Johnny DoE

King of Country Soul

Hi, I’m Johnny Doe

Johnny Doe is the alter ego of Mike Greatrex, based in Cardiff, Wales.

Mike’s passion for music began with classics from Bing Crosby, Dean Martin and Al Jolson and blossomed when he discovered Marty Robbins’ “El Paso” on his 21st birthday. This pivotal moment ignited his love for country music, leading him to collect records by Marty Robbins, Jim Reeves, and Slim Whitman.

His dedication grew as he presented country music radio programs in Cardiff, interviewed industry legends like Sam Phillips, and visited Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry. Mike’s journey expanded to founding the Cardiff Country Music Club, performing with various bands, and even studying at the Hank Thompson School of Country Music, Oklahoma.

Today, he writes his own songs including ones about Wales, while his tribute shows honour American icons like Elvis, Johnny Cash and Dean Martin. Learn more about Johnny Doe and Mike below.

History

Mike’s journey into country music began with Marty Robbins, Jim Reeves, and Slim Whitman LPs after his 21st birthday, inspired by Marty Robbins’ song “El Paso”. His passion grew as he discovered more country hits, eventually becoming a repository of knowledge on classic songs.

In 1984, Mike’s dedication took him to Memphis and Atlanta on a group exchange, where his radio experience led him to interview Sam Phillips of Sun Records, who discovered the likes of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. He was voted the most influential person in the history of popular music in the 20th Century. Without Sam Phillips, there may not have been an Elvis. While in Atlanta, he was made a honorary Georgia citizen for services to Country Music. He further immersed himself in country music through radio programs, joining the British Country Music Association and visiting Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry.

Mike founded the Cardiff Country Music Club and later hosted radio shows in Swansea and Cardiff, cementing his influence in the UK country music scene. Learn more history about Mike and more about his interview with Sam Phillips by clicking the link below.

VIEW MORE HISTORY SAM PHILLIPS INTERVIEW

Honorary Georgia Citizen FOR
SERVICES TO Country MUSIC

Mike with sam phillips

Mike Interviewing Sam Phillips

JoHnny Doe in stage gear

King of Country Soul

Listen to some of
my music

Here, you can listen to some clips of Mike’s covers, paying tribute to American icons like Johnny Cash, Hank Williams and Jim Reeves. Enjoy the timeless classics brought to life through Mike’s heartfelt renditions.

01. Ring of Fire

02. Devil Woman

03. Welcome to my World

04. Take these chains from my heart

Listen to more music HERE

Songs of Wales

CYMRU AM BYTH

Wales holds a special significance for Mike, just as it does for everyone living there. He began composing songs about his homeland, including tributes to the Castles of Wales and the coastal town of Laugharne. Laugharne is particularly renowned as the haunt of Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, who famously described it as “a timeless, mild, beguiling island of a town”.