Australian Accordion Teachers Association

In Honour of
John MacDonald

John MacDonald, born in the town of Cromarty, in the Scottish Highlands, began his showbiz career playing drums, piano and piano accordion. John excelled in piano accordion in those formative years, and during his early teens he toured throughout Scotland as a featured accordionist working many Summer Seasons on the Theatre circuit. John was also a regular on 'THREE'S COMPANY' a well known variety television series produced by Grampian Television in Aberdeen.

In 1963 John settled in New Zealand, and quickly established himself as one of the country's leading cabaret, radio and television performers. In 1971 he recorded his first album " THE BLACK ISLAND" which was to be the first of 35 albums to date. Later that same year John moved to Sydney, where he was an instant success. His popularity grew rapidly and he was booked to appear in every major club, cabaret, concert venue and television variety show "Down Under".

Such was John's popularity in New Zealand, he has been invited back to tour several times during the past few years, and recently completed a six week tour, performing no less then 55 shows.

John performs his own special brand of music encompassing Scottish, Irish, French, German, country and light classical. John's dynamic interpretation of his music, delivered with a great sense of fun and enthusiasm has endeared him to audiences all over the world resulting in tours to Hong Kong, the Philippines, Arab Emirates and South Pacific. He has also toured with and in support of many overseas acts such as Al Martino, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Sir Harry Secombe, Andy Stewart, Kenneth McKeller and Johnnie Ray. More recently John has been working on Princess Cruises 'LOVE BOATS' - Sky Princess, Island Princess and Pacific Princess in all parts of the world.

John is well established as a recording artist and many of his 36 albums have gone 'Gold'. He presently holds the record for selling more albums throughout Australia and NZ then any other accordionist and has now released four CD's worldwide.

John MacDonald is an immaculate performer and in recognition of his vast talent has been invited to the 1999 South Pacific Accordion Championships as Special Guest Artist and enormous contribution to accordion honored with a Life Membership.