Edmond became famous during the war while serving in the Rhodesian army, where he composed amongst others, Troopiesongs, The UDI song, and later Zimsongs and Zimtracks after which many more albums followed.
Edmond and his wife Teresa stays outside Bela-Bela in Zwartkloof. His son John Ross, has also started a music career when he released the album, Die Boere-oorlog in Lied in 2014.
In a written statement, Edmond said his love of wildlife and the great outdoors goes as far back to his childhood in Zambia and school days in Scotland.
When he was nine years old he and classmate Willie Brown, son of the game keeper of Ravelston Estate on the outskirts of Edinburgh, formed their own bird and nature club.
Together with other young enthusiasts they had exclusive rights to scour and ramble the woods of Ravelston observing the foxes, otters, badgers and birds.
Later in life his passion for the outdoors continued at their farm in Limpopo.
John wrote several albums pertaining to wildlife and general conservation such as the albums, Wild and Beautiful and Free, The Circle of Life, the Tales of the Game Rangers series, as well as Campfire ’n Jamboree for scouts, guides, cubs and brownies.
The money he made from the sales went to the Percy Fitzpatrick memorial trust, the Rhino and Elephant Foundation and scouting associations, according to Edmond.
During their involvement in the relocation of red billed ox-peckers from the Kruger National Park and other programs such as the Mabula Hornbill Project and the National Cheetah Management Programme, they met many wildlife experts, film producers, rangers, researchers, herpetologists and ornithologists.
Edmond and his wife were also the founders of the Leeupoort Raptor Conservancy that is still active today and they regulary host conservationist speakers to create general eco-awareness among its members and the public.
John and Teresa continued with live concert to encourage and create interest among adults and children, to participate in wildlife awareness.
The Tales of the Birdwatchers album is a unique addition to their collection and is aimed at adults and children with a unique angle on learning about birds by their calls including factual narrative, parable-like stories for children and catchy songs based on the rhythm of actual bird calls.
The producers have chosen frequently heard birds that have habitats in most parts of Southern Africa, said Edmond.
“This is a milestone in any musician’s career. We actually had Birdlife SA review this album of stories and songs and they loved it,” said Edmond. “They said it is factually correct, unique, entertaining and educational.”
For more about the album visit Edmond’s website at www.johnedmond.co.za for more.
