BIOGRAPHY:

Beginning his career in 1954 at CKLB in Oshawa and long renowned as one of Canada’s most popular and influential country radio DJ’s, Johnny Murphy has worked radio stations in Newfoundland, Toronto, Ottawa and Portage La Prairie, Manitoba, during an on-air career that lasted fifty years.

Born and raised in Montreal, Murphy’s ear for a “hit” record was often the catalyst to breaking the latest release at the national level for a Canadian country recording artist. During the 1960’s while working in Newfoundland at VOCM, Murphy played a role in helping Dick Nolan’s “Aunt Martha’s Sheep” sell 70,000 copies and be designated gold. The guys at RCA joked that every resident of Newfoundland must have purchased the record.

John was named National Country Music DJ of the Year in 1976 at the RPM Big Country Awards and took home the MACA Broadcaster of the year Award in 1989, 1990 and 1991. He worked as a writer for the "Tommy Hunter Show" in 1978 and spent 8 years with the Winnipeg Free Press as a country music columnist in the late 80’s, early 90’s.

Credited by many as their major influence in pursuing a career in radio, Johnny recognizes Gord Sinclair Jr. and Mike Stevens as two of his influences whom he credits with helping keep him on the right path throughout his broadcast career.

Now retired, John resides in Calgary with his wife where he remains close to his daughter and grandchildren.