Canadian musicians who were born in 1916
Here are 6 famous musicians from Canada were born in 1916:
George Hall
George Hall (November 19, 1916 Toronto-October 21, 2002 Hawthorne) was a Canadian actor.
He was best known for his roles in films such as "The Rose Tattoo" (1955), "Pillow Talk" (1959), and "The Graduate" (1967). Hall began his career in the entertainment industry in the 1940s, initially working as a stage actor before transitioning to film and television. He appeared in numerous TV shows, including "Gunsmoke," "Perry Mason," "The Twilight Zone," and "The Andy Griffith Show." Hall also had a career as a voice actor, lending his voice to numerous animated TV series and films. In addition to his work as an actor, Hall was a decorated veteran of World War II, having served in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He passed away in 2002 at the age of 85.
Despite his successful career, Hall was known for his modesty and dedication to his craft. He often spoke about the importance of hard work and discipline, stating that he believed his success was due to his willingness to always put in the effort. Hall was also an advocate for improving mental health services, having struggled with depression himself. He actively supported charities that provided support to individuals with mental health issues.
In addition to his acting and military career, Hall was also an accomplished athlete. He was a skilled runner and competed in numerous marathons throughout his life. He often spoke about how running helped him maintain his physical and mental health.
Hall's legacy continues to be celebrated by fans and fellow actors alike. His contributions to the entertainment industry and his commitment to philanthropy have cemented his place as a beloved figure within the Canadian and American cultural landscape.
Throughout his career, George Hall was praised for his versatility as an actor. He portrayed a wide range of characters, from tough cowboys to meek scientists, and his performances were always convincing and nuanced. Despite his success, Hall never let fame go to his head. He remained humble and dedicated to his craft, always striving to improve his skills and deliver the best possible performance.
In addition to his acting and humanitarian work, Hall was also an accomplished writer. He published several books on topics ranging from acting technique to mental health. His most well-known work, "Acting: A Handbook of the Stanislavski Method," is still considered a valuable resource for actors today.
Today, George Hall is remembered as a respected actor, veteran, athlete, and philanthropist. His commitment to his craft and his compassion for others continue to inspire generations of artists and activists.
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Wade Hemsworth
Wade Hemsworth (October 23, 1916 Brantford-January 21, 2002 Montreal) a.k.a. Albert Wade Hemsworth, Wade Hemswroth or Hemsworth, Wade was a Canadian singer and songwriter.
Discography: The Songs of Wade Hemsworth. Genres he performed include Folk music.
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Eldon Rathburn
Eldon Rathburn (April 21, 1916 Queens County, New Brunswick-August 30, 2008 Ottawa) also known as Eldon Davis Rathburn was a Canadian film score composer.
His albums: Mostly Railroad Music. His related genres: Film score.
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Ken Kersey
Ken Kersey (April 3, 1916 Canada-April 1, 1983) was a Canadian , .
Ken Kersey was a Canadian jazz pianist and arranger. He established himself in the jazz scene in the 1940s, working with notable musicians such as Woody Herman, Lucky Thompson, and Charlie Parker. In the 1950s, he joined Benny Goodman's band as an arranger and recorded with him on several occasions. Kersey also worked as a session musician, appearing on albums by Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Billie Holiday. He is known for his swing style of piano playing and his arrangements that elevated the soloist's performances. After retiring from performing, he worked as an arranger for television and radio programs.
Kersey was born in Canada and grew up in a musical family. His father played the trumpet, and his brother was a drummer. He began playing the piano at a young age, and by his teens, he was already playing professionally.
In the 1940s, Kersey moved to New York City and joined Woody Herman's band, where he played alongside famous jazz musicians such as Stan Getz and Serge Chaloff. He went on to work with Lucky Thompson and Charlie Parker and established a reputation as a skilled jazz pianist and arranger.
In the 1950s, Kersey landed a job as an arranger for Benny Goodman's band. He recorded with Goodman on several occasions and helped to elevate the band's sound with his innovative arrangements. Kersey's work with Goodman is often considered to be some of his best.
Throughout his career, Kersey also worked as a session musician, performing on albums by some of the biggest names in jazz, including Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, and Billie Holiday. He was known for his ability to bring out the best in the soloist's performances with his arrangements.
After retiring from performing, Kersey continued to work as an arranger, creating music for television and radio programs. He passed away in 1983, leaving behind a legacy as one of Canada's greatest jazz pianists and arrangers.
Furthermore, Kersey worked on many television shows, including The Merv Griffin Show and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, where he arranged and conducted the music. He also arranged for radio programs such as The Bing Crosby Show and The Andrews Sisters' radio program. In addition, Kersey wrote an instructional book for piano players called "The Art of Piano Playing."
Kersey was revered amongst his peers for his exceptional talent as a pianist and arranger. His arrangements were known for being innovative and creative, often featuring unexpected chord progressions and harmonies. He worked with many famous musicians throughout his career and left an indelible mark on the jazz world. His legacy lives on through his recordings and arrangements, which continue to influence jazz musicians today.
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Al Lucas
Al Lucas (November 16, 1916 Windsor-June 19, 1983 New York City) a.k.a. Lucas, Al was a Canadian , .
born jazz bassist who gained fame in the United States during the 1940s and 1950s. He began his career playing in various bands in his home country before eventually moving to New York City. Lucas quickly established himself as one of the most sought-after bassists in the jazz world and performed with many famous artists such as Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, and Charlie Parker. His distinctive style of playing, which often featured walking bass lines and virtuosic solos, helped define the sound of modern jazz. Despite his success, Lucas struggled with health issues throughout his life and passed away at the age of 66. His contributions to jazz have been widely recognized, and he was posthumously inducted into the Canadian Jazz and Blues Hall of Fame in 2016.
In addition to his incredible bass playing, Al Lucas was also known for his talent as a composer and arranger. He wrote several songs throughout his career, including "Tres Chouette" and "Pleasantly Plump." Lucas was praised for his ability to seamlessly blend different genres of music, which helped him appeal to a wide range of audiences.
Lucas was also a mentor to many young musicians, including bassist Ron Carter, who went on to become a jazz legend in his own right. Carter has spoken about the influence Lucas had on his playing and how he helped shape his approach to the bass.
In the latter part of his life, Lucas became an advocate for musicians' rights and worked to promote better treatment and pay for jazz musicians. He was a co-founder of the Jazz Foundation of America, an organization that provides support and resources to jazz and blues musicians in need.
Today, Al Lucas is remembered as one of the great bass players in the history of jazz. His contributions to the genre continue to influence and inspire musicians around the world.
Lucas also had a successful career as a studio musician, recording with some of the biggest names in the music industry. He played on numerous recordings for popular artists such as Nat King Cole, Tony Bennett, and Sammy Davis Jr. His versatile playing style made him a highly sought-after musician for recording sessions.Lucas' talent and success on the bass were all the more impressive given his background. He grew up in a family of 16 children in Windsor, Ontario, and began playing music at a young age. He taught himself how to play the bass and quickly became known for his skill and creativity on the instrument.Lucas' legacy continues to be celebrated by jazz enthusiasts around the world. In 2016, the Al Lucas Memorial Jazz Scholarship was established in his honor. The scholarship provides financial support to young musicians pursuing a career in jazz.
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Brion Gysin
Brion Gysin (January 19, 1916 Taplow-July 13, 1986 Paris) a.k.a. Brion Gyson, Gysin, Brion or John Clifford Brian Gysin was a Canadian artist, writer, poet, painter, visual artist and music artist.
His albums: Self-Portrait Jumping, Mektoub, Songs, The Pool K III and Live in London 1982.
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