Big Bands Past

Johnny Brennan Orchestra

Like many of his contemporaries Johnny Brennan recieved his early music training with the London Police Boys Band. He found that he had a natural talent for music and singing, and made rapid progress with the trombone,his chosen instrument.

So much so that by 1948 he formed his own band and played for the summer crowds at Port Elgin Casino and then returned the following year for another season. Johnny led the ensemble on trombone and handled the vocals.

From 1950 -1951 he was booked at Wonderland Gardens in London, becoming a very popular attraction playing four nights a week for dancing. The band followed this by appearing three nights a week at Ipperwash Casino for the next two summer seasons.

In 1955 Johnny embarked on a major challenge - a hands-on building of his own dance hall just south of Lambeth, with the help of his partner Bruce Cowin, which they called the "401 Plaza". It was an immediate sucess and people from London and surrounding area thronged to the new venue to dance to the band. The 401's popularity continued right through the 50's and 60's.

In 1971 Johnny decided to retire to pursue other interests and sold his book to Ron Shadbolt who took over as house band.

Today Johnny is happily retired in the company of his wife Eleanor of 56 years, five children and 14 grandchildren