Len Hopkins Big Band

[J.C.]

I'm looking for any information about the Len Hopkins Orchestra -- pictures,
stories, recordings (I'm asking a lot, I know!), anything. They were based in
Ottawa, and played live radio broadcasts regularly from Edmonton in the '30s
and '40s (sorry, no exact dates). Has anyone out there ever heard of them?
Any info will be greatly appreciated!!

[carol.c...@gmail.com]

I sure have heard of them. My Dad Bill Newton played drums for him 1938 -1942 at the Canadian Grill at the Chateau Laurier Ottawa. I knew a lot of the band members personally. Get in touch. Carol Newton

[seama...@gmail.com]

Wow! Just Googled Len Hopkins and found this...hope I am not too late and you are still on line and interested...and I see Carol Newton's Dad was a drummer before 1942. My Dad was the drummer after that! Jack Cook was his name. Wilf Steabner was in the band at that time (I noticed the 'bluenote' in your address). I have tons and tons of pictures. Dad travelled to Jasper when he was with the band, so that must have been when the broadcasts from Edmonton originated. Shereen Bowditch

[carol.c...@gmail.com]

I just was playing down memory lane again today and found your note Shereen. I think Bill Newton left the band around 1943 when he became a professional photographer in Ottawa. I probably heard your dad Jack Cook play because when we were growing up, we were treated to a meal once a year at the Chateau Grill. I have some old pictures of when Dad was in the band. I remember Wilf Steabner, Cliff Trip, Doug Gall and also parties that Mom and Dad held at our new home on Wilbrod Street. He kept up with Len Hopkins.

[dlgibb...@gmail.com]

On Tuesday, June 13, 1995 at 12:00:00 AM UTC-7, J.C. wrote:
> I'm looking for any information about the Len Hopkins Orchestra -- pictures,
> stories, recordings (I'm asking a lot, I know!), anything. They were based in
> Ottawa, and played live radio broadcasts regularly from Edmonton in the '30s
> and '40s (sorry, no exact dates). Has anyone out there ever heard of them?
> Any info will be greatly appreciated!!

I know it has been many years since you posted the question. I recently came across a 1950 broadcast which can be found at the following link:
http://digi.countrymusichalloffame.org/cdm/singleitem/collection/musicaudio/id/778/rec/1

[jil...@gmail.com]

Hi! Wilf was my great-uncle, I am a bassoonist and I had no idea there was anyone musical in my family tree until recently! If you have pics I'd LOVE to see them!