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The Yodelling Drover

  • Spectrum for 8 December for 2013

    He was New Zealand's answer to America's singing cowboys. Young Johnny Granger toured New Zealand and Australia in the 1940's, dubbed 'The Yodelling Drover'. For Spectrum, he reminisces with David… Read more Audio

He was New Zealand’s answer to America’s singing cowboys. Young Johnny Granger toured New Zealand and Australia in the 1940’s.Working for the travelling vaudeville show ‘Barton’s Follies’, he was dubbed ‘The Yodelling Drover’.

Yodelling Johnny Granger The Yodelling Drover

The Yodelling Drover.

In 1950 he returned home to work on his father’s farm in Whitford near Auckland. John recorded his hits for a local record company.

Yodelling Johnny Granger

Johnny Granger in 1950.

In 1953 he went to Korea to entertain New Zealand troops fighting there. After that he never sang again professionally.

Yodelling Johnny Granger with wife Pat just before he left for Korea in

Johnny Granger with wife Pat just before he left for Korea in1953

Now in his mid-80’s John Granger has retired from his farm to nearby Howick with his wife Patricia, but his two sons run the old place. For Spectrum, he reminisces with David Steemson.

Yodelling John Granger today with memoriabilia

John Granger today with memoriabilia (Photos courtesy John Granger (B&W) and David Steemson.