A LITTLE BACKGROUND

I took clarinet and saxophone lessons from Mr. "Teddy" Denver when I was in the RED CHEVRON CLUB BOYS BAND in Guelph Ontario in approximately 1952 or 53. I took lessons there 
for 2 1/2 years, and it was ok.

One day my brother Rolly sat me down and showed me how to play a G chord on the guitar, with one finger and strum the strings, then a D chord and an A chord. Now I had the 3 main chords in the key of D, so he got out the sheet music for the song "IF YOU LOVED ME HALF AS MUCH AS I LOVE YOU". by Hank Williams Sr. I learned to play and sing that song, and from then on I couldn't get enough of playing the guitar and singing. 

I played around Guelph and Kitchener Ontario in small bands playing on week ends and loving every minute of it. I was playing in Stratford Ontario at the Avon Hotel one day , and another entertainer called Johnny Neal Jackson ( Jack Neal) was also on the schedule, he was doing a single act, boy he was a pro ,he had all the jokes and one liner put downs for hecklers. The best part was his tenor voice. He would sing Roy Orbison, and beautiful renditions of some old Irish favourites, he also played the songs of the day...an all round brilliant performer. He was my inspiration to go on the road.

I formed my own bands namely "THE HOURGLASS" with Rick Todd, Phil Cowan and Jack Finlayson. We travelled all over Canada and the USA for about 5 years. We did some TV shows , Radio and recorded an album.

Any ways it suffices to say that i've been around for quite some time, and I am still playing, week ends now but still loving it.
I don't think I could ever get tired of singing Roy Orbison songs or any songs that I sing because I only learn songs that I like.

I do a little country, a little blues, some oldies but goldies, Bob Seger, Roy Orbison ( in the original keys) Doobie Bros, Skynard, Elvis, and even some semi-classical, Irish favourites, Kenny Rogers, Englebert, some comedy..... etc., etc.,etc.

If you would like to come out and hear me do my stuff I'd love to see you.  Please check out my calendar!

Bruce Hare    

This page was last updated on Wednesday, August 14, 2002
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