To many people in the UK, the name Johnny Morris conjures up the image of an amusing zookeeper in 'Animal Magic'. To others, he was the narrator for 'Tales of the Riverbank'. However, my first memory of this entertainer goes back to around 1960 when he presented 'Johnny's Jaunts' on BBC radio. I have at least one of his travels on tape somewhere, but meantime here is an undated recording he made for the World Record Club. I have been unable to find this LP online, so hope I may be permitted to share it with others. In today's rat-race life, Johnny's gentle humour may be considered an acquired taste, but I have loved his views on life for many years.

Here is an extract from Johnny's copious cover notes:
"The business of entertainment has always been a bit of a mystery to me. I find it very difficult to predict just what will entertain a gathering of people and what will not. I'm not alone in this, of course, when you consider the number of plays and musicals that utter just one brief cry of life, and then die after a few nights."

He then goes on to describe "the pre-radio and television era... when people entertained one another rather badly for nothing. Well, it did save money, in a way. Looking back, it was well worth it, but at the time it was hell... everybody had to do something. You were honour-bound to serve the community and your fellow creatures by getting up and performing to them... so at a very early age I was prodded on to recite 'The Scarecrow' by Walter de la Mare, with 'actions' as it was called. Quite effective. When I came to the bit, 'At midnight 'neath a maze of stars' I held my arms like a bower and looked heavenwards at the gas bracket. For my age I was good. I was word perfect, and so were the audience, as I had done 'The Scarecrow' eight Saturday nights in a row."

Now enjoy Johnny's adventures into the world of entertainment as a young boy - including his amazing talents as a violinist!
No graphics other than the start and finish.
With grateful thanks to the late Johnny Morris (1916-1999).
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