Return to "Past Big Bands" Page

Bobby Downs Orchestra

Bobby Downs was born 1925 in London Ontario and in common with all his siblings took music lessons at an early age on piano at Sacred Heart Convent. He soon graduated to trumpet and by the age of 16 led his own group as an intermission band at London Arena when touring American big bands were playing.

The band was very successful and in the late forties and fifties played engagements at Grand Bend (every summer for three years), Rondeau Park, Ipperwash Casino, Port Elgin Pavilion, Goderich Casino, Midland, Port Stanley and other lake resorts.

When these resorts declined in popularity he continued playing for dances weddings, company functions, etc. and all bookings were handled from the Downs family offices at the Latin Quater Restaurant. He eventually disbanded in the early nineties.

Bobby Downs died in June 2007 at the age of 82.