Manchester music Icon who worked with Primal Scream and New Order honoured with blue plaque

Manchester’s rich musical history is filled with iconic artists whose influence has reached far beyond the city.

Among them is Denise Johnson, who has been honoured with a blue plaque at her former Greater Manchester home, following her untimely passing in 2020.

Denise Johnson

Throughout her career, Denise collaborated with some of the most legendary names in British music, including Primal Scream, New Order, Paul Weller, Ian Brown, and the Pet Shop Boys.

Born and raised in Hulme before settling in Whalley Range in the early ’80s, Denise was celebrated as a true “pioneer of the Manchester music scene.

The ceremony, attended by friends, family, and members of Manchester’s arts community, is a reminder of the late singer’s enduring legacy and her profound impact on the city’s music scene.

Among the attendees were Manchester rapper OneDa, acclaimed actress Flo Wilson, and longtime friend and fellow vocalist Rowetta of the Happy Mondays.

Rowetta

Reflecting on the event, Rowetta expressed her gratitude on X (formerly Twitter), writing: “Beautiful gathering today for the unveiling of Denise’s blue plaque.

“Big love and thanks to Karen Gabay for making this happen and doing so much for our community.

“Brought back so many memories, as I was rehoused just around the corner from here, in 1987. Beautiful memories when we were full of hope and we just loved to laugh and sing.”

Denise Johnson’s unmistakable voice left a huge mark on the Manchester music scene from the late 1980s through the 2000s.

Best known for her iconic contributions to Primal Scream’s groundbreaking Screamadelica, Johnson’s vocals helped shape an era.

Fifth of Heaven

In addition to her collaborations, Johnson fronted Manchester soul group Fifth of Heaven and in 2020, released her solo acoustic album Where Does It Go, which was both a reflection of her artistry and a love letter to Manchester.

The drive to commemorate Johnson with a blue plaque was spearheaded by social historian and broadcaster Karen Gabay, in partnership with the Nubian Jak Community Trust and the Manchester Digital Music Archive.

Gabay’s tireless efforts to recognise Johnson’s contribution to Manchester’s cultural history have not gone unnoticed.

This blue plaque is just one of the many ways Johnson’s legacy lives on.

In 2021, renowned street artist Akse P19 immortalised her with a striking mural on the side of the NIAMOS Centre in Hulme, where Johnson was born and raised.

Who will be honoured next?

The campaign for the plaque also aligns with a broader initiative to recognise the often-overlooked contributions of Black musicians to Manchester’s storied music history.

Looking ahead, Karen Gabay and the Nubian Jak Community Trust plan to unveil further plaques to honour the legacies of Manchester vocalist and songwriter Diane Charlemagne, as well as African American singer Sister Rosetta Tharpe, the “godmother of rock and roll,” who performed in the city in 1964 for Granada TV.

You can find out more about the Nubian Jak Community Trust by clicking here