Biography

Danny Johntson has lived his entire life in the Harbor Springs / Goodheart area of Northern Michigan, an area rich in fiddle traditions. One of the earliest hosts to an Original Michigan Fiddlers Association jamboree near the beginning of the organization, Danny has stayed active in fiddling and has been one of the organizers for the East Jordan Fiddler’s Jamboree. Danny is a great encourager of young fiddlers. Danny has played across Michigan and used to visit Ontario, as well. Having played with such influential fiddlers as Rene Cote, Varsal Fales, and many others, Danny was a wealth of stories about Michigan fiddling. Danny played regularly with his band in Northern Michigan, and for many years had been teamed up with native Beaver Islander Danny Gillespie. The two regularly perform on Beaver Island with fiddler Jim Boynton. One of Danny’s signature pieces is the polkabilly classic, “There’s No Beer in Heaven.”

Danny was awarded the Michigan Heritage Award by the MSU museum and was presented the award at the Great Lakes Folk Festival in Lansing on August 10, 2014. 

Danny passed away in 2020 after playing music on Beaver Island for the 4th of July celebrations. 

The following biography is from the OMFA 2001 publication, page 79:

“I was born in Harbor Springs in 1940 and have lived here all my life. I started playing fiddle in my 20’s. I have played in the area for lots of parties. My favorite style is Canadian and Irish.

Sherrie and I were married in 1961, and we have two sons. We have always enjoyed OMFA ever since it started. We love the idea of meeting so many great people. We have been members since its beginning.

EDITOR: Dan and Sherrie sponsored the Harbor Springs fiddle jamboree in 1977, which was the 3rd jamboree for the OMFA. Danny took part in the 25th anniversary special at Grand Rapids on April 21, 2001. He played the Happy Acre Polka in honor of Clair Stevens, long time member and president for many years. Danny and Sherrie are also involved with the East Jordan Fiddle Jamboree.”

“R. Daniel Johnston, 79, of Cross Village, Michigan, died July 8, 2020 at his home in Good Hart.

Danny was born on October 27, 1940 in Cross Village, the son of Robert Earl and Leona (Wyland) Johnston. He was a graduate of Harbor Springs High School in 1958.

On June 7, 1961, he married Sherry Myers in Chelsea, Michigan. Together, they had two sons and shared many years happily married.

He was a builder and carpenter by trade but his true passion was music. Danny was a wonderfully talented fiddler. He was one of the original members of the Michigan Fiddler’s Association and played at many weddings and funerals for family and friends. He was inducted in the Michigan Fiddler’s Hall of Fame in 2012 and granted the Heritage Award in 2015. He was a gifted storyteller and enjoyed entertaining guests and anyone who would listen. He liked to go hunting and teach his sons all about woodworking, music and the outdoors. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Danny is survived by his wife, Sherry Johnston; sons, Terence Stewart Johnston and Robert Sean Johnston; his grandchildren, Mackenzie Leona, Murphy Barnett, and Isabella Rae.

There will be a memorial service led by Pastor Ed Warner on July 18, 2020 beginning promptly at 12:00 noon. A celebration of life will immediately follow where friends and family can gather and share memories of Danny until 3:00 p.m.”