Johnny McCauley

Johnny McCauley (April 23, 1925 – March 22, 2012) was an Irish singer/songwriter. Born in Fahan, County Donegal, Ireland. As a young adult he moved to London and in 1953 began singing professionally with his band, the Westernaires at the Galtymore Club, Cricklewood.

Always a country music fan he started to write and release songs on his own Denver Records label and formed a band of his own, The Johnny McCauley Trio, which toured extensively in and around London. It was not long before his songs were being covered by a host of Irish singing stars. His blend of American country sounds with Irish based lyrics proved a winning combination.

He wrote more than 80 songs, including Destination Donegal, Among The Wicklow Hills, Pretty Little Girl From Omagh and Four Country Roads, others include John Wayne and Barry McGuigan tribute songs. Artists ranging from Christy Moore to Daniel O'Donnell have recorded his songs, Daniel's first studio recording, My Donegal Shore was composed by Johnny, his songs continue to be recorded and performed by many singers around the world.Johnny's nephew Paul McCauley recorded several of his songs and performed them during his solo shows in the late 1990s. Paul commented at the time how surprised he was that so many people throughout the country were so familiar with Johnnys music and how it impacted upon people's lives. Paul said "it really is wonderful to think that Johnny created Irish country through his love of American country".

Johnny died in London on 22 March 2012.