Update on John Denton: Johnny Marr Award Winner 2022
In 2022, The Salford Trust joined forces with The Smiths legend Johnny Marr to create an award for budding young musicians with impressive talent. John Denton was the first to receive the award… and he’s not let it go to waste.
At 12 years old, John Denton was busking on the streets of Manchester City Centre with a determination that his hard work would pay off.
People who saw John perform were hugely impressed by his covers of songs by classic Manchester bands like The Smiths and Oasis - inspirations for the schoolboy singer and guitarist.
Recognising that her son had something special, John’s mum reached out to The Salford Trust hoping that his natural talent would help him get some funding to take his skills a step further.
It wasn’t long before Johnny Marr himself recognised that talent!
John Denton became the first to receive the £1,000 funding through the Johnny Marr Award, and he even got to riff with the idol himself backstage at a gig in Yorkshire!
The pair got on like a house on fire.
“Johnny Marr was always my hero even years before the award, and knows full well about how starting off in the music industry is the toughest it’s ever been financially.”
Image credit: Dylan Cox Media
Where is John now?
Since winning the Johnny Marr Award, John continues to astound people with his musical prowess.
It’s clear that his musical career is only just beginning.
John used some of the award money to buy a 12-string guitar, allowing him to practise and play to his heart’s content. He was also able to pay for lessons and recording time, yet again showing his commitment to becoming a professional artist.
The teen was able to hone his skills while performing in his band, The Height, which let him show off his talent in various venues across Greater Manchester and beyond.
John is now embarking on an exciting solo journey, but being part of the band was a fantastic experience and will be a time in his life that he remembers fondly.
His achievements
At the time of writing, John has performed over 50 gigs, including shows at Manchester Academy, Brit Fest, Liverpool Cathedral, 33 Oldham Street, The Deaf Institute, Salford City F.C. and beyond.
It doesn’t stop there.
He’s made appearances on local and national TV and radio, multiple podcasts, and was featured in Louder Than War, a digital music magazine.
His talent isn’t limited to performing band covers either. John is already showing his flair for songwriting and released four new tracks, amassing 20,000 streams across them all!
It’s not surprising that record companies are watching his progress closely, and he’s in regular contact with music promoters who are looking to increase his exposure.
All of this before the age of 15.
The Salford Trust team don’t know where John will go next, but we do know this: it will be exceptional!
“We are so proud of John, he is so passionate and resilient. It’s easy when things always go your way, but having this has been amazing for him. We’d like to thank The Salford Trust and Johnny Marr for the opportunity.”
Are you a young person with a talent for music? Maybe you know someone who is? We fund ambitious 5-25 year olds in Salford who are unable to fund their passion through another source. Check the eligibility criteria and apply now.