Johnny Patterson facts for kids

John (Johnny) Francis Patterson (1840–1889) was a famous Irish singer, songwriter, and circus entertainer. He is best known for writing the popular song "The Garden Where the Praties Grow." Johnny was a talented performer who traveled widely, making people laugh and sing with his unique acts.

Johnny's Early Years

Johnny Patterson was born in Kilbarron, a small place in County Clare, Ireland. Sadly, both his parents died when he was very young, so his uncle raised him in Ennis.

When he was 14, Johnny joined the army, the 63rd Regiment of Foot, which was based in Limerick. He learned to play many musical instruments, especially the piccolo and drums. One day, a circus came to Limerick. Johnny got a part-time job playing in their band. He loved it so much that he decided to leave the army to become a full-time performer.

Becoming a Circus Star

The circus quickly gave Johnny a long-term job. He became known as "The Irish Singing Clown." He worked for different circuses in Ireland before moving to England.

Between 1865 and 1867, Johnny was a drummer for a famous circus. It was run by Pablo Fanque, a well-known Black English circus owner. Pablo Fanque helped Johnny's career take off. An actor named John Nee, who played Johnny in a play, said that Johnny had amazing talent for singing and making people laugh. Pablo Fanque saw Johnny perform in Cork and was very impressed, so he brought him to England.

While in Liverpool, Johnny met and married Selena Hickey, who was also a circus performer. She was a bareback rider, meaning she rode horses without a saddle. Around this time, Johnny wrote his most famous song, "The Garden Where the Praties Grow."

Fame in America and Return Home

Johnny's fame grew bigger and bigger. In 1876, he was offered a job in America. He became one of the most famous and highest-paid entertainers there. He wrote several more popular songs, including "The Hat my Father Wore" and "Shake Hands with your Uncle Dan."

By the time he was 45, Johnny was a wealthy man. He decided to return to Ireland and bought a house in Belfast. He was reunited with his wife and family. Sadly, Selena passed away in 1886. Johnny kept performing and even started his own circus with a man named Joe Keeley. In April 1888, he married Bridget Murray in Castlepollard, County Westmeath.

Johnny's Legacy

Johnny Patterson was known for sharing his thoughts through his songs. He believed that Protestants and Catholics should live together peacefully. At one performance, a song he sang about this idea caused a fight. Johnny was hurt during the fight and later died from his injuries in Tralee on May 31, 1889. He was 49 years old.

Even after his death, Johnny Patterson's songs remained popular. Many artists have recorded them, including his great-grandson, Duncan Patterson. Several plays have also been made about his life. The famous Irish artist Jack Yeats even painted Johnny in his 1928 painting called The Singing Clown.

In 1985, a special memorial was put up in Tralee's New Cemetery to remember Johnny. It was a way to honor his life and his contributions to Irish entertainment.