JOHNNY CASSON - BLUE COLLAR RAT
BIOGRAPHY
Johnny began his career as the drummer for a band called The Cresters. The Cresters supported The Beatles on their first tour of Scotland, and worked many major cabaret venues, such as Batley Variety Club, Wakefield Theatre Club, Caesars Palace, and The Maltings, where they backed Tammy Wynette on several TV specials. With The Cresters, he appeared regularly on TV shows such as Cliff Richard & Friends and gained an army of fans when the band were selected for a long residency on Granada TV.
While on the cabaret circuit, Casson not only drummed but also started performing comedy. The comedy gradually became more popular than the music, and in 1984, whilst on a family holiday at a Butlins Holiday Camp, his wife entered him into that week’s talent contest. He won the contest, which meant a free holiday to appear in the regional finals, which he again won. The grand final was held at the Palladium, and Johnny was again the judges' choice. Following this, and a winning slot on Bob Says Opportunity Knocks!, he decided it was time to break from The Cresters and went on the road as a solo stand-up comedian.
Johnny was featured in Granada TV’s remake of the historic “Comedians” which saw Johnnie being featured on all 6 shows and was critically acclaimed as the find of the series.
His first appearance on ITV’s “Des O’Connor Tonight” was so successful a further 4 appearances followed it. Johnny has also appeared on Des & Mel on four occasions and two shows with Bruce Forsyth from the London Palladium. Johnnie has guested on Game Shows and chat shows on all major TV channels and had his own half-hour show on Sky One.
Bruce Forsyth so enjoyed John’s act that he asked him to be a guest on his 70th birthday show, which was broadcast live from the London Palladium. Following this, ITV asked Johnnie to appear on “Sunday Night at the London Palladium”.
Johnny has appeared in many summer seasons, variety shows, theatre tours and countless pantomimes and is a regular on the after-dinner circuit.
Johnny is admired by his fellow performers and branded by some as the “comedian's comedian”.
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Biography taken from "Rats in the Spotlight" - Written by Brother Tommy J
