Johnny Burke (1851–1930) was a Newfoundland poet, singer, songwriter, and musician from St. John's, where he lived all his life.

[7][8][9] While his lyrics were his own compositions, he often sang them using the melodies to popular songs of the day or to traditional Irish tunes.

[3] Burke wrote a number of plays, musical comedies and operettas, mostly based happenings and issues in Newfoundland at the time, which he staged in St.

[12] In 1974 the Newfoundland Historical Society published a short book written by Paul Mercer about Burke's songs.

[13][14] A musical comedy of his life, starring Ron Hynes,[15] was performed in St. John's by The Mummers' Troupe in 1977.