Downs, Johnny (l922—Feb 9,2005).
Johnny Downs and His Sophisticated Swing
Known throughout Southwestern Ontario as the
master of Sophisticated Swing, the Johnny Downs
Orchestra enjoyed a long life of 47 years. 'Starting
out as a highschool band at age 17, Johnny and his
boys played such summer resorts as Kincardine in
1939, Seacliff Park in Leamington in 1940, Summer
Gardens in Port Dover, and Springbank Park Pavilion
in London in 1942. Although the band later took
on the status of a college band it was still able
to cater to all ages ajd could please any audience.
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