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Cowell, Johnny
1925 - 0000
Canada's most outstanding trumpeter, Johnny Cowell, got his start in Tillsonburg as a proud member of the Tillsonburg Community Band where he played alongside family members and friends. At the early age of fourteen, he ventured forth leaving Tillsonburg to pursue his musical career in Toronto where he joined the famous Toronto Symphony Band becoming its youngest member and soloist at that time. By the age of sixteen, he played his first engagement with the Toronto Symphony, a relationship that would continue until his retirement in 1991. Over those years he also played with the Royal Canadian Navy Band and the Victoria Symphony. As one of Canada's best known commercial composers, Johnny has had more than a hundred of his songs recorded by well known entertainers such as Andy Williams, Anita Bryant, Gerry and the Pacemakers, the Guess Who and the list goes on. Two of his better-known songs, "Walk Hand In Hand With Me" and "Our Winter Love" topped the hit parade for weeks during their popularity. It is only fitting Johnny's accomplishments have been recognized by both the Town of Tillsonburg when he was inducted as one of "Tillsonburg's Favourite Sons". He was presented the Civic Award of Merit by the City of Scarborough for his international success in the world of music. And to think it all started in Tillsonburg!
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