Show business is full of colourful characters and they don't come much more flamboyant than JIM ED HUSTON. The ever popular entertainer was born of Dutch and Irish parentage.

Christened Edmond M J Van-Harmelen he grew up on a farm in Ballyduff near Lismore Co Waterford Ireland, where he recalls many long winters evening was spent round the turf fire or often at a corn threshing with his Grandad singing the old traditional Irish and Country Western Ballads & Narrations. His roots remain close to his heart as he still has a vested interest in the Land, Vintage tractors and Machinery.  

Ever the travelling man he moved between U.K, Canada, The Middle East and U.S.A, where he was especially privilaged to see some memorable performances at the Grand Ole Opre and made friends with some of Country Greats.  

It was when he decided to embark professionally in his singing career that he changed his name to JIM ED HUSTON. He caught the attention of a few popular artists of the decade including the late Faron Young who remarked on his smooth vocal style and Hank Snow also suggested he should pursue a career in country music, but circumstances arose and Jim Ed had to return to the U.K. to raise his family, so the idea of getting on the band wagon had to be shelved. Though his son Edward and his daughter Samantha each have their own successful careers they never the less share their Dads ambition for travel and culture.  

He recieved personal recognition on the BBC World Service in 1981 with an album titled "Theres a Shadow on my Shoulder", written and produced by Chris Goldring. Because of his vast collection of Country music and knowledge of an era he was offered numerous opportunities to produce his own radio show, but he preferred the open road and his motto "Have Guitar will travel" (although it never made him much money).  

It did compensate between contracts abroad when he would perform on a seasonal basis every now and then. He also loved to cross over into other styles and cultures of music and regularly helped to raise funds for some project or other on his travels.  He is a believer in that there is no greater reward than giving back a little of your time at what you enjoy in life to others who are less fortunate. This he still does on occasions for special needs etc; with Jules on their schedule tours.  

Subsequent health problems due to an accident then a throat operation slowed down his quest for a time, yet he has built up a lucrative circuit and graced the stage with some well known personalities.  Over the years he has recieved many deserved accolades from his peers and press, reports and featured along with 22 other show business personalities in a book compiled by Rosie Still.    

During his solo career he was a requested favourite for many years at Pontins I&B festival in Southport, as well as working mens clubs; Co-operative and Golf venues home and abroad.  

While working on the Irish circuit in U.K he released a light hearted ditty titled "The Leprechaun".  Much to his surprise it became so immensely popular over the radio air waves that it was listed among the 30 most requested songs over 30 years on BBC Irish Eye.    

In his early years of travel Jim Ed worked as a lumberjack, and the name accompanied him through the years, and a song was wrote about him.  The late Tex Writter would announce him at his shows as 'Big Timber'.