Jimmie Knox Band
“Jimmie Knox and Thee Group”
Overview
Jimmie Knox and Thee Group’s live performances were known for their powerful
vocals, versatility and dynamic sound.
In the winter of 1976 they recorded “It’s a Long Way Home” at Marc
Productions and the song was released that summer. – The song was written by Les
Emmerson and Vern Craig of “The Staccato’s” fame - one of the great Canadian
bands from the 60’s”.
Jimmie Knox and Thee Group’s arrangement of this song was well received in various
radio stations across the country. Locally, it rose to #2 and #3 on the charts – becoming
#32 out of the Top 100 for the year.
The band became an huge hit in the Golden Triangle -commanding large audiences and a devoted fan base.
Jimmie Knox and Thee Group performed extensively throughout the region and
developed a devoted following after many engagements at such Ottawa/Hull hotspots
as the famous “Chaudiere Club” , “Branscombes”, “Le Quadrille “ at the Delta Inn of the Provinces, the “Talismann” , the “New Orleans Hotel”, the “Gatineau Golf Club ”, The “Ottawa House”, the “Beacon Arms” to name a few. They also played extensively at colleges, universities and high schools – and many memorable performances took place at various summer fairs, arenas and clubs throughout the Seaway Valley.
The band developed a reputation for their exciting live performances and “sold-out” shows were commonplace. They literally became a household name.
Their repertoire consisted of hits from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s – delivered with a
dynamic sound. Their excellent harmonies allowed them to cover a huge variety of
vocal groups of that era. Capacity crowds came to hear the sounds of the Beach Boys,
the Bee Gees, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Righteous Brothers, Elton John and
Billy Joel, to name only a few.
Jimmie Knox and Thee Group also performed with many iconic ,international stars such as: the late Del Shannon, Ronnie Dove, the Chiffons, GaryU.S., Bonds, Little Anthony (of the Imperials), Peter Noone (of Herman’s Hermits), Ray Peterson, Billy J. Kramer , Martha Reeves, The Crystals, and the Dixie Cups at various shows over the many years.
In 1980 they performed at the Miss World Canada Pageant and shared the stage with Leslie Nielsen, Alan Thicke, Al Waxman and Liona Boyd, in Ottawa, Canada. An exciting and memorable time was had by all .
After a long run, Jimmie left the stage in the early 90’s and the band parted their ways
to pursue other interests. Jimmie moved to the West Coast, and other members
disbursed throughout Canada.
History
Many people have expressed interest in the background of the band and
how it came to be. Many of the groups and locations mentioned below are only distant
memories – sadly no longer in existence. Hope you enjoy remembering the good times
we all had in many of those hotspots - a part of our shared history.
Jimmie ‘s singing career began back in the early ‘60’s when he joined a local band from
Hillcrest High School (Ottawa, Canada) called “The Odds and Ends”. They
performed for a couple of years playing in church basements and local teen dances.
Although only a short time on the scene, it was a valuable introduction to music.
He then went on to become lead singer of a “Top 40” coverband called “The Trippers” who played in high-schools in the region, dancehalls such as CYO’s , “Pineland”, “The
Tower”, and the ”Roost” in Eastview, and popular Hull spots such as the the “Ottawa
House”, and the famous “ Chaudiere Club” in the mid-60’s.
By the late 60’s Jimmie decided it was time to head-up his own band and recruit
musicians who were interested in becoming full-time. He was looking for committed
players that were excellent musicians. He eventually re-united with his old high-school
buddy, Denis Gridgeman, from the “Odds and Ends”. Gridgeman, a valued friend, a
classically trained pianist and seriously accomplished guitarist (with a passion for Jimi
Hendrix) brought his many superior talents to the bandstand. Although he was quiet
and unassuming, he was truly the backbone of the band. We should also mention that he was an electronics wizard . Knox and Gridgeman performed together for approx. 15 years.
In the “70’s they morphed into a great vocal band “ Jimmie Knox and Thee Group” known for its harmonies . Over the many years, various other accomplished musicians joined, also. Here are afew more of the key players whose experience was vast and varied – from composing,arranging and producing everything from albums to jingles to broadway-style musical scores, etc... :
Michael Belanger (formerly of the Five Man Electrical Band and known as Mike Bell)
also joined the band. He was a dynamic drummer and vocalist who added additional strength to the background vocals. Belanger performed with the band for close to a decade.
The multi-talented Phil Bova also joined the band – playing bass and adding his excellent
musical arrangement skills to the group.
In 1978, Alan King, guitar ( a modest guy who was a true master of his instrument)
was added to the band. Alan doubled on bass when called upon, and sang background
vocals.
Also in the late 70’s, Ian Clyne (a gifted pianist and arranger) joined the
group. Clyne was a great musician and true professional . He also sang background
vocals and contributed greatly to the stage show.
In the mid-80’s, an exceptional lead guitarist, songwriter (and John Lennon aficiondo), John McReynolds was another welcome addition. John Arsenault played bass and and sang background vocals becoming a popular presence on the stage.
Another multi-talented member added was Eric Hasnick (bass, piano and guitar) a student of jazz who had previously played in several big bands. Along with his musical talents, he was an electronics guru with exceptional musical production savvy.
Thee Group was fortunate to have these players who each, in their own way, added their experience, creativity and individuality to the dynamics of the band.
In addition to those highlighted above, Jimmie would also like to acknowledge the
following talented musicians who filled in, when called upon :
- Rod McNeil (bass guitar, piano, vocals)
- Robert Pilon (drummer and vocalist)
- Ron Emond (bass guitar and vocals)
- Bob Deeks ( lead guitar and vocals)
- John Daoust (drums and vocals)
- Craig Taillefer ( lead guitar)
