Chapter 12

Johnny Downs Dynasty

Johnny Downs and his two brothers (Bobby and Donnie) were a musical dynasty. At one time all three brothers had successful dance bands in the London area. For years the Johnny Downs Band (the older of the three) was heard at numerous popular Dance Halls in London from the l930's to the 70's.

Johnny had a band reminiscent of his idol "Les Brown and His Band of Renown" and they became a "high profile" group in that style for years. Johnny had a special gift for marketing his music and used his considerable business acumen to sell his excellent dance band to a sizeable audience. It was a quality product.

Many of the sidemen remained with the band from its inception and knew exactly how to follow the leader's style and dictates and blended with each other to produce their sophisticated "swing" style. No doubt this familiarity made the band sound very much together and polished which is a great attribute of professionalism.

The dancing public followed Johnny's band where ever they performed. For several years the band was the mainstay at the C.C.C. (Catholic Culture Centre) where they broadcast every Saturday night. (via C.B.C. Radio)

The Stork Club in Port Stanley was also a regular venue for them where they also did weekly broadcasts. They also played the Goderich Pavilion and other summer resorts. Johnny was also the proprietor of a restaurant called the Latin Quarter. He dabbled successfully in real-estate and ran a Record Company. His band was one of the leading popular dance bands in the area during London's "Golden Era of Music."

As would be expected a few bands stick out ahead of the pack.The Johnny Down's Orchestra was one of them and their theme song."Sentimental Swing" was immediately recognized whenever they opened a radio broadcast. He also had a distinctive speaking style and he articulated the evening's musical menu which gave it that personalized touch. In time the name "Johnny Downs and his Orchestra" became a recognized musical product.

His quality Dance Band (with it's always up-to-date library) contributed to the whole mosaic of the dance band scene at the time and he is remembered as a pioneer and astute band leader from that era. London enjoyed several quality dance bands in those days.It was a period (because of the Second World War) that saw service men and the general populace flocking to these dance venues to be entertained.

Johnny Downs and his Band is synonymous with (big time) Canadian dance bands that brought you a memorable and enjoyable evening of dancing. It was a class "act" living up to their musical moniker as "Sentimental Swing" their theme song.