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Johnny and His Musical Mates
Riverton, Manitoba
Canada

Johnny and His Musical Mates have entertained audiences to old time music with grace and style that has made this family of musicians a favourite in the Interlake for more than sixty years. People often recall fond memories while listening to their distinctive music.

Johnny and His Musical Mates began playing as the Riverton Orchestra in the early 1930's. Their natural talent for performing began when Johnny and Kris joined in with their father, Sturlaugur. This father and son trio, along with other musicians such as Ben Benedictson and his daughter Bentina, began entertaining for small gatherings around the community.

Sturlaugur and his two eldest sons were an inspiration to the other four Johannesson children. In 1941, thirteen year old Dorothy and ten year old Sella joined the band, Dorothy on piano and Sella on Hawaiian guitar. Four years later, nine year old Laugi joined on the drums and in 1950 at the age of fifteen, sister Kristine joined in with her accordion. A close family friend, Harold Bjornson, was another valuable addition to the orchestra with his exceptional guitar playing and singing. These talented musicians established themselves throughout the Interlake, gaining remarkable distinction and popularity.

The five year period following the War witnessed the birth of the modern "Johnny and His Musical Mates". These were the days when dancing was the rage and talented musicians were in demand. Often the band played five nights a week in Riverton, Arborg, Geysir, Hnausa, Gimli, Hodgson and even Hecla. During the summer months they played three nights a week in the Gimli Pavilion.

The decade of the 1950's brought the era of dances at the Geysir and Vidir halls. Everyone who lived in the district knew these places well. Every Saturday night Johnny and His Musical Mates would play in a hall filled to capacity. Chores would be finished a little earlier and dress clothes and shoes set out. People anxiously awaited the journey down to the hall where they would be greeted by the shuffle of dancing feet and outstanding music.

Johnny and His Musical Mates will always be an integral part of Riverton history. They are known for their dedication and natural talent. This musical family returned the love and support of their fans by donating generously both their time and talent to assist with raising funds for whatever project was in need at the time.

Johnny and His Musical Mates have left us with wonderful memories. This is their legacy and gift to the people of the Interlake.

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''Johnny and his Musical Mates''
1970
Home of Johnny Johannesson, Riverton, Manitoba

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Welcome to the home of ''Johnny and his Musical Mates''
1980
Riverton, Manitoba

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Second sign located along the No. 8 highway
2001
Riverton, Manitoba

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Standing beneath the sign are the three remaining Johannesson family members, Dorothy Johnson, Kris Johannesson and Sella Benedictson.

This is the second sign erected in 2001 in honor of "Johnny and his Musical Mates". The first sign was displayed along number 8 highway for more than twenty years until it began to deteriorate and had to be taken down. There were requests to replace the sign to commemorate these Riverton musicians. With pride and appreciation for their parents, the children of "Johnny and his Musical Mates" replaced it.

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Johannesson Children ''Johnny and his Musical Mates''
1946
Riverton, Manitoba

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''The Johannesson Children'' Johnny and his Musical Mates in the earlier years.
1947
Home in Riverton, Manitoba

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Sturlaugur and Gudleif Johannesson on their wedding day
25 March 1925
Winnipeg, Manitoba

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Johnny and His Musical Mates

Parents
Sturlaugur and Gudleif Johannesson

Father - Sturlaugur Halldor Johannesson

Sturlagur Halldor Johannesson was born at Svold, North Dakota on January 25, 1896. He was the son of Hjalmar Johannesson and Gudbjorg Sturlaugsdottir. Hjalmar and Gudbjorg married in Iceland in 1886 and immmigrated to America in the same year. In 1901 the family left North Dakota for New Iceland and settled on the Svarfall homestead in Geysir, Manitoba. Sturlaugur had one brother and two sisters, Johannes, Kristin and Sesselja.

Mother - Gudleif Snifeld

Gudleif Snifeld was born on the Teigi homestead in Hnausa, Manitoba on March 8, 1900. She was the daughter of Kristjan Bjornsson Snifeld and Bjorg Markusdottir. Gudleif's father, Kristjan, immigrated from Thigeyjarsyla Region in Iceland to Canada in 1886 and settled on the Teigi homestead. Bjorg immigrated to Canada around the same time from Gunnolfsvik on the Langanes Peninsula. Kristjan and Bjorg married in Canada and made their permanent home on the Teigi homestead in Hnausa. Gudleif had three brothers and four sisters, Gudjon, Maria, Sigurveig, Hermann, Kristbjorg, Tryggvi, and Ingibjorg.

Sturlaugur and Gudleif Johannesson
Family Life

Stulaugur and Gudleif were married March 25, 1925 and settled on the Oxara Homestead in Geysir, Manitoba and moved to the Teigi Homestead in Hnausa. In 1930 the Johannesson family made their last move to Riverton, Manitoba. They established a permanent home on King Street. With hard work and determination they soon were farming. Sturlaugur also worked on road construction and general labour.

Sturlaugur and Gudleif were well known for their hospitality and kindness. Their door was always open and they welcomed visitors with generosity and thoughtfulness. They were blessed with six children - Gudjon (Johnny), Kristjan (Kris) Bjorgvin, Gudbjorg (Dorothy) Halldora, Sesselja (Sella) Sigurbjorg, Kristin Gudleif and Sturlaugur (Laugi) Hjalmar.

In spite of all the hardships of the depression and war, the six Johannesson children have fond memories of their past. They accepted responsibility and worked with their parents to make their farm prosperous. In these early years there were no modern conveniences but they made the best of what they had and were very thankful to have each other. In later years, the Johannesson children had fond memories of working the fields and doing chores.

Sturlaugur was a talented violin player. He loved to entertain guests and spend time playing for his family. The Johannesson home was always filled with music and companionship and it wasn't long before the Johannesson children carried on the family tradition.

Sturlaugur and Gudleif took great pride in their children's music. It was their parent's support and encouragement that inspired the children to take the time and effort to become accomplished musicians.

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Sturlaugur and Gudleif Johannesson, parents of ''Johnny and his Musical Mates''.
1954
Riverton, Manitoba

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Sturlaugur and Gudleif Johannesson were very loving parents. When their daughter, Dorothy, married and moved out of home, she did not have a piano. The parents sold their best cow to buy her one. It was just not any piano, it was an upright "Heintzman". This piano has a history all its own. The piano still remains today in Dorothy's home and is appreciated by her grandchildren who have studied music and spent many years practicing and preparing for lessons and examinations with the direction from their "Amma" Dorothy.

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Sturlaugur and Gudleif Johannesson Parents of ''Johnny and his Musical Mates''
1960
Home in Riverton, Manitoba

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The center of Gudleif and Sturlaugur's life were their children and grandchildren. They would enjoy spending time with family and friends. Their home was always filled with affection, laughter and music.

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Gudleif and Sturlaugur Johannesson's 39th Wedding Anniversary
17 March 1964
Home in Riverton, Manitoba