Emma (nee) Barna, was born in Kitchener and lived in Woodstock. Her first singing experience in public was when her school teacher entered her in a children’s competition singing in three languages (Hungarian, German and English) at the Woodstock City Hall and on a children’s radio programme, aired over CFPL London at the age of 5 years.

At the age of 6 her family moved to London where later she took Hawaiian guitar lessons. She also learned to play Spanish guitar on her own and soon the studio had her and her younger brother Al Barna singing Country Western duets with Emma on guitar. For several years they were hired by booking agents doing shows for private parties, garden parties and such, which were very popular in those days. Her real interest in vocalizing with a big band came when she and her brother sang at a Sunday night variety show in Guelph which featured Johnny Downs Orchestra and Johnny asked Emma to sing a song with his band. So it went from “Cowboy’s Sweetheart to “Blue Moon”.

When her brother moved to Toronto, Emma auditioned and began singing for Neil McKay’s orchestra, under the stage name of “June” Barna. Summers at Goderich Pavilion, Grand Bend, Wonderland Gardens and winters at the London Arena every Saturday which was broadcast over CFPL Radio. Another summer was at Port Stanley’s Stork Club with the Ron Brown Orchestra.

Emma also performed with Neil McKay’s Orchestra on the TV programme “Panorama Houseparty” which had a 26 week run for one hour every Friday evening hosted by Bob Reinhart of CFPL TV, and on Lloyd Wright’s Noon Hour Frolic 3 days a week for one winter. When Neil McKay moved to Hawaii, George Tingey took over the band and Emma continued to be the vocalist with the orchestra.

Emma also appeared on “Pick The Stars” here in London at the Capitol Theatre which was aired on radio and another time in Toronto on CBC Television. She has been a guest on the Tommy Hunter radio show in Toronto.