Johnny Marr picks young Salford talent to receive career fund

Johnny Marr has awarded 13-year-old Daisy from Salford £1,000 to help kick-start her music career.

Daisy’s mum, Tammi, 41, said: “Daisy is so excited and privileged to win The Johnny Marr award. It means the absolute world and it means she can follow her dreams.”

To learn how to sing, Daisy Allen from Swinton watches free online videos as her family struggle to afford professional lessons.

By using free YouTube tutorials, Daisy has taught herself how to sing and play the ukulele and has gone on to perform at local community events around Salford under her stage name Dee Dee Allen.

She has also organised charity concerts to raise money for motor neurone disease research after the condition claimed the life of a close relative.

Tammi (Daisy’s mum) said: “Daisy doesn’t really see how talented she is, especially as she has taught herself. But once people hear her they become transfixed.

“Daisy had saved up money from her gigs to buy a £160 ukulele and wanted to buy a keyboard, but the one she needed costs around £400-£500, so it was going to take a lot of gigs!

“We thought we would apply for the award but never imagined she would win.”

After winning the Johnny Marr funding award the determined youngster will now be able to cover the cost of formal music lessons and stage equipment.

The Smiths guitarist and songwriter is funding the £1,000 award, which is run by the Salford Foundation Trust, a charity helping young people in the city achieve their potential.

Johnny Marr said: “It’s a privilege to make a contribution to the creative development of young people. The Salford Foundation Trust is a great example of positive local action that makes a difference. It’s an honour to be involved.”

Daisy is the second recipient of the Johnny Marr award after teenage guitarist John Denton, who won in 2023 and went on to headline at Salford Lads Club with his band, The Height.

Peter Collins CBE, from The Salford Foundation Trust, said: “Daisy is a very worthy recipient of The Johnny Marr Award funding. Not only did she display musical talent but also determination.

“She’s really helped herself achieve what she has so far and we hope the funding now supports Daisy to further develop her skills and music career.”