John Francis Patterson was an Irish singer, song writer and circus entertainer from Clare. Both his parents had died by the time he was three years old and so he was raised by an uncle in Ennis. Following family tradition, Johnny became an apprentice in the nail trade.

As a child Johnny showed a great interest in music, so much so that at the age of fourteen his uncle enrolled him in the army as a drummer boy. After five years with the army, Johnny paid the army to release him and he joined the circus. This was the beginning of a long and successful career for Johnny who was a household name in both Ireland and America.

This documentary tells the story of Johnny Patterson and his successful career. It also features some of Johnny’s well known music.

Produced and Presented by Kieran Sheedy.

Researched by Harry Bradshaw.

An Irish radio documentary from RTÉ Radio 1, Ireland - Documentary on One - the home of Irish radio documentaries