Another Famous Kenney Bites the Dust

Swing band leader Mart Kenney dies
Last Updated Thu, 09 Feb 2006

Mart Kenney, who led the Western Gentlemen in the big band era, died Wednesday night in Mission, B.C. He was 95.

Kenney had been afflicted with Alzheimer's and vascular dementia, according to his daughter. He had moved to a retirement home after a fall two years ago.

Known as Canada's Big Band King, he led one of the most popular Canadian swing bands of the 1930s and '40s.

Mart and the Western Gentlemen debuted in Vancouver's Alexandra Ballroom in 1931 and played in prestigious hotels across the country. Kenney played alto and baritone saxophone and clarinet.

The founders of the group were Kenney, trumpeter-pianist Glen Griffith, trumpeter Jack Hemming, saxophonist Bert Lister, and the bassist Hec MacCallum. They were joined later by drummer Ed Emel and vocalist-saxophonist-pianist Art Hallman.

In 1938, the band signed its first recording contract with RCA Victor and it went on to make more than 25 78s for the Victor and Bluebird label and the Dominion company. Hits included The West, a Nest and You, which was the band's theme song, and Dear, There's Honey on the Moon Tonight.

The band's leading vocalist was Norma Locke, who eventually married Kenney. She died in 1990.

Although a handful of musicians formed the original band, it eventually grew to more than 30 people, with many band members coming and going.

Among the well-known musicians associated with Kenney over the years were Bobby Gimby, Wally Koster and Rob McConnell.

Kenney also composed the song We're Proud of Canada, which included lyrics referring to issues of unity.

Kenney was honoured with the Queen's Silver Jubilee Medal and the Order of Canada and was a member of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame. He wrote the book Mart Kenney and His Western Gentlemen in 1981.