Chapter 14

Special Recognition

London Artists That Reached Professional Prominence Here And Abroad

Bert Niosi Accomplished reed player and Jazz Clarinetist. Moved to Toronto and conducted many C.B.C. television musical specials. London presence 1930's through to 1940 as a sideman with several bands. Worked with the Guy Lombardo band when only 14 years of age.

Jack Fallon Accomplished musician. Moved to the U.K. working professionally in many high-profile areas of the music scene. Outstanding orchestrator for such recording artists as Frank Sinatra and others. London Ontario presence 1930's to 40's.

Earle Terry succeeded Don Wright in 1947 -77 as director for the London Board of Education. He formed the all-female Earle Terry Singers (1948 to 63) a quality vocal ensemble. His choir was recognized nationally for its artistic excellence.

Rob McConnell Accomplished musician and Jazz trombonist. Leader and orchestrator of the renowned awarding winning "Boss Brass." The band was a collection of "All Stars" and was considered by many to be one of the finest bands in the world.

Eddy Graf Played in London with several noteable dance bands while being stationed here during the war. Moved to Toronto and led his own successful dance band. Prolific orchestrator for dance bands and wind ensembles.

Gustav Ciamaga Composer and Professor of Music at University of Toronto. Served as Dean of Music at that school for six years. London presence writing for local dance bands during the 1940's. While working towards his degree at U. W. O in the early (1950's) he wrote the words, dance routines and orchestra music for the University's "Purple Patches Show" for those years. Further information.

Don Hyder Oboist for the Montreal Symphony Was featured with the London Civic Symphony under Martin Boundy when he was only ten years old. Played in London Police Boys Band.

George and Olga Kwasniak came from a London musical family. George moved to Toronto and became the conductor of the Expo Band in Montreal. Olga, who played cello for the London Civic Symphony under Martin Boundy, moved to Boston where she worked professionally e.g. the Boston Pops.

Bob Comber Accomplished percussionist for the Stratford Festival Theatre Orchestra and for many years the National Ballet of Canada Orchestra. Local presence working with local London bands during the 40's to 60's.

Glen Bricklin Led many local bands during 1940's onwards. Served as President of the London Musicians Assoction for several terms. Glen was instrumental in encouraging many promising, young players in London to become professionally astute. He moved to Toronto for a spell and worked with many top-flight dance bands e. g. Art Halman Orchestra.

.Don Harding was a feature singer on CFPL's radio specials under Neil McKay 1940 - 50's . Became an prominent physician and held several medical patents. Dr. Earl Plunkett

George Tingey An accomplished trumpet player / musician that took over the leadership of the London All Star Band after Neil McKay. (London Arena 1940's) Was one of the principal trumpet players that contributed to many ground-breaking musical endeavours in those early years e.g. Don Harding Show, 1950's, CFPL Radio.

Richard (Dick) Lane and Ken Lane. For years principal trumpet players for the Johnny Downs Band. Both trumpet players were professionally gifted. Dick was frequently called to lend his considerable talents when demanding professional shows came through London

Gayle Gordon - Joe Maycock. An accomplished singer on CFPL radio (1950's) and with local dance bands. In his day, he was recognized as one of the top male singers in this style by many of his contemporaries. He later founded the London Oriental Band that exists to this day. (Shriners.)

Phil Murphy Accomplished reed player and Jazz clarinetist. Led many bands in London. Taught privately and conducted several concert bands (Catholic Central High School Band, Encore..The Concert Band). Was involved in the music scene in London on many professional levels for several years.

Ken Crone Accomplished Jazz pianist. Backed many entertainers at the Iroquois Hotel in London (supper club) 1950's. He was always in demand backing shows and working supper clubs and similar venues in London, Chatham, Windsor and Detroit.

Graham Lear Accomplished Jazz Drummer from London Ontario. Later worked professionally with such groups as "Santana" and backed renowned recording artist Paul Anka for several years.

Garth Hudson Accomplished pianist from London. Moved to the United States and worked for many years in a group called "The Band" backing popular recording artist Bob Dylan.

Joe Bendzsa, ( drummer ) played shows, big band Jazz concerts and with many prominent musical groups in London. (1970 to 80) When he moved to Toronto he joined a group led by Canada's Swingin' Shepherd, the celebrated flautist Moe Koffman.

Dave Dunlop outstanding trumpet player from London. Performed many high profile engagements in Toronto as well as lead trumpet for the Grammy Award winning Boss Brass.

Ray Tizzard trumpet player (U. W. O. under James Ford) founded the True North Brass ensemble. Principal with the award winning Hannaford Street Silver Band.

Peter Hysen accomplished trombone player and orchestrator. London presence Ice Capades, Western Fair Grand Stand Shows, Theatre London and the Stratford Festival Theatre orchestras.

Garnet Brooks Tenor (Canadian Opera Company) Royal Conservatory of Music Toronto - Voice instructor University of Western Ontario.

Tommy Hunter is probably Canada's most recognized Country Singer. From the1960's onwards (his London days) he has dominated that genre with his own National Television show on CBC -Toronto.