Dream trip thanks to a secret millionaire

HE WAS left open- mouthed after being given a large sum of money by a local millionaire to fulfil his music dream in Memphis, Tennessee.

Legendary east Hull singer Johnny Paterson has been supported by the anonymous donor for over a year to run courses for children on some of the city's poorest estates.

After the death of his beloved son after the Birmingham Half Marathon in November last year, Johnny was consumed with grief.

The generous cash-giver decided to pay for him and his musician friends to visit Sun Studio in Memphis, the birthplace of rock'n'roll.

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The likes of Elvis, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis all recorded there at the height of their fame.

Johnny, who has been performing with his band The Aces for 56 years, said: "I couldn't believe he'd given me the money to go.

"He was very sympathetic after Kevin died soon after crossing the finish line of the half marathon.

"He was only 36 and it was devastating for our family.

"Going to Memphis is always something I've dreamed of but at my age you don't think things like this will ever happen to you.

"I've sang at a lot of his charity events and he's bought equipment for my singing courses because microphones are expensive.

"I was going to just do a karaoke track at the studio and come away with a CD but now we've put a full band together to record a session."

Johnny will be travelling to the States tomorrow with friend Alan Kilvington, from the Gough And Davy music shop in Hull. They will spend five days in Memphis and even perform a gig before travelling to New Orleans for two further concerts.

The friends have even managed to hire Jerry Lee Lewis's guitarist and drummer for the studio session.

Johnny, 71, of Marfleet Lane, said: "These musicians are top dollar and my friends are definitely jealous.

"It will be amazing to record where all of the greats have been, even Buddy Holly has recorded at Sun Studio.

"Everyone is absolutely buzzing and although I've been all over Europe I've never gigged in America.

"It will be a fantastic experience, it's like a footballer going to Wembley Stadium.

"It's where all of the greatest rock'n'roll records were made and we plan to take plenty of photographs."

Do you have a story for the Holderness Road patch page? If so, email katy.forrester@mailnewsmedia.co.uk or call 01482 315105.