartee. He was the fellow who, every time he returned home to visit with his family, found time to play his violin in churches, visit the Wednesday Club, or offer his free services to service clubs for impromptu parties.
In the words of one of his friends Mr. Jamieson, who said, during Springhill’s Old Home Week in honour of Johnny: “Johnny’s fans are legion and they range in age from the very young to the very old.” He added: “Anyone can come second, but it takes a very special person to come first – a person willing to spend long hours in study and practice; a person always ready to share his talents anywhere anytime; a person who is dedicated and who genuinely loves his profession: a really great artist and one of the finest men I have ever known.”
