Chapter 9

Neil McKay

Neil McKay 's name in London is synonymous with musical excellence. He is most remembered on the local scene for being the leader of the band "The CFPL All-Stars." (1940's). At that time it was quite a recognition in "status" to be associated with London's radio station (CFPL) as musician and staff orchestrator. It was significant (considering the size of the city and the times) for that station to be so musically innovative.

During this period his band (the CFPL All-Stars) also appeared at the "London Arena." The arena was most noted for having famous name bands appearing in the 1940's and 50's on a regular basis. (Stan Kenton, Tommy Dorsey, Sammy Kaye, Woody Herman, Ralph Marterie, Lionel Hampton, Sonny Dunham and many others.)

Neil and the "All Stars" also played at various pavilions during the summer months. (Lakeview Casino in Grand Bend, Goderich Pavilion and Rondeau Park.) These were all popular beach resorts near London on Lake Huron and Lake Erie. It was a busy period of entertainment activity and Neil's band contributed to this entertainment picture as one of the top "dance" bands from the "Forest City."

Neil McKay should be recognized as a "high profile" musician. His presence on the London Music scene is historically substantial as he and his bands set a high professional standard of musicianship during these exciting years.

Neil's band was unique as he was the sole orchestrator of the band's enjoyable dance library. He was not only busy performing and writing for his own group but other successful band leaders (Johnny Downs) were commissioning him to write for their bands as well. His musical expertise was evident and musicians everywhere regarded his writings enjoyable to play.

Don Wright (manager of CFPL Radio at the time.. and another "mover and shaker" who spear-headed many new innovative musical directions in London ) hired Neil to contribute his considerable arranging talents to write music (for the octet) backing a gifted singer named Don Harding. The show (The Don Harding Show) got frequent air play on that station. (Don Harding later pursued his original career in medicine. "Dr. Earl Plunkett")

This exposure for London (the station CFPL) was significant in that the musical presentations (along with Don Wright's vocal groups) were broadcasting to over 500 stations in Canada and the United States. These musical offerings became so popular that the station earned a degree of prominence rivaling other stations in the area including Detroit.

Neil McKay was a busy musician on the scene, not only expecting (and getting) a professional performance from his band members but continually expanding his own musical presence. During his successful dance band days he would be working on furthering his arranging and composing skills, as well as working on a degree. He eventually got his BA in Music at the University of Western Ontario.

Choosing music as his life's direction he and his wife Marion and young son Ian moved to Rochester New York so that he could attend The Eastman School of Music. It took three years of intensive studies at this famous school to eventually earn him his Master's and Doctorate in Music. (The Eastman School of Music (in Rochester, New York) is considered one of the elite music schools next to the Julliard School of Music in New York City.)

After achieving this advanced teaching status (doctorate) he accepted professorships at the University of Wisconsin and in time settled in Hawaii teaching Jazz arranging, Jazz improvisation and other related subjects. (University of Hawai'i)

Neil McKay has gone on to become a reputable classical composer and is still writing major works that are being played by orchestras around the world.