Affectionately know as the “Kiwi with the Golden Voice” John McCabe was born and raised in New Zealand and has been performing to live audiences throughout this country since he was twelve years old. After giving serious thought to expanding his musical horizons, John departed from New Zealand in March of 81 to Canada where he would unknowingly begin one of the most incredible musical adventures that could happen to a young Kiwi finding his way in the world.
John quickly gained recognition as a musician/songwriter and singer in Canada and secured several musical contracts resulting in his music being now played in over 16 countries throughout the world. Nashville Tennessee attracted John’s attention for several years and throughout his numerous recording sessions there, John established a great working relationship with many of the top recording engineers and publishing houses. John performed along side country greats such as Tom T Hall, Jerry Reed, Mel Tillis and has been successful in launching other artists throughout his stay in Canada and the USA as well as many guest appearances at several large Rodeos.
John has written hundreds of songs to date and continues to sharpen his skills.
John McCabe has actively supported the Cancer Society and has completed a session in the studio utilizing some of Nashville’s finest musicians to record “Fighting the Dragon”, a beautiful and inspirational song dedicated to the fight for the cure for cancer. John hopes to use this song in NZ to promote cancer awareness in the near future.
Since arriving back in NZ, John has been promoting his music as well as performing live at every possible opportunity. Recently married, John’s wife, Sue plays an active role in bookings and promotion.
John has an incredible talent and a love of fine music in many categories,
John McCabe welcomes bookings for his live performances.
Items of Interest
- Recorded with Anne Murray’s band in 2002
- Recorded first independent 2-song single with the Manfred Mann band in New Zealand 1981
- Toured with New Zealand Rodeo Association for 3 years as country singer
- Michelle Wright’s first road band when she was discovered in 1984 in Canada
- On European charts – went to No. 12 in 1988 with original version of “Dizzy Lizzy & Boogie Woogie Joe”
- Raised over $29,000 in Columbus Georgia with the Children’s Miracle Network (Donny & Marie Osmond)
- John’s song “Fighting The Dragon” used as theme song on radio
- From 1994 to 1998 John McCabe had one of the most attended country shows in Canada, performing on Clifton Hill in Niagara Falls, Canada. Months of May thru October, 7 days a week, 9pm till 2am – (Over 20 million people visited Niagara Falls per year)
- Rising Star Nominee, Ontario Country Music Association 1998
- Signed to Banner Records in Hamilton, New Jersey in 2001 (3-year contract)
- Released first worldwide single to 16 countries October 2002 – “Another Song” written by Nashville writer Byron Hill
- Records at Emerald Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, USA
- Kiwi Records Limited employs Bob Bullock (Shania Twain’s engineer) to record the tracks at Emerald Studios with the finest session musicians such as world renowned guitarist Brent Mason. Brent has appeared on countless songs for country artists such as Brooks and Dunn, Alan Jackson, Patty Loveless, Reba McIntyre and countless well-known artists.
- Records Lead vocals at Groundloop Recording Studios in Niagara Falls owned by Dean Malton
- Masters at Hank Williams Juniors Nashville Tennessee
- Performed at Caroline Bay Carnival, Timaru
- Had 3 appearances at the Oamaru Food & Wine Festival
- Performs at North Otago A & P Show on a regular basis
- Entertained for Cavalcades throughout the South Island of New Zealand
- Performed at over 14 major rodeos throughout the USA