Johnny Roadhouse

Background

Roadhouse was born in Sheffield, but lived in Manchester from an early age.

Career

He taught himself how to play the saxophone. Originally an aircraft fitter with Metropolitan-Vickers at Trafford Park, he began to play with local dance groups during his spare evenings. He later went on to join the British Broadcasting Corporation Northern Variety Orchestra in 1953.

He opened up his music store, Johnny Roadhouse Music in 1955.

His store became a cornerstone for Manchester music and was used by several famous musicians and groups including Paul McCartney, Oasis and The Smiths. He died on 11 April 2009.

Achievements

• He was presented with a Lifetime Achievement award by the Lord Mayor of Manchester in 2005.

Membership

He got his first big break when he became a member of the Teddy Foster orchestra in 1948.