Johnnie High, RIP

Jeff Agnew · Post by **Jeff Agnew** » 17 Mar 2010 3:15 pm

I'm deeply saddened to report that my friend and Brother Johnnie High passed away at his home this afternoon about 4pm.

It would be hard to overestimate the number of musicians and singers whose lives were touched by this man. As anyone who has ever played for him can tell you, there was no one who had greater respect for pickers, or treated them better, than Johnnie.

His Country Music Revue weekly show, now in Arlington, has been a fixture on the DFW music scene for over 30 years. Like many others who came through those doors, he gave me a job, gave me encouragement, and even tough love when I needed it. I will miss him greatly.

Funeral arrangements are pending. I'm sure Reece will have more detail or I'll post an update as we get more info.

Fred Shannon · Post by **Fred Shannon** » 17 Mar 2010 6:01 pm

Well Jeff I'm really devastated by this announcement. Johnny High belongs in every music hall of fame just for all the people he's helped along the way and for his undying support of real country music. It would be impossible for me to count the number of times and/or people he's helped up the ladder of success. Haven't talked to Reece but I know it will hit him very hard. They were very close. Rest in peace Highway Man you've certainly earned it. Our best to the family and all the staff of the Country Music Revue during this trying time. Our prayers and sentiments are with you.

phred and Dovie Shannon

LJ Eiffert · Post by **LJ Eiffert** » 17 Mar 2010 7:56 pm

I met Johnnie High many years back with my good frined from KWKH Radio Station in Shreveport,Louisiana,Disc Jocky Mr. Larry Scott. RIP Johnnie High. Sincerely in Country Music,Leo J.Eiffert,Jr.

David Wright · Post by **David Wright** » 18 Mar 2010 2:34 am

This is very sad news, Heres a picture of Johnnie in Dec, with two of the of the performers on the show, I fell honored to have met and played for him...Our prayers go out to all the family...

Jeff Agnew · Post by **Jeff Agnew** » 18 Mar 2010 4:01 am

The For Worth Star-Telegram published a nice tribute to Johnnie this morning. It's also currently on the front page of their website but in case it moves, click HERE for the direct link.

Ya gotta love the picture of Johnnie and a then 7-year old Leann Rimes:

JERRY THURMOND · Post by **JERRY THURMOND** » 18 Mar 2010 4:41 am

I got to spend some time with Johnny many years ago, when Bud Carter was playing for the show, He put on a great show really pushing the young performers, hard telling how many musician an singers he helped along there way. The country music industry will miss him so will all his friends.

Jerry

Reece Anderson · Post by **Reece Anderson** » 18 Mar 2010 6:01 am

This is a very difficult time for myself and many others. Johnnie and I have been very close since 1978. Johnnie's encouragement and contributions to countless others leaves an astounding legacy.

I have never known anyone who had a better and more consistent positive attitude than Johnnie.

The world has lost a one of a kind, and an exceptionally great man.

Junior Knight · Post by **Junior Knight** » 18 Mar 2010 8:03 am

We have lost a great friend..man..Real Country music has lost a true gentleman.
He will be missed but NEVER forgotten.

Jody Sanders · Post by **Jody Sanders** » 18 Mar 2010 10:41 am

This is indeed a sad time. Another of the great ones gone. Though Johnny is gone, his legacy will live on forever. May GOD bless, comfort, and keep his family always. Jody.

David Griffin · Post by **David Griffin** » 18 Mar 2010 2:51 pm

So sorry to hear this. I remember Johnny from the Grapevine Opry days. My first real pro job was with a singer named Toby Hise,who played the Opry quite a bit.I remember being really nervous the first time we played there & I'll never forget his kind words to me that night. A great friend of real country music is gone.

Jeff Agnew · Post by **Jeff Agnew** » 18 Mar 2010 2:57 pm

Latest details:

Visitation on Friday, 6-8pm
Funeral on Saturday, 2pm

Both are at the CMR Theatre in Arlington, TX.

Jack Shults · Post by **Jack Shults** » 18 Mar 2010 5:09 pm

This is really sad. I started attending the Johnnie High Show in 1985. As others have said, we will never know just how many lives this man touched.

He will be missed, as he already is, and there will never be anybody who can fill his shoes.

Bob Vantine · Post by **Bob Vantine** » 18 Mar 2010 7:31 pm

Never really knew much about him until his show came on RFD-TV a few years ago .Enjoyed it for the short time it was aired . A lot of country music history was shared thru this man . Thoughts are with friends and family .

Ken Byng · Post by **Ken Byng** » 20 Mar 2010 4:28 am

Reece introduced me to this lovely man on two occasions when I visited the theater in the last couple of years. The Johnny High review on Saturdays is a springboard for aspiring country singers. The house band is as good as it gets for impromptu back up. I just hope that the venue manages to continue without Johnny High's guiding hands and unstinting support through the good and lean times.

Stan Knowles NC · Post by **Stan Knowles NC** » 20 Mar 2010 4:54 pm

I AM SO SHOCKED TO HEAR THAT JOHNNIE DIED!

I KNEW HIM SO WELL OVER THE YEARS. MY COUNTRY

HARMONY SINGING GROUP, "TUMBLIN' CREEK" WAS A

REGULAR ON THE OLD "GRAPEVINE OPRY"...AND I

WAS ON THE JOHNNIE HIGH COUNTRY MUSIC REVIEW

WHEN IT WAS AT WILL RODGERS AUDITORIM IN FT.

WORTH. AS A MATTER OF FACT...REECE PLAYED

STEEL FOR ME THERE!

I ALSO WAS PRIVILEDGED TO HAVE HIM ON "COUNTRY

CROSSROADS"....THE WEEKLY RADIO SHOW I PRODUCED

AND WAS ON!

JOHNNIE WAS A TRUE GENTLEMAN...A LOVER OF "REAL

COUNTRY MUSIC".....AND A PROGENITOR OF OUR KIND

OF MUSIC, PERIOD!

HE'LL BE MISSED! AND....MAY GOD BE WITH YOU

WANDA! I LOVE YOU!

James Pennebaker · Post by **James Pennebaker** » 24 Mar 2010 9:59 pm

Having been born and raised in Ft. Worth it is definitely the end of an era for Country Music in the North Texas area. Johnnie High was an institution. He gave so many musicians work and many artists got their start with him. Who's going to fill the shoes of those people like Johnnie High? My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all the friends and fans who loved him.
JP